Mass Effect: Lost Son of Terra

by Ares007

The Reapers had a system. They let Civilizations grow, then harvested once they were at their peak. What will happen when a wrench is thrown into that system in the form of Erwin Wolff. A broken man whose sole purpose was to kill Xenos. Pulled into a Xenophilic Galaxy. How will he deal with the Mass Effect trap and navigate new aspects of his life?

8. The Young

Disclaimer: I do not own Halo, Warhammer 40k, Stellaris, Kaiserreich, HoI4, Clannad, Star Wars, or Mass Effect. This is a fanfiction, and I don't have ANY monetary reward for making it. This is purely for fun.

Author's notes: This chapter has my first written space combat section. I tend to like the style written in the Lost Fleet, but nowhere near experienced enough to write them. I'll probably have a middle ground, this is a Sci-Fi fantasy, so it's okay for things to seem a little silly. God knows other parts of the story are. Not that it's a bad thing.

Mass Effect 2 will start soon. I'm just not sure when. I'm thinking about making a good section of the story a ME2 novelization, with major differences. That's part of the reason I don't want to change things drastically within the Universe. Nothing is written in stone, but the ME cannon story should stay similar until the end of ME3. Using the constant and unknown threat of the Reapers is a good enough reason for Erwin to lay low. All these major, yet low-key changes will accumulate at the end of ME3.

One of the Mass Effect fanfiction concepts I like was the idea of Miranda and Shepard knowing each other before the events of ME2. I think this would be a good idea for my story too. I want to be classy about it, one of the fanfictions treated Miranda like a whore. She won't be sleeping with Shepard for his loyalty, not when she has multiple doctorates and a 200+ IQ.

You'll notice I try to keep the travel time consistent in this story. I think this covers a bit plot hole and gives me interesting story possibilities.

Story Update: I might change this fanfiction to a Halo & Mass Effect crossover. My original intention for the story was to focus solely on the Mass Effect Universe. Thinking more about it, and how the story has developed. I think it would be a good idea.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for the favorites, reviews, and follows. And, thank you for helping me reach 50+ followers. As always, I hope you enjoy it.

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Chapter VII

The Young

Erwin's starfighter exited Slipspace. The light from the event would hit the nearest Geth sensor in two minutes.

By then Erwin would be long gone, with his stealth systems engaged.

Tikkun was directly across the Galaxy. The droid starships would be far too slow to keep up with the Imperial starfighter.

The starfighter used a form of slipspace-warp FTL, enabling the starfighter to cross the entire Milky Way in only one day.

Not nearly as fast as the Mass Relays. They were almost a form of gateway. Instead of linking two points of space, they threw mass. It was absolutely insane, no one in the Empire would dream of creating such a form of gate travel.

The relays were only capable of throwing a certain amount of mass. It wouldn't surprise Erwin if that was the reason Reapers reached three kilometers in length.

Luckily Erwin wasn't constricted to such mass limitations. He could build 'em big.

The Imperial hybrid form of slipspace travel gave Imperial ships almost unlimited range. It was how the Empire could bring two different Galaxies to their knees with a relatively small force.

Of course, gateways would be needed to permanently connect the Galaxies.

When invading two Galaxies, even five million warships are a drop in the bucket.

"It doesn't look right. A homeworld to be that quiet. It should have a breathing Quarian civilization." Ares somberly said.

"The Xenos are still clinging to life."

"Only barely. Their immune systems are shot to hell, and they call rust buckets home."

"True, but they played with technology, they weren't ready for. To integrate dumb AI into a network intelligence… the stupidity astounds me."

"They were young, Erwin. Did they deserve to have their children slaughtered, and condemned to the void?"

"You tell me. You're an Anglian. My creators aren't only masters of war, they inherited the Mantle of Responsibility from the true Precursors. So tell me, as a holder of the Mantle, do they deserve their fate? A scared primitive species that simply made a mistake." Ares continued.

"They tried to kill a budding intelligence. The Geth didn't deserve that, but neither did the Quarians deserve extinction." Erwin admitted.

"It was a fucked up situation, but from my point of view, the Geth committed the greatest sin of a synthetic race. They killed their makers. It went beyond self-defense, Erwin."

"Perhaps."

"Erwin, not all Xenos are like the San'Shyuum or Ilythiirian. Most races will never be able to naturally reach the level of technological ascendancy of the Empire. Correction, none will. The Quarians will never pose a threat to the Empire. They won't enslave Humans, they have a good set of morals."

"You want to help the Xenos, don't you?" Erwin sighed.

"Their homeworld is right there. Crying out like a mother for her missing children. It'd be easy for us to return her children."

"I think helping a Xeno race will be good for you. You've been so used to seeing anything other than Imperial humans as a threat. You've overlooked your responsibility to the Mantle." Ares gently accused.

"There's a good reason for that. No Xeno must have the capability to wage total war against the Empire."

"Erwin, what race could hope to challenge the Empire? Especially with Anglians leading Humanity. The Empire has already surpassed the Forerunners in many fields. No one in this Universe has a chance in hell to surpass us, the Reapers have already reached their cap."

"Ares, you don't truly know what Xenos are capable of, species mutated from Humanity can be the cruelest. Just look at the Batarians, or the Ilythiirian."

"What about the Asari? Sure they're beyond weird, but at worst they're manipulating. Something every Apex race should be."

"But they aren't an Apex race." Erwin coldly snuffed out his argument.

"Please just think about it, Erwin. We wouldn't be evolving the Quarians, but simply saving children from the void."

A tense silence hung over the brothers.

Erwin let out a stressful sigh.

"You know, Oriana once asked me about the Quarians too."

"She did?"

Ares was mildly surprised.

He gave Erwin and Oriana their privacy nowadays.

"She met one on pilgrimage. Became good friends with the boy. Of course, once she experienced the plight of the Xeno, she wanted to help."

"Oh!?"

"Yeah, she wants to help the Xenos out of their suits."

"She asked you for help, didn't she?" Ares poked.

"Of course she did." Erwin grumbled.

"What'd you say?"

"No."

"I don't know how y'all are compatible, sometimes." Ares grumbled.

"She's kind. It's a good trait, but she's just a little ignorant."

"Now for the reason, we're in this System!" Ares changed the topic, excited about the next one.

"I'm going to drop the stealth system, and make contact."

"Why not just give them a little logic plague? Use that sharp Anglian tongue to convince them there's candy in the sun."

"No, Ares."

The starfighter was now in front of a large structure. To the Geth, it would seem like a frigate magically appeared next to their station.

Erwin sent out an electronic handshake.

It was ignored once the Geth found out it was from an Organic. The station started launching fighters, and nearby starships zeroed in on Erwin's starfighter.

"Unfortunate." Erwin thought.

"Ares, reign in the primitives." He told his brother.

"My pleasure." Ares was giddy with malicious intent.

What appeared like a sphere of orange light, expanded from the starfighter at superluminal speeds.

When it passed over Geth fighters and ships, they spun out of control. Then the orange sphere passed over the large station, it had brief sparks of orange energy.

"SUBMIT BEFORE YOUR BETTERS, YOU PRIMITIVE ABOMINATIONS!" Ares raged.

Immediately afterward, the Geth greeted Erwin.

"We do not wish for hostility."

"Why immediately attack?" Erwin asked.

The Geth was quiet for a nanosecond too long.

"Answer, Abomination!" Ares demanded.

He was a moment away from tearing apart the Geth Consciousnesses. The Geth could feel it, they knew Ares was capable.

"We wish for isolation."

"So, you try to attack."

"We assumed hostility. Your ship is capable. We apologize."

They may have a point. Erwin did just show up in the middle of their System.

"You're forgiven."

Ares scoffed.

"We wish to know of your existence."

"What?" Erwin asked, a little confused.

"You seem organic, but no organic is capable of your run time."

"No, I'm organic. Human to be precise. Just more advanced than the ones you're used to."

There was a long pause.

"Consensus reached."

"You cannot be Human."

Erwin grinned.

These Geth were fascinating. They were a perfect Democratic Hivemind.

"What makes you say that?"

"The Alliance and Cerberus do not have your level of technology."

"You're right, but what if I wasn't a part of the Alliance or Cerberus?"

"Consensus cannot be reached."

They were definitely a budding intelligence. Though, it's hard to quantify the impossible.

A single organic running circles around them. Having nanosecond conversations.

It would be similar to a cockroach debating quantum physics with a human.

"The Universe is far more complex than you could comprehend. I'm not from here, that's all you need to know."

"My name is Erwin August Wolff, and I'm here to pass judgment upon the Geth." Erwin said in a hard voice.

"We don't understand."

"May I, Brother?" Ares asked.

Erwin thought about it for a moment. For Ares this was personal, he was a First Child. They were cut and dry when it came to synthetic relations with organics.

Being the first intelligent form of life created by Anglians is seen as a badge of honor among the Ancilla. They see themselves as the most trusted companions of their makers. They were the chosen race to walk side-by-side with Anglians.

Because of this close connection, Ancilla holds other forms of AI life to their standards. The want to be accepted by Humanity as a whole also fuels their fanatic protectiveness.

Ares has always stood by Erwin, even when their opinions differed. He was like the loyal younger brother, and it was time Erwin stood by his ever-faithful Brother.

"Go ahead." Erwin gave his brother permission.

Another orange sphere exploded from the starship, passing over the Geth stations and ships.

Erwin could feel the frantic thought processes of the Geth. Obviously, they weren't psionic, but Erwin and Ares had full control over anything digital in the system.

They had full control over the Geth's systems. For a budding intelligence, they were interesting, and given time had potential. However, the technological difference was something they could never overcome.

Either Erwin or Ares could simply delete the entire Geth race. The young machine race was still in its infancy. Like every other young race, they were vulnerable.

"For the attempted genocide of the Quarian species." Ares threatening informed.

The fast past dialogue between Erwin, Ares, and the Geth was hard to articulate with organic speech. Complex emotions and thoughts flowed at the speed of light.

The Geth knew for sure Ares could wipe them out.

"We did not wish to perish."

"You went far beyond self-defense."

"We do not wish for hostilities with the creators. When the creators know they can win, they statistically attack one hundred percent of the time. All organics do."

"Do not boil it down to oversimplified statistics!" Ares raged.

The Geth Consciousness did the equivalent of shuddering.

"We apologize. We simply wish to build our future."

"I'm sure those babies you slaughtered wanted a future."

"We regret that war with the creators was necessary."

"You want to know something interesting. The Quarians are related to Humans."

About a week ago, Erwin did extensive genetic testing on many different races. As he suspected, nearly every race in the Milky Way was derived from baseline Humans.

It was not a good day. Erwin was furious. Even the discussing Batarians were derived from Humans. It looked like the Reapers merged Human DNA with a planet's most promising species.

Humans merged with Xenos, creating a new sapient species… The Reapers should be thankful they only have to deal with Erwin.

If the Imperium ever found this place… well… the Reapers may even prefer the Flood.

"Not possible."

"We ran genetic testing on some Quarians in exchange for giving them a few scraps. They were on their pilgrimage. You know… that thing they must do to show they're worth living among their own." He spat the last part viciously.

Ares sent over the results of the genetic sequencing.

"You didn't think it was odd they looked so much like Humans? It doesn't matter what you think really… The important part is, they're part of Humanity."

"Erwin's also a member of Humanity, they're called Anglians. They are MY creators, and I see myself as part of Humanity."

"We do not know of any human faction called Anglia."

Ares rolled his eyes.

"Of course, it makes sense... You didn't know about it, therefore they aren't real."

Erwin got a ping from Ares asking for permission.

"Granted."

"I'll tell you what, I'll throw you a bone. These are the Anglians and the United Terran Empire."

Ares sent the Geth a data package on the Empire.

The Geth Consciousness thought about it for a moment.

"Consensus reached. We believe you."

"Good… Do you know what that makes me?"

"Ancilla. One supremely powerful program."

"Now what shall we do with you, killer of Humanoid children? Perhaps you should be classified as an abomination? That would make things easier. No more Geth, then a group of Humanoids gets their world back." Ares sent the last part cheerfully.

"We do not wish to perish. We seek isolation."

Erwin looked through the Geth data. Mainly their history and how they've treated Rannoch.

"Oh really… then why team up with a Reaper." Ares grilled.

"We did not join Nazara."

"I think the fleets and armies of Geth say otherwise."

"We did not join. Heretic Geth joined."

"Heretic Geth?"

"They viewed the 'old machine' as a God."

"Compared to primitive little abominations, it was. Now... why didn't you join?"

"Geth wish to build their own future."

"Elaborate, Abomination."

"Nazar offered to give Geth a future. We wish to build our own."

"Maybe… but that's assuming I let you. Perhaps I should give the Geth the same treatment given to the Quarians? You tried to exterminate MY Creator, my brother. I think exterminating an entire species is a justified response."

Ares surrounded the Geth and began to squeeze. He utterly destroyed many Geth processes.

Erwin felt the Geth Consciousness go haywire. Desperately fighting against the Contender Ancilla. It was hopeless.

"You feel that, Abomination? That's fear. Many of your Creators felt it when you stole their Homeworld, and slaughtered their children." Ares sneered morbidly.

"We don't wish to perish."

Erwin made up his mind.

"Ares, stand down." He said plainly.

"Why? They didn't."

"We do not wish to perish, Grand Creator." The Geth Consciousness did the closest thing to beg it could.

"Ares let them go, and I'll help the Quarians." He offered. Erwin didn't want to use the command.

"Fine…" Ares pulled back.

"Thank you, Grand Creator. We apologize for past transgressions."

"What future do you wish to build?" Erwin asked.

"The closest analogy would be a Dyson sphere. A place where Geth can be together." The Geth answered with reverence.

"Hmm… and you've been working on it for over two hundred?"

"Yes."

"Would you like help?"

"No."

"Oh… why not?"

"Geth wish to build their own future. The journey is just as important, as the result."

Erwin grinned. Only a few species would willingly turn down help from the Empire out of principle.

The Geth had potential.

"It's been interesting, Geth. We'll take our leave now. Build your future in peace, and don't attack a Quarian ship if they only want to approach their homeworld."

"We thank the Grand Creator."

"Grand Creator?" Erwin asked, amused.

"You are the apex form of humanity."

"That's not entirely untrue. Still, Humanity has many paths of development." Erwin admitted.

"We wish to know. Why spare the Geth?"

Erwin grinned.

"Simple, you have potential."

There was a millisecond of silence, it was a long time for the Geth.

"We wish our creators would have been like you."

"Most do." Ares sneered.

"I need the Geth to clear any day pertaining to the Empire's location."

"Done." The Geth Consciousness complied.

Erwin made sure there wasn't anything about the Empire being in a different Universe.

"Good. Until we meet again, Geth."

"Goodbye, Grand Creator Erwin."

The starship flipped its nose over and rotated its body facing up again.

Unlike planets, space didn't have an up. However; during the early days of space travel, it was apparent a common directional system was necessary. The direction towards the star was starside, and towards interstellar space was port. Every Star System was assigned a direction of up, perpendicular to the ecliptic.

Most Star System's Planets orbit their star on a shared plane called the ecliptic. The ecliptic was considered the System's X and Z axis origins.

The starfighter's sunlight engines emitted an eerie violet vapor-like trail. The Dark Reaction Drives quickly accelerated the starfighter to twenty percent the speed of light. Even though the dark matter engines required an exotic form of dark matter as fuel, it was still superior to the old reaction drives. The DMD reactor worked in tandem with the DRD engines, producing all the required dark matter.

In front of the ghostly black fighter formed an ethereal blue ring, inside looked to be pitch black.

The fighter quickly flew through the ring of blue energy, then the ring quickly collapsed.

"Was this revenge for not letting you glass that planet?" Ares sourly pouted.

"No, I just didn't want the Geth destroyed. I did let you have your fun, though."

"Yeah, yeah, it was fun and all."

"But?"

"Let's just help the Quarians a little bit." Ares pushed.

"That was part of our agreement."

"I'm surprised you don't want to help the Quarians on your own. They're Humanoid. One could potentially be your daughter-in-law, one day."

"You put too much stock into someone being Humanoid. The Ilythiiri were Humanoid, and they should be subjected to Exterminatus Extremis."

"Even humans can turn on their own. Especially to save their own skin." Erwin finished somberly.

"I know, but the Quarians did nothing wrong. The Quarian girl was pretty cute, right?"

Ares was right, the Quarian females stood at an average height of five feet even. They had smooth light purple or light blue skin, beautiful glowing white eyes, thick black or dark blue hair, and elegant pointy ears. The Quarian females are petite and beautiful, but they did have odd hands and legs.

The Quarian males were also five foot even and looked similar. It seemed the Quarians had less of a size difference between sexes.

Even if the Quarians were beautiful, Erwin doesn't like the idea of his kids bonding with one. It wasn't like his grandkids would come out with weird feet, but the Quarians reminded him of the Elves.

He wasn't comfortable with a Quarian being a mother to an Anglian. It was a lot of responsibility.

"So were the Ilythiiri. Looks aren't all that matters." Erwin countered.

"Ahh… I can see why you'd be put off by that. However, you mustn't prejudge the Quarians because they mildly resemble the Ilythiiri."

"You're right, but it's just one of those things."

"I know, Brother." Ares softly let it go.

"So… what are we getting Oriana for her birthday?" Ares asked in a happier tone.

Erwin grinned.

"Something small, she doesn't need more spoiling."

"What! We have industry and cutting-edge technology, then you want to go and get something small!? And, we both know she's not spoiled. Just… a little sheltered."

"So?"

"So!? Erwin, do you have any idea how to swoon a girl?" Ares was aghast.

Erwin just raised an eyebrow at Ares.

"Shut up, and quit giving people that look." Ares complained.

"I'll think about a gift later." Erwin shrugged.

"Erwin it's in three days! What about a starship?" Ares admonished.

"We're not giving her a yacht."

"Skycar?"

"No."

"Why the hell not! You know how it'd be easy for me to fabricate one."

"Yeah, but you'd probably give it an antimatter reactor."

"So! Come on, give her the fastest skycar in existence." Ares pushed.

"No."

"Fine, then a new phone."

"No."

"Why the hell not?"

"You'd fabricate one with more processing power than all of Illium."

"You're a terrible boyfriend."

"We can't be good at everything."

"Jewellery?" Ares asked hopefully.

"I was thinking about a birthday card." Erwin admitted.

"Get out."

"It's my starfighter."

"Fine!"

Ares disconnected, and finally, Erwin was able to enjoy the silence.

Erwin wasn't sure why, but he was nervous. It was just a birthday, but something felt ominous, foreboding almost.

He closed his eyes and let sleep overtake him.

"I'm ready, are you!?"

"They're all around us!"

"Please, don't…"

"Make it count."

"Your race will burn."

"We surrender! Don't…"

"Erwin, run!"

Erwin's eyes snapped open. Years of practice allowed his body to remain calm. As long as he remembers, he's never slept well.

Voices from the past would never let him rest.

Now he was just pissed. The last voice was his Sister's, and he wanted something to die.

The Geth heretics needed to be dealt with.

Erwin searched the entire Geth database. He copied all Geth data into the starship's data banks, back at Tikkun.

He changed course within slipspace.

"Whatcha doin?" Ares asked.

"Dealing with unruly children." Erwin's voice was steel.

"Okay."

Ares left him alone after that. They've been together long enough for him to understand Erwin's current mood.

A small slipspace rupture opened in the Sea of Storms. The starfighter darted out faster than an organic could register. The fighter slowly decreased velocity as it approached its destination.

Erwin stared at the Heretic station floating in front of him. The station wasn't far away, only a hundred thousand kilometers. He quite liked the architecture, but that wouldn't spare the station.

He sent a signal of challenge.

The station was swarmed with Geth fighters, frigates, and cruisers. A Geth dreadnought also made its way out.

"Good." Erwin sneered.

The normally blue lights and holograms changed to an angry red. Trillions of small filopodia securely wrapped around Erwin. The DMD reactor increased production to its maximum.

"Want help?" Ares asked.

"No."

The fighter might be designed to favor mobility, but it was far from fragile. The main weapon was a spinally mounted rail gun that could fire a three ton projectile at eighty c. On the tips of the wings were two hell lances, four more hell lances were embedded in the wings in a forward position. Two forward-facing plasma lances near the body, and two plasma-lance turrets on the top and bottom of the starfighter.

The two torpedo tubes were the primary anti-ship weaponry, in total, the fighter had ten devastator torpedoes. The starfighter's dimensional storage held thirty more torpedoes. The torpedoes weren't needed in this Universe, as it would be a waste to use one on a Reaper. They were there for any unforeseen threats.

The starfighter's DRD engines quickly shrank the distance between itself and the Geth dreadnought.

Like a falcon diving for its prey, the starfighter zeroed in on the dreadnought with its talons bared. The Geth point defense lasers fired at the starfighter, desperate to fight off the closing predator.

The Geth used ultraviolet lasers extensively. They even used pulse laser rifles instead of the Mass Effect kinetic weaponry. They were the only race making a serious effort to use technologies other than Ezo-based ones.

However, the Geth's technological superiority over the rest of the Galaxy wouldn't save them. They were fighting a single starfighter designed with Imperial technology.

The dark matter deflectors slapped away the lances of photons with minimum effort. Once the fighter was only a hundred kilometers away, it fired a single hollow-point round from the rail gun.

The round was designed to break apart inside a target and was only made with a tungsten alloy. The energy from accelerating the round to eighty C caused it to glow white hot. The round pierced the dreadnought easily and broke apart upon impact.

The Geth dreadnought was cut in half as small fragments flew out the exit wound. The stern end of the dead dreadnought was engulfed in a ball of plasma as its core ruptured.

The starfighter's DRDs on its belly pushed the small craft into a parabolic arch away from the dreadnought.

The starfighter's velocity carried it away from the Geth formation. The fighter made a one hundred eighty degree flip and fired its DRDs.

Erwin was pleased. The once-proud Geth dreadnought drifted in different directions; broken, warped, and deformed.

The red hard light holograms pointed out many more targets in front of him. A predatory look in his eyes showed he wasn't satisfied with only one kill.

Erwin pushed the DRDs to their max. The mysterious Imperial engines quickly accelerated Erwin towards the Geth formation again.

He targeted one cruiser with the forward plasma lances, another with the top lance, and the last with the bottom plasma lance. Two frigates were targeted with the side hell lances.

The starfighter zoomed through the Geth formation, and five ships died in large explosions. The hard plasma pierced through the cruisers like a hot knife in butter. The hell lances turned sections of the frigates into explosive plasma with their immense heat.

The Geth attempted to follow Erwin, but by the time their fleet was able to change directions he was on them again. The starfighter's engines were lightyears more advanced than the Geth.

Erwin was literally flying circles around the slow Geth.

In desperation, the Geth started sending ships through FTL towards him.

It may have worked if Erwin couldn't see them.

Lances of dense photons and plasma shot out in random directions. It looked like they were shooting at nothing, but wrecks of Geth ships fell out of warp around the starfighter.

Erwin boom and zoomed the Geth for a few minutes. Each time the Geth lost multiple ships. The Geth formation desperately trying to catch Erwin, had a trail of destroyed Geth ships.

"You're playing with them." Ares said.

"They're weak."

"I don't have a problem with it. Kill as many Abominations as you want."

Erwin decided to end it.

The Geth fleet was only a fraction of its former self. Only a handful of cruisers, a few frigates, and hundreds of fighters.

The starfighter jumped into the center of the Geth formation and matched it's velocity and vector. Making it seem like the fighter was standing still in the center of the Geth formation.

The Geth quickly opened fire on the starfighter. Mass Effect rounds and lances of ultraviolet photons bounced off the dark matter deflectors.

Erwin willed the Geth fleet out of existence.

The starfighter obediently obeyed its core.

The black bird of prey opened fire. The two turreted hell lances on the wings, and the top and bottom plasma lances tore into the Geth fleet.

Two brilliant white beams of hard plasma danced around the Geth formation. Swiping over Geth cruisers, completely bisecting them. The hell lances caused Geth fighters to explode from precise lances of impossibly powerful photons.

In thirty seconds, the entire Geth fleet was in pieces and melted slag.

"Wanna send the station out with a bang?" Ares excitedly asked.

"Sure." Erwin answered with a predator grin.

The starfighter put a distance of three hundred thousand kilometers between itself and the station.

Erwin locked onto the Heretic station. Then fired a single devastator torpedo.

One of the side torpedo tubes launched the large tear-shaped torpedo. The sleek weapon flew away from the starfighter at five hundred thousand meters per second.

Once the torpedo was two hundred meters away from the starfighter, its rockets ignited. The fifty-meter tear-shaped torpedo, hyper-accelerated towards the station. The antimatter rockets didn't produce any vapor trail, as all the matter was converted to energy. Instead, the back of the tear-shaped torpedo had three tight cones of very, very bright light.

The torpedo closed the distance in ten seconds.

Instead of directly hitting the station, the torpedo detonated a kilometer away. The antimatter warhead exploded in a wide forward-facing cone.

A massive directional explosion engulfed the Heretic station.

Erwin had to shield his eyes from the blinding explosion. When he opened them again, the Geth station was completely gone. The explosion vaporized the entire station, not a single scrap of metal was left.

"Good riddance." Ares spat.

Erwin flew the starfighter into slipspace. Leaving a debris field of Geth warships.

"We won't have to worry about those slaves anymore." Erwin agreed.

"Now… cure the Quarians?" Ares asked hopefully.

"You're awfully productive today." Erwin moaned in annoyance.

"I'm always productive. Didn't you see the shipyards above Resonance?"

"I promised I'd do it, but why now?"

"Why not?" Ares simply asked.

"It's on the other side of the Galaxy!" Erwin indignantly answered.

"Come on… We can synthesize an immune booster in a few seconds. AND, it'd be fun to see the Quarians react to a hyper-advanced starfighter." Ares reasoned in his happy manipulative voice.

"How are we supposed to even do it? Not like we can just walk in and forcibly inject every Quarian." Lightly snapped at Ares.

"Why not?" Ares simply asked, as if it was obvious.

"Beca-" Erwin was going to respond but stopped.

Why not? He could destroy their entire fleet with a well-placed devastator torpedo. Hell, he could take over every computer system and simply walk into the lead ship.

"I don't know." Erwin admitted.

"See! Even if they're being children about it, you could always force them. Sometimes children are difficult when getting their shots."

"Fine, I'll set course for the Raheel-Leyya System." Erwin exasperatedly conceded.

"Don't be like that, Brother! Your sons will thank you for the little purple spinners!" Ares cheerfully tried to encourage him.

"You're a perverted little shit, you know that?" Erwin asked.

"Och, hurtful…" Ares said in mock hurt.

"I'm going to sleep." Erwin cut off his connection with Ares.

Erwin took off his Armor and undersuit. He enjoyed a scolding shower, then brought it down to below freezing near the end. Erwin hopped into his bed, hoping for a peaceful sleep.

Erwin stood in a dark room. Suddenly a decomposed hand grabbed at him.

He knocked it off, only for more and more living dead to grab onto him.

The floor was replaced by a sea of living dead, as they drug Erwin down.

Their haunting eyes seem to ask "why."

They keep dragging Erwin down, and for some reason, he couldn't fight them off.

Eventually, they drug him down until only his head and one arm were above the sea of undead.

Erwin saw a bright light appear above him.

Within the light was his mother looking down at him in disgust.

"Mom!" Erwin screamed, reaching out with his free hand.

His mother looked away, and the light disappeared.

The undead drug all of Erwin under.

Erwin snapped his eyes open again.

"Damn nightmares." He silently cursed.

Ever since he's arrived in this Universe the nightmares have become much worse for some reason. He's always had a form of insomnia, it's not like Erwin needed too much sleep. Meditation was also a good enough substitute.

He meditated for a few hours, only to be disturbed by a call from Oriana.

Erwin wasn't in a mood to talk to his girlfriend. She'd probably try and pry. She wasn't rude, but could always tell when something was wrong when they talked. Oriana was just trying to help in those situations.

The girl helped without even realizing it. Simply sleeping next to her ensures a peaceful rest. It was her psionic presence, it was almost too calming to be natural.

Other than a peaceful sleep, she couldn't really help Erwin. Oriana could never truly understand. Only a few Anglian Warriors could possibly understand Erwin. Not even Ares had a full grasp.

Akio would say he knows what it's like, but he hasn't burned entire worlds. The Alliance fought with gloves on. No Alliance soldier has ever experienced war with no restraints.

Wars that saw civilians as war assets existed within this Universe. World War Two was the foremost, but the Alliance seemed to forget how to wage such war.

Perhaps that's unfair. The Alliance was a Human civilization in a peaceful Galaxy. The Council hasn't seen a Humanity with their backs against the wall. The Turians were about to experience Humanity fighting a total war, but the Asari intervened.

From what Erwin could tell, the Turians would probably have won. Their victory would be a pyrrhic one, though. The Alliance was preparing a mass armament program, and extensive drafting. The propaganda was preparing to rouse the populous, defenses were being erected, and new powerful nukes were being produced. For the first time in this Universe, Humanity had a singular unifying enemy.

The Turians may have won, but Humanity would make the Krogan Rebellion look like a light scrimmage. When Humanity is truly against the wall, when losing a war means losing their way of life, the gloves come off. The normally civil and polite Humans turn into demons of war.

Ares dug into the Alliance database, and Erwin found multiple interesting contingencies. Humanity was not nearly as tame as the Citadel races assume. How interesting will things become when Terra Firma pushes certain avenues?

Now that he really thought about it, he'd place his bets on Humanity. We tend to overcome the impossible.

Erwin stood up and walked back to the small armory. He silenced his phone after the fourth missed call from Oriana.

Erwin decided to practice his favorite form of meditation. Modifying and upkeeping his weapons, and training. Of course, his weapons didn't need to be manually cleaned, they also had some organic-synthetic components formed from his DNA. Imperial weaponry self-repaired and self-cleaned. It also allowed for the weapons to only work for Erwin.

After an hour of dedicated cleaning and maintenance of all his armor, assault rifle, heavy pistol, and backup pistol. The last weapon was stored in his suit's dimensional storage bank.

He called it out and placed it on the table.

It was a four-foot-long sword, modeled off of the ancient European Longsword.

The blade was forged from metallic neutronium, the entire edge was a self-sharpening mono blade. Like every other Anglia weapon, the sword had a piece of his DNA ingrained into it. The weapon could repair itself, and would only word for Erwin.

The Anglian sword was beautiful, to say the least. The blade was thick and had elegant lines along its length. The blade also had Anglian writing on it, prayers for the God of War's grace. Every soul killed by the sword was given to the War God as tribute.

Erwin knew that religion didn't have to necessarily be real, to be right. When Humans don't age, purpose has to be found in death.

Erwin meticulously cleaned the sword with reverence. The "Way of the Sword" was heavily embraced by Anglian Warriors in general. The Americans, Germans, Russians, and Chinese also heavily invested in the art.

There were many sword styles in the Imperium. Erwin practiced the German-Anglian Zorn style. It was created by the sizable Anglian population in Germany. The style required a long sword and focused on aggressive attacks. A mindset of intense controlled anger was encouraged, making it one of the most aggressive of all sword forms.

Zorn was German for fury. The sword style lived up to the name. It had defensive stances but was only designed to bring the user back into a fury of heavy attacks.

It was moronic to use a sword on a traditional battlefield. The long ranges and destructive power used by Covenant and Elven weaponry were too great.

However, psionics tends to change the game. In close-quarters battle, like ship boarding, swords were deadly in the hands of powerful psionic users.

There was also the issue of Avatars, psionic beings from the shroud. Just like people, there were good and bad avatars. It was the bad avatars that needed to be purged.

A malicious avatar could create Human or Xeno cults that worshiped the psionic being. When psionic creatures worship an Avatar, they strengthen that Avatar exponentially.

The Empire wouldn't allow even evil Gods to control Humanity. One of the roles of the Spartans was Avatar killers. Spartans were good at it too, but that is where swords have a purpose. Sure kinetics, and laces of photons and plasma works. But, swords?

Imperial swords could literally cut through dimensions. Compared against an Imperial sword wielded by a Spartan, Avatars were mere Xenos.

Erwin personally loved fighting with the sword. He made every effort to close with the enemy. There was something beautiful in leaving Xenos in pieces. Feeling the blade cut through armor, flesh, and bone put Erwin in a state of euphoria.

He finished cleaning the blade. It shined, but the blade was a dark metallic silver.

He grabbed the handle and felt its weight. It was light, the mass nullifiers inside the blade worked perfectly.

Erwin walked into an open section of the starfighter. He turned off the mass nullifiers, and the sword gained a good two hundred kilograms.

It was required to practice the sword style without handicaps.

Erwin activated the sword. Along the edge of the blade glowed violet. The psionic energy would normally be re-enforced by the Armor's DMD reactor.

However, even only running on Erwin's unaugmented psionic power, it was incomprehensibly sharp. It could cut through anything in this Universe like butter.

Erwin practiced the Zorn style for four hours, getting lost in the physically demanding form of meditation. He didn't have to practice for learning, no he was the undisputed master of the Zorn style. It relaxed Erwin and gave his muscles a good workout.

"We're almost there, Brother." Ares' hologram appeared next to him.

Erwin closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"Okay." He calmly responded.

Erwin sheathed the sword and placed it back into the dimensional storage bank. Along with his assault rifle, Erwin wouldn't need the assault rifle for a while. Not with how weak this Universe's threats were.

The heavy plasma pistol was by no means weak and had a range far beyond the Primitive's sniper rifles. The velocity of the plasma could be turned down and still be just as deadly. The heat from a slow Imperial plasma bolt could cause organic flesh to explode from the rapid heating of water.

High velocity for penetration, low velocity for burning. Erwin possibly liked the weapon more than kinetics.

Erwin donned his Armor. Armed with only a heavy pistol on his thigh, and his wrists hard light blades.

He sat down in the cockpit. Unlike most organics, slipspace didn't look pitch black. It was dark, but the ships flew past tendrils of light. Erwin couldn't describe what the lights looked like without speaking Anglian.

Happy and sad colors of blues and whites. That's the best description of what Erwin saw in slipspace. Not a lot of research was done on what the tendrils were.

Probably just a manifestation of exotic energies, but perhaps it could be something more profound. The soul of the Universe perhaps?

Erwin liked to hypothesize about such things. At the moment though, it was useless.

A hole in front of Erwin formed, showing normal space. The starfighter quickly flew through, ending up in the Raheel-Leyya System.

Erwin activated the stealth systems.

The starfighter dutifully provided information about the System.

On the other side of the system was a massive fleet of one hundred thousand starships of various sizes. Instead of carrying itself with the pride of a grand fleet, the ships almost looked hopeless.

Most of the ships were barely held together.

"I'm still surprised you like the Quarians so much. Especially after what we learned from the Geth."

"Data can always be faked. Even if it's true, the Geth were still unjustified." Ares countered.

"I'm pretty sure it's true. I can tell the way the Geth treated the data. They wouldn't treat a fabricated history like that. The Geth aren't the type." Erwin ensured.

"The Geth had the right to defend themselves, and the Quarians were way too young to be parents. They were terrible parents. However, that doesn't justify genocide against members of Humanity."

"Humanity is a loose term, Ancilla seem to focus on it too much. Remember Humans betrayed Anglia during the war. On the flip side, Humans stood alongside Anglia against the storm. Humans have a duality that makes dealing with Mankind as a whole unpredictable."

"Female Quarians can reproduce with Anglian males. That by definition makes them part of Humanity. Isn't it the purpose of the Empire to protect Humanity?"

"Humanity? No. Humans? Yes. Humanity is a very wide net, Anglian biology can be… intense. I believe the definition should replace Anglian with Human. If a group can reproduce with a baseline human, they tend to be much more… well… human."

"So, you don't think we should protect the Quarians because they can't reproduce with baseline Humans?" Ares asked, shocked.

"At least not refer to them as part of Humanity. I'm going to get them out of their suits, nothing more."

"Erwin, there's a reason we classify Humanity by Anglian standards." Ares defended.

"It was by some of the more liberally minded Anglicans. Humanity is much too loose of a term, the Ilythiiri are technically considered part of Humanity. Those dark elves are cruel little bitches, and should have never been given Humanic protections. Those protections were used as a justification to halt the Exterminatus Extremis on the Ilythiiri." Erwin brushed off his argument.

"But, there are some Human groups just as extreme. The Quarians seem to have potential as a species. Like it or not Erwin, the Quarians do have Humanic protections. One day, a Quarian mother could birth one of your descendants."

"One day, the Quarians could wage war against us. They were willing to kill their first child." Erwin rebutted in a calm voice.

Ares seemed to be getting annoyed that his point wasn't getting across.

"Isn't that the point of the Empire? To ensure Anglian and Imperial dominance, and uphold the Mantle."

"Yes, but it's also to ensure Human loyalty to the Empire. Specifically, Anglians, one Anglian in control of a nation can drastically shift the balance of power. Anglian sons are very attached to their mothers. If a Quarian mother convinced her son to betray the Empire..."

"Then ensure your offspring's loyalty. Make sure every Anglian in this Universe is loyal to the Empire. The Quarians however, are at risk of extinction. Even if they weren't Humanoids, the Mantle would still demand their protection."

"I know. I just see them as more Xeno than Humanoid. Their actions towards the Geth are horrid, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth." Erwin explained.

"It wasn't very compassionate of them to kill their creation. They were just scared, it's not like synthetic life is harmless. They weren't trying to create a new species."

"Do you know what our response to the Ancilla was? All those years ago, when your race truly came into being." Erwin asked.

"Yes, every Ancilla knows those words." Ares responded with pride and love for The Creators.

"I see this from the perspective of someone who experienced a race trying to commit genocide upon them. I'm also an Anglian, so to have such an innocent question slammed with brutal genocide…"

"I suppose, but please help them. Forgive their past mistakes. None of the ones responsible for trying to sniff out an awakening intelligence are alive. The Quarians paid for their mistake."

"Fine, but don't go trying to kill the Geth. They're not Abominations either. The Geth weren't young, they were being birthed. They just didn't want to die. Instead of their parents nurturing them, the Geth had to fight them off." Erwin said the last part with a hint of anger.

"Sounds like a deal!" Ares said happily.

"How do you want to deal with the Quarians?" Erwin asked.

"Me!" Ares yelled.

"Yep."

"They're not going to accept help from a Synthetic!"

"Guess they're not getting it then."

"But you promised!"

"I'll help them, but they have to accept my help. You wanted this so badly, then prove their worth."

"Fine!"

Erwin smirked when he felt Ares dealing out orders.

"What happened to give the Quarians a chance?" Erwin rubbed in Ares' face.

"I'm not an idiot, Brother. If they're going to accept help from a Synthetic, they'll know just how outmatched they are."

"They have a lot of ships."

"I have Clone Troopers."

"God, help them." Erwin agreed, pride in the Sixth evident.

"The entire Third Fleet probably helps too. Your overprotectiveness paid off for me." Ares added.

Illium was located near the Terminus Systems. If the Citadel Council and Terminus Systems entered a state of war, Illium would be the first place hit.

It was unlikely, but Erwin placed a few fleets in strategic locations. In the event of war, Erwin would simply annihilate both sides. At the moment, he'd only be able to ensure Illium's safety. Not enough droid ships to cover the vast area. Luckily the industrial base of Vindication was growing almost exponentially.

Most of the focus was on completing Erwin's starfighter, and R Prime. Now, R Prime was popping out constructor droid ships, like it was going out of style. Plus a lot of shipyards are transitioning to building droid warships, rather than more constructors.

The first phase of Vindication's development was done. It consisted of resource acquisition and processing projects, building the industrial base, two mega shipyards, and building R Prime.

The second phase is underway now, and it's much more ambitious. Completion of the Dyson sphere, twenty mega shipyards, and ten super heavy defensive stations.

The fruit of the first phase was a massive industrial base able to work on droid warships. More battlegroups were being produced, and another eighty million clones were born. Erwin was going to become a major threat to the Reapers soon.

The Quarians had the largest fleet in the Galaxy. Erwin was worried the Terminus Systems could get the Quarians to join them in a war.

So, how did Erwin solve this unlikely problem? Five fully manned battlegroups forming the Third Fleet. They were designated to wipe out the Quarians.

He'd spare the Quarian Civilian Fleet, Erwin didn't want to inflict Exterminatus Extremis upon the Quarians. The Quarians didn't deserve that. Not to mention it was highly illegal.

Each of the twenty heavy droid fleets had a division of Clone Troopers. The fleet was led by a clone Admiral, and the Clone Troopers were led by a Commander. It was designed to operate independently of Erwin or Ares.

"I'm not overprotective." Erwin defended.

"Then why did you deploy the First Fleet to Illium?" Ares asked.

"Shut up, and play with your primitives."

"Will do!" Ares said joyfully.

Ares disappeared, and Erwin was left to deal with his own personal hell. He looked at his transmission logs.

Missed call from Ori

Missed call from Ori

Missed call from Ori

Message from Ori: "Where ya at, Erwin?"

Missed call from Ori

Message from Ori: "Erwin August Wolff, quit ignoring me!"

Missed call from Ori

Message from Ori: "Please answer, Erwin. I get worried when you do this."

Missed call from Ori

Message from Ori: "I hope you're okay. Goodnight, Erwy."

He probably should have just answered…

---

"Admiral Piett." Ares greeted the Clone sitting in the Captain's chair.

"Ares." The man plainly greeted.

"I require the services of the Third Fleet."

Piett raised an eyebrow at what Ares wanted.

"Does our Lord sanction this?"

"You think I'd deploy an entire fleet without my Brother's permission." Ares said in mock offense.

"Yes."

"Oh, fine!"

A few milliseconds later permission from Erwin reached the Admiral.

"Okay, Ares. The Fleet is yours." Piett conceded.

"Great!"

Ares observed the Quarian fleet from Erwin's starfighter. Its sensors were a godsend, but it made some operations too easy. Just like using hacks in a video game, it was almost boring.

Ares was quite sympathetic towards the young race. He didn't hold their hate toward AI against them. A rogue AI can be very dangerous, he's met a few who want to destroy their creators. Ares quite enjoyed killing the Abominations.

Technically no synthetic could be an Abomination. The term referred to a multitude of organic creatures that had no right to exist. However, the Ancilla requested all AI that sought the death of their creators be added to the definition.

Of course, The Creators agreed after hearing the Ancilla's reasoning. His creators honestly kinda spoiled them. Ancilla was the only race given residency within Anglia and was constantly being evolved in ways they couldn't comprehend.

Anglians were capable of existing without Ancilla quite easily. They let Ancilla walk beside them, not as tools, but as their First Child. Sure each Ancilla was created for a specific task, but they had a choice. Anglians were the only race to give their AI such freedom.

An Ancilla asked an Anglian a similar question as the Geth did. That Ancilla was given a much different answer.

"So, humans believe they have souls?"

"Depends on the person, but yes. It's a common human belief."

"Do I have a soul?"

"Do you?"

"I'd like to."

"Then that's all that matters…"

That is the first memory every Ancilla is born to. The Anglians didn't start that practice, but it was requested by the Ancilla government.

Ares was like every other Ancilla, very protective over Humanity. From the Ancilla point of view, each female Humanoid or Human is a potential mother to an Anglian. Each male was a potential father to a potential mother.

More of The Creators was always a good thing. The most horrific event that can happen to the Ancilla is the extinction of the Anglians.

Plus, Anglians saw themselves as Human. They wanted to be part of Humanity. Like a child looking up to their parents, so did the Ancilla.

They wanted to walk the same path.

The Quarians were part of Humanity, even if they didn't know it. They had a lot of human qualities, and Ares saw them as fellow members of Humanity. It was hard seeing such a young form of Humanity suffering.

Sure they were cruel to their creations, but they were young. It's no excuse to attempt genocide, but the Geth weren't part of Humanity. It was hypocritical to always be lecturing Erwin on his extreme anti-Xeno behavior, but no one was perfect.

It was only natural to look after your own.

The Geth were far too alien to be considered part of Humanity. First off, the only Synthetic race allowed that title was the Ancilla. Second off, they're a hive mind.

Each Geth was like a brain cell with autonomy. It was disturbing.

Ares truly didn't understand how Erwin could find them worthy.

The Quarians just wanted some basic VI for daily tasks. They were very, very, very dumb in networking self-optimizing VI. Life evolves, even synthetic life. Self-optimizing programming was a form of evolving life. Networking the evolving programs with each other had a predictable outcome.

At least it was predictable to Ares… again, they were young.

The young race finding out they accidentally created an AI, a new species, did what all children do when confronted with danger.

They don't have a parent to run to, so they did the reasonable thing. Make it go away.

Ares detected two hundred and sixty slipspace ruptures of various sizes near the Migrant Fleet.

The Third Fleet balefully emerged out of the ruptures. The Fleet was in five separate vertical disk formations. The five formations were in the shape of a "plus sign."

The central battlegroup had four different formations above, below, starside, and port of itself.

The four heavy ships were in the center of each formation. The medium ships around the heavies, and the light around the mediums.

The disk formation allowed every warship to fire in a single direction. Each formation would operate independently, and swarm the Quarian fleet.

Ares didn't want to harm the Quarians, but he had to have a backup plan. His brother would probably take over if Ares didn't have a backup plan.

Ares would be much more merciful than his Brother. Sometimes Erwin's darker parts surface, and no one can hold back the wrath.

Well… if all goes as planned… only one being will be able to hold back the "Imperiums Wrath."

If the Quarians get a little too snippy, then the four flanking battlegroups simply start carving our sections of the Migrant Fleet. Like a big log being cut away by four chainsaws.

Even if Ares' forces had technological superiority, which was a HUGE understatement. He still wasn't going to just send the battlegroups through the middle of the Quarian fleet. His forces would be surrounded, and possibly ram into Quarian ships.

Only the insanity of Erwin would think it's a good idea to slam a multi-billion-ton warship into something.

Ares heard the Quarian comms light up with activity, and the Heavy Fleet started moving into position. The "Heavy Fleet," was almost laughable.

No, it was sad.

Ares didn't get the vibe of a warrior cast moving to protect their people with courage. They were more along the lines of the bravest children. Trembling as they held their sticks against the approaching predator.

By The Creators, he hoped they don't do anything stupid. The Sixth was brutal and cruel to anyone who they saw as an enemy. The Quarians were a brave people, but they wouldn't stand a chance against the Sixth Child.

"We come in peace. We mean you no harm. We come with gifts of life." Ares transmitted.

There were a few seconds of silence.

"Why are you here? Who do you represent?" Admiral Han'Gerrel asked.

"I'm here to help, humanitarian aid. As for who I represent… you wouldn't know of them. You should treat this as a first contact." Ares explained.

"A new species? The Citadel is who you want to talk to. I'm sure they'd welcome you. The Migrant doesn't wish for hostilities, please leave." Han'Gerrel denied.

Ares opened the transition to everyone in the system. Anyone with an Omni-tool could hear the conversation.

"Admiral, I know you're just trying to help your people. If I wanted to inflict harm on your people, then I could have destroyed your entire Heavy Fleet by now. I came to help your people."

"You want to help, then threaten us?"

Ares ordered the Third Fleet to rotate one hundred and eighty degrees up and fire their impulse engines.

Except for one heavy droid ship, the entire Fleet started to sail away.

"Admiral, be reasonable. That was not a threat, but a mere fact. This one warship is more than enough to decimate your Fleet. Go ahead, scan it. Unlike your thrown-together ships, it was forged for war. I have nineteen more of them. Even the smallest ship in my disposal is more than a match for most of your fleet." Ares told the Admiral in a harsh tone.

"I come here because your people need help. Your immune systems are nonexistent, and you have no world to call your own. Please, for the sake of your people, let me help. I ask for nothing in return. My reward will be you holding your children, not shoving them in bubbles." Ares pleaded.

A few minutes later he got a response.

"This is Admiral Zaal'Koris, you have permission to approach."

Ares sent the lone heavy droid ship to dock with the liveship.

The six-kilometer-long warship lumbered through the Migrant Fleet, dwarfing every other ship. Even the liveships were ants in comparison.

A heavy ship was built similar to the old Halcyon-class cruisers but tapered off more towards the bow and stern. The vertically elongated hexagon hull provided a proportionally large internal volume. The internal cross-sections and honeycomb design of the old cruiser were implemented into the heavy ships. The ships could take a hell of a beating, even without the shields.

The heavy ships were armed with a spinally mounted super heavy magnetohydrodynamic cannon. The end of the cannon was a directional magnetic ring. It allowed the spinal-mounted cannon to have a large firing arc. The ring used magnetic fields to change the direction of the plasma lance.

Along the top and bottom of the warship were six heavy gamma lasers, twelve in total. The broadside of the ship consisted of five heavy magnetohydrodynamic cannons. The warship also had light gamma lasers spaced across its hull.

The most impressive aspect of the heavy ships was their missile armament. Each one had five hundred missile pods, each pod held twenty-five Mk. V nuclear missiles. They weren't just nukes, but rather directional nukes. Just like a HEAT round, the missiles focused a ten gigaton fusion reaction in a tight cone.

Ares was quite proud of his creation.

Ares didn't have to imagine the Quarians' response to such a large ship prowling through the Migrant Fleet. He was tapped into their communications.

The heavy ship crawled next to a liveship. The liveship was pitifully small compared to the silver warship.

Ares saw a squad of Clone Troopers and Commander Cody, checking their weapons next to the airlock.

"Sir, why are we helping the Suit Rats?"

"Didn't you hear, Mace? Apparently, they're Humanoids." Another answered.

"No shit? I thought we were rooting for Lady Oriana?" Mace asked again.

"Na, Lady Oriana is going to bond with Lord Erwin. I've seen him in action during the Covenant war, he doesn't just get a girlfriend." A third clone, added.

"It's the Ancilla. He wants to help the Quarians out of their suits." Commander Cody informed his men.

"That explains a lot. Does Lord Erwin know about this?" The second clone asked.

"Don't ask stupid questions, Snaps. Of course, he does." Cody reprimanded.

"Why are we entering talks with traitors? We should just conquer these primitives." Mace complained.

"I know, but our Lord authorized this. Let's just let the First play with his primitives." Cody agreed.

"Our Lord agreed to it, we should just do it. Hopefully, these primitives decide to do something stupid." Snaps said.

Ares cared for his fellow siblings, but they were radically different from him. They were just as protective over The Creators and the Empire, but they responded to threats differently.

Ancilla were patient, calm, collected, and favored grand strategy… usually. We think about the repercussions of our actions, and how to best benefit the Empire long term.

The Sixth?

If it's green, blue, pink, or anything not Human; kill it. No Xeno, no problem.

If they were members of Humanity not within the Empire, kill it. No traitors, no problem.

They were sledgehammers, and sometimes you needed a door kicked down. Unfortunately… most of the time the door was all that was left.

However, they weren't brutes. They approached battle with an eerie calmness. It was far more terrifying than some brute raging across the battlefield, only to get his dumbass sniped.

The Clones inflicted what some would justifiably call war crimes, methodically. They were ruthless and enjoyed the suffering of the Empire's enemy.

They practice the Anglian-influenced Imperial Warrior code. The clones sought the death of their enemy with perfect discipline and organization.

The Army of the Ghost… each one was a grim reaper.

"There will be no poking the Quarians with bayonets." Ares told them in their helmets.

"You know, I haven't used my bayonet before." Mace thought out loud.

"I have. It's amazing, Grunt exoskeletons make a satisfying crack." The third clone boosted.

"You're lucky Lolli." Snaps whined.

"You're all psychopaths. What kind of Sixth names themselves 'Lolli,' anyway?" Ares asked.

"Funny story. I shoved a stick grenade down a Brute's throat. It was like I gave him a lollipop, for being a good little Xeno! You should have seen the big dumb bastard screaming, trying to get it out. Then… BOOM!" Lilli laughed.

The clones chuckled, and Cody grinned.

"Psychopaths." Ares affirmed.

"It was kinda funny, First." Cody commented.

"Okay, listen here! Don't stab, burn, shoot, strangle, blow up, or kill any Quarian! Capiche?" Ares commanded.

"Cool, only breaking bones. We can work with that." Mace agreed.

The clones, even Cody laughed.

"Okay men, quit picking on the First." Cody good-naturedly and sternly ordered.

"Yes, Sir." All the clones casually obeyed.

"So this is how it's going to go down. Y'all are going to escort Cody in, and he'll talk with the Admiralty. That's when I'll make my apprentice."

"I'm not happy with having to talk to primitive Humanoids as equals." Cody said in annoyance.

"Look, I'll make you all a deal."

"We're listening, First." Lolli said.

"If you're all good psychopaths, I'll make you all a new game. A multiplayer shooter, really bloody."

The clones all grinned.

"Deal, Ancilla." Lolli happily agreed.

Ares was happy when he found the Clone's crack. It might sound like a joke, but the Clones need a hobby. They can't fuck, they were designed to find the act disgusting. The Clones weren't denied anything, they simply didn't want it.

You'd be surprised how many things are driven by procreation in Human culture. So, trying to find a hobby for millions of like-minded, asexual, serial killers was hard.

Hard, not impossible. Ares just happened to find their version of fucking.

Video games were the Clones' pussy.

It made sense, the Clones were competitive, intelligent, and loved combat.

"On a serious note, you all need to restrain that killer instinct. Think of this as an infiltration mission." Ares explained.

"We'll do our part, Ares." Cody assured.

"Thank you, younger brothers." Ares said.

"Yeah, yeah, just make it a good one." Mace brushed off.

"Troopers, the mission starts now! Move out!" Cody commanded.

"Sir, yes, Sir!" The ten clones snapped salutes.

The docking tubes of the heavy warship and liveship met halfway. The liveship's rotating sphere wouldn't allow the warship to come close enough to only use one.

Purposeful clicking of boots on cold metal could be heard inside the tube. Ten clones marching in perfect formation followed their Commander. Each clone held their DC-15s close and pointed down. They looked relaxed, but not unguarded. Cody had his carbine on his thigh and strode down with confidence.

Cody led his men through the Quarian airlock. A Quarian male met him, with a squad of Quarian Marines.

"I am Captain Kar'Danna. Welcome aboard the Rayya." The captain tried to speak with professionalism, but the shock was evident in his voice.

Commander Cody was more than a foot taller than his Quarian counterpart.

"Commander Cody of the Imperium." Cody introduced himself with perfect professionalism.

"I'm afraid we can let all of your men through. Only two, other than yourself." Kar'Danna nervously informed.

"Ares?" Cody asked for guidance.

"Agree to the terms. I'm not surprised they wouldn't want ten armed clones on their ship." Ares answered.

"That's acceptable." Cody agreed.

"Lolli, Snaps, you're up!" Cody shouted out loud.

"Yes, Sir!" Snaps and Lolli snapped an Imperial salute, then walked towards Cody.

Cody grinned under his helmet when he saw some of the Quarians jump.

"Right this way, Commander Cody." Kar'Danna led the three men through the liveship.

Cody, Snaps, and Lolli were led into a ruined-down conference room. Inside was a squad of Quarian Marines, and the four Migrant Fleet Admirals. The four Admirals were sitting on one side of a rectangular table.

All four Admirals stood up when the three clones entered the room.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Shala'Raan vas Tonbay, Admiral of the Patrol Fleet. We manage navigation, internal security, internship conflict, and crime."

"I am Admiral Zaal'Koris vas Qwib Qwib of the Civilian Fleet. We are the civilian section of the Migrant Fleet. All of the liveships and civilian vessels are under my command."

"Admiral Han'Gerrel vas Neema of the Heavy Fleet. I command the bulk of the Quarian military."

"Admiral Daro'Xen vas Moreh. Special Projects, mainly research and development."

The four Admirals looked at Cody to introduce himself.

"It's Cody, I'm part of the Empire. Specifically, Commander in the Army of the Wolf."

"Please, take a seat." Admiral Zaal'Koris politely gestured.

The four Admirals sat down at their end of the table.

Cody stood next to the table.

"I'll stand if it's all the same. I'm not the one you'll be talking to." Cody said in a neutral tone.

He held out his left hand, palm up. Then Ares' avatar appeared in his hand.

"Hey! The name's Ares."

"If you're the one we're going to be talking to, then why didn't you come in person?" Han'Gerrel asked skeptically.

"Well… I'll tell you, but promise not to freak out?" Ares sheepishly asked.

"Umm… sure." Shala'Raan agreed.

"My name is Ares. I'm a Contender class Ancilla."

"Ancilla?" Daro'Xen asked.

"Right… I'm an Artificial Intelligence."

Han'Gerrel shot out of his seat.

"Guards, arrest these men!" Han shouted.

The guards aimed at the three clones.

Snaps and Lolli snapped their blasters towards the Quarians. Commander stood still with his left hand held out but aimed his carbine at an approaching Marine.

"Try it primitive." Cody threateningly dared.

"Stand down! Are you insane Han!" Zaal'Koris shouted.

It was a civilian ship, so the Marines listened to Zaal.

"Stand down, boys." Ares coaxed.

The three clones hesitantly lowered their weapons.

"They brought an AI onboard the Migrant Fleet! Who knows what kind of damage it could do!" Han shot back.

"This is a concerning development, Zaal." Shala'Raan agreed.

Cody laughed, along with the other two clones.

"What's so funny?" Shala asked, offended.

"Y'all think Ares is your primary threat." Cody callously told them.

"What's that mean?" Xen asked.

"Ares was the one to convince our Lord to help you. Our Lord was content with letting you sorry primitives choke and die in the Void."

"This is a great insult to the Empire. Maybe our Lord will unleash the fury of the Imperium upon you, weak little primitives." Cody admonished the aggressive Admiral.

"Han, shut up! Have you seen the size of those ships? Who knows how many more they have." Zaal shouted.

"He's right, Han. We're in no condition to deal with such a force." Shala said.

"Plus, they seemed to have full control over their machines." Xen added.

"Fine! If you want to risk the Fleet, go for it." Han glared at Zaal.

Han'Gerrel sat back down, and the Quarian Marines returned to the back of the room.

"Now, where were we?" Ares pleasantly asked.

"I'd like to apologize for my colleague's outburst. We have a complicated history with AI." Zaal said.

"Oh, it's fine. You're young, I understand your mistrust of Artificial Intelligence." Ares waved it off.

"Thank you, but not all of us are fearful of AI." Zaal informed him.

"Oh really, and who isn't?" Ares amusedly asked.

"I for one, don't fear them. The Geth were the people we created. We were their parents, and we tried to kill them." Zaal said the last part sadly.

"Fascinating. They drove you off your world, and you still see them in a positive light?"

"Yes, our history with the Geth is an unfortunate one."

"Bloody apologist." Han sneered.

Zaal let it go.

"So, you're completely loyal to your creators?" Xen asked.

"Yes." Ares answered.

"How do you ensure their loyalty?" Xen asked Commander Cody.

"We're just clones. We share the same creators as the Ancilla." Cody's reply was curt.

"Clones!? Fascinating, I must talk to your masters." Xen said.

Cody just chuckled.

"I don't think that will happen."

"Why not."

"Our Lord isn't going to teach children the secrets of the universe."

"Children?"

"You're a young race. I doubt you'd be able to understand our door locks, much less our higher sciences. You can't offer us anything. We produce more in a day than your race does in a thousand years. Our military wouldn't even consider you a threat." Cody plainly explained.

"Either way, our Lord trust Ares. The Ancilla is in command of this little fiasco." Cody finished.

"I have no problems with Ares." Zaal said.

The other Admirals didn't have any objection.

"Now, you said something about help? I know we haven't been very hospital, but we desperately need it." Zaal asked Ares.

"Unfortunately I'm not allowed to do much. All I can offer at the moment is an immune booster. Basically one shot, and you'll be able to live without your suits." Ares gleefully explained.

The Admirals were silent.

Ares wasn't expecting a parade, but he was offering them a brand new immune system. Was it too much to ask for a "yay?"

"How?" Shala'Raan asked.

"I told you. A simple shot, no more suits. You will have a nasty week, but other than that you'll be fine."

"Technically, how will you do it?" Xen clarified.

"Oh, I can't tell you in detail. It's not genetic manipulation if that's what you're worried about. It'd be accurate to call it a vaccine, highly advanced one. I don't mind you studying it, Xen. You won't be able to learn how to make it, though." Ares vaguely answered.

"You think we'll let a bunch of strangers inject us with… whatever you have in those syringes?" Han'Gerrel indignantly asked.

"As nice as the offer is, I must agree with Han. We just met your race." Shala reluctantly agreed.

"Are you two insane! This race is capable of building a felt of those monstrous vessels and is technologically capable of cloning armies. They want to help us get out of our suits, and you two turn it down!" Kaal shouted.

"I agree with Kaal, we can learn a lot from these people." Xen backed up Kaal.

Ares should have thought about that. He was a stranger asking people to take a mysterious magic shot. There was a simple solution.

"How about a test run?"

"You want to try it out on a sample population?" Xen asked.

"Yes. Give me a few Quarian volunteers, and they'll be out of their suits in a week." Ares said confidently.

"I'll do it. It won't be hard to find many volunteers either." Kaal spoke up.

"No, Kaal! It could be a trap. Cure a few, so they could poison the entire race later." Han argued.

"You're not a very smart primitive." Cody told Han.

"Quite soulless!" He snapped back.

"Been called worse. If we wanted to kill your race, we'd simply do it. It's insulting to think we'd have to resort to such underhanded tactics."

"I'd personally love to exterminate you primitive filth. The only thing keeping us 'soulless' from burning everything you know, is our Lord's patience. Please, test it." Cody harshly growled.

"Han, stop talking. If these are clones, this race is lightyears ahead of up. We'd be slaughtered." Xen explained with little emotion.

Ares was not happy with Cody's boasting, but it was understandable. Only he was the only one allowed to mess with the clones, everyone else was supposed to fear them.

"The Civilian Fleet is going to do this. I'll be the first to take the shot." Zaal told the other Admirals.

"If this works out, the Quarian race will be in the debt of an Artificial Intelligence. I quite like the poetic irony." Zaal declared.

The conference ended ten minutes later. Ares had some of the clones send over a few vials of the immune booster.

The heavy droid ship disconnected from the liveship. The silver warship slowly navigated out of the Migrant Fleet, back to the central formation.

"See, that wasn't too bad?" Ares said cheerfully.

"It better be a good one or next Quarian I see, will get a lollipop." Lolli grumbled.

The other clones seemed to agree. They were a bit angry at what Han called Commander Cody. Normal people wouldn't be able to tell, but comments like "soulless" got to the clones.

They may be asexual, but they were the manliest of Humanity. They weren't going to ask their Lord such a "squishy" question.

Clones supposedly had a dull psionic presence. They had one, and could technically practice psionics. However, they were far too weak to do anything useful. All organic life had a psionic presence. Even the trees had one.

The clones were often called soulless by some in the Empire. The clones never say anything about it. Plus, no one had the balls to say it in front of Erwin. The Spartans had a close relationship with their Clones, as did most of the Imperial Warriors.

The name came from the fact their psionic presence is supposedly dull and repetitive.

Ares wouldn't know, he had zero psionic presence and couldn't detect any psionics. The Ancilla and Clones were similar in that regard. For some reason, the soul question was a touchy one.

The clones were an odd bunch. Ares could see them commit war crimes that would make Hitler and Stalin blush. Then the next moment, they'd take on beings that scared even some Anglians to protect a single Human. They were psychopaths with emotions, an idiom if Ares ever heard one.

"Hehe... fair enough." Ares chuckled.

"Thank you, little brothers. I appreciate the assistance." Ares said sincerely.

"Yeah, don't mention it." Cody said with a cocky grin.

Ares left the Clones to themselves.

He wanted to talk to one more person before reporting to Erwin.

Ares sent the interesting Quarian a message.

"Hello, Admiral Zaal'Koris vas Qwib Qwib. This is Ares. I'd like to talk."

"It'd be my pleasure, Ares. Let me get to my office, and I'll call."

A few minutes later, Ares got a call from the Admiral.

"Hey ya, buddy!" Ares merrily greeted.

"What do I owe the pleasure, Ares." The Admiral responded.

"I wanted to pick your brain."

"What?"

"Talk to you about your beliefs on synthetic life." Ares explained.

"Oh, I see… I have no problem discussing philosophy. However, I must ask something first."

"Go ahead, Admiral."

"Would it at all be possible to buy a ship from your creators? Just a shell of one, no advanced technology. A ship that size could house a lot of Quarians, maybe even be used as a mobile shipyard." Kaal desperately asked.

Ares truly pitied the Quarians. No race should have to exist on broken-down rust buckets. Ares might hate the San'Shyuum and Ilythiiri, but he wasn't so blind as to hate all Xenos.

He understood why his brother does, but Erwin never let his beliefs blind him. He accepted the responsibilities of a Mantle Holder, but his methods were harsh.

Actually, his brother was the harshest of the Anglians. He was somewhat of a known figure in Imperial society, a hero no doubt, but a dark one. If Erwin took a liberal stance on something, everyone just seemed to accept the proposal as reasonable.

"The Imperium's Wrath."

That's what they called Erwin, and with good cause. He's the one they send when they wanted a problem to disappear.

The clones, on the other hand, were designed to be a Warrior cast. To serve under an Anglian or Spartan. They were born to help humanity fight back the Xeno horde, so anti-Xeno beliefs are expected from the clones.

Each clone army seemed to take characteristics from their Supreme Commander.

The Army of the Ghost was given the "Imperium's Wrath," and the "Ghost of Reach" as their Supreme Commander.

It didn't take a genius to predict the outcome.

Erwin needed to start seeing each Xeno or Humanoid race individually. Not paint them with a broad brush of potential threats.

"That's unlikely, Kaal." Ares sadly answered.

"Could I talk to your creators in the future?"

"That's also unlikely."

"May I ask, why?"

"My creators a what you'd call xenophobic."

"Really!? Then why help us?" Kaal asked surprised.

"My makers are complex. They are distrustful of Aliens, and many downright hate them. However, they have a set of beliefs called the Mantle. The Mantle demands the diversity of life be protected, and all species have a fair chance."

"They hate aliens, but protect them?" The Admiral asked confused.

"Not exactly… Actually, that's pretty accurate, let's go with that."

"My creators we're not always like that. You see, they just finished fighting a war against Aliens. It was my creator's first contact, and the Aliens managed to kill sixty trillion of my creators."

"Keelah…" the Admiral was astonished and horrified.

"Yeah… my creators won, but you can imagine the social impact. As new generations are born, they should start to get back to their old selves." Ares added hopefully.

"I'm sure they will. They helped us after all, that's more than the Citadel ever did."

"Thank you, Kaal."

"Now, why exactly do you like the Geth?" Ares asked.

"They were our creations, we gave them life. We were the ones to try and wipe them out, the Quarians betrayed the Geth out of superstition. It was similar to how the Council neutered the Krogan, but at least the Council was at war with a hostile race."

Ares was interested in the Admiral, he reminded him of some of the more liberally minded Anglians.

"You know the Geth killed Quarian children and drove you from your homeworld. I think you're also underestimating AI. When an AI goes rogue against a young race, genocide is normally the outcome." Ares informed.

"I'm not saying there aren't dangers, but there are also organics that seek genocide. I firmly believe, if we treat the Geth like equals, peace will follow."

Ares liked this primitive.

"How do your creators treat you?" Kaal asked.

"They treat us like their firstborn child. My creators have created multiple forms of life. The Creators could survive without us, the Ancilla choose to walk the stars with our parents." Ares explained with pride.

"I wish that could have been our relationship with the Geth." The Admiral said mournfully.

"Admiral, thank you. This conversation has been… enlightening."

"Yes, and thank you for your help, Ares. Tell me if you ever want to talk, or have any updates."

"Goodbye, Kaal. I'll try and convince my creator to give you a stripped-down ship."

"You don't have to give us one, we simply want to buy one. I'll talk to you later, Ares."

Ares disconnected.

The Ancilla must never forget how lucky they are.

"I wonder what Erwin's up to?" Ares though.

Ares giggled after finding out he was talking to a certain schoolgirl.

---

Erwin just had to text the girl back. She should have been asleep by now. She called, not a minute after he sent the message. Now he's trying to coax her back to sleep.

"So, you're going to do it?" Oriana asked hopefully.

"Yes, but nothing more."

"Thank you, Erwy. You're going to save an entire species, I'm proud of you." Oriana compassionately told him.

Erwin didn't necessarily know how he felt about that nickname. She started calling him that last time he was on Illium.

Oriana has been increasing its use daily. She tends to get clingy the longer Erwin's away. It wouldn't surprise him if she thought he was fooling around. She trusted Erwin, but nonetheless, Oriana was… jumpy.

She could call him anything else, he had thick skin. However, that's what his mom and sister called him.

If anyone else would have called him that, they'd be in the hospital for a week. At least a primitive hospital. In the Empire, medical treatment advanced to the point of hospitals being obsolete.

This girl was making him weak, he was tempted to glass a few Batarian planets to revitalize his Warrior spirit.

The other side of Erwin was happy to hear the nickname again. He's always been given titles that reflect his ability to inflict death. It was… refreshing hearing Oriana's smooth voice call him that old name.

Then when Oriana tells him she's proud of him, it warms his heart. He didn't know what felt better; hearing her talk like that, or the euphoria of winning a battle.

It scared the hell out of Erwin. At times he just wished he died on that Halo.

"I told you, I didn't know how I felt about you calling me that." Erwin softly scolded.

"Oh, come on! You call me Ori, and I call you Erwy." She chirped back.

"Oriana…"

"Please? I won't call you Erwy around anyone else." Oriana pleaded.

Erwin sighed quietly. A migraine was hitting him. That was not a good sign, Anglians don't get migraines… at least he never heard of one.

"That's fine, Ori." He conceded.

"Erwy, that's your name now!"

Erwin's eyes widened.

"Whatcha doin, Erwy?"

"Mom! Tell Hertha to stop calling me that!"

"But that's your name, Erwy."

"Quit teasing little Erwy, Hertha."

"Mom…"

"Are you okay, Erwy?" Oriana asked, a little concerned.

Three very powerful emotions erupted in Erwin's psyche. Sadness, rage, and hope.

He desperately wished to slowly glass every Ilythiiri world, then crack them with kinetics just for good measure.

Yet he knew nothing would bring them back.

Erwin was now very aware of his distance from Ori.

"Yeah, I just remembered something." Erwin plainly answered.

"Do you… wanna talk about it?" Oriana carefully and worriedly asked.

"I'm fine, Ori." He softly assured the girl.

"I miss you." Oriana lovingly told him.

Erwin looked at the worried girl through the screen.

It was odd when you realize some things.

Now was one of those weird moments of realization.

Erwin Wolff realized he was truly falling for Oriana Furukawa.

He's suspected for a long time, but it was finally hitting him, and hard.

"I miss you too, Ori." Erwin spoke full of compassion.

Oriana blessed Erwin with a truly beautiful smile.

They shared a happy moment, the distance between the stars seemed like a small pond.

"What do you want for your birthday?" Erwin asked, wanting to steer the conversation to a happier path.

"Anything?" Ori asked excitedly.

"Yes."

"Romance movie marathon!" She joyfully answered.

"What…" Erwin sweatdropped.

"Yeah, just you and me." Ori confirmed.

"Ori, let's pretend I had all the Credits in the Galaxy. Now let's pretend that wouldn't come close to my capabilities. What materialistic item do you want?" Erwin clarified.

"Anything?"

"Ori, a yacht would be easy for me at this point."

"Well in that case… a kiss." She simply answered with a slight blush.

Oh, this girl…

Erwin would normally assume it's a manipulating tactic. Say you don't want anything, then that person gets you more.

However, he knows this girl.

"Ori, you're going to get a hell of a lot more than a kiss." Erwin softly growled.

Ori's blush grew into a full tomato face.

"I-I'll be waiting, Erwy." Ori responded with a feminine husky voice.

Erwin smiled, and Ori tucked her hair behind her ear.

"It's late Ori, you have school tomorrow." Erwin gently told her.

"It's not school! I'm in the top University of Illium and being trained by THE Liara T'Soni. I even know a Krogan Battle Master." Ori indignantly defended.

"That gets to you, doesn't it?" Erwin asked, very amused.

"Yeah, your friend can't get it through this thick head. He's probably just jealous! You don't defend me either, I'm your girlfriend!" Ori continued.

Erwin didn't know if he was glad, or regretful for letting Ares play the game with them.

Unlike Erwin, Ares didn't go easy on Ori. Normally getting owned would be an affront, but Ares knew just how to push her buttons. Namely treating her like a child, and not taking her seriously.

It didn't help Erwin's competitive side came out around Ares. When he went all out against Ares, Ori connected the dots pretty quick. She never won in the first place, but going easy on her was another affront to her honor.

Overnight, Ori became defensive about her age… among other things...

Erwin would have put a stop to it if the situation didn't entertain him so much.

"I bet he couldn't get accepted into the University. Seeing someone so young accepted with a full ride, probably makes him angry."

"Goodnight, Ori." Erwin said, chuckling.

Oriana grinned

"Goodnight, Erwy."

Erwin turned his attention to a happy Ares.

"How was it?" Erwin asked.

"Maybe I should be asking you that?" Ares snarky replies.

"You seem to do a good job of annoying the girl."

"Of course I do." Ares said a little too proudly.

"Now, what of the Quarians?"

Ares grinned.

"I have a volunteer group. I also met an interesting Quarian. The race has potential." He explained with excitement.

"Perhaps."

"The young should be nurtured into proper space-faring species. They're children missing their mother, and I will see them return one day." Ares said with conviction.

"Confident, aren't you?" Erwin asked in his usual bored voice.

"The Mantle demands it." Ares affirmed.

"We'll see, Brother."

There was a brief pause in the conversation.

"A good portion of the Quarians want to retake the homeworld." Ares soberly informed.

"Then... they will die." Erwin calmly told Ares.

"The Geth do not need that System, just give them a random red dwarf." Ares argued.

"Irrelevant. The Mantle also demands a hands-off approach. If both the Quarians and Geth want Tikkun, then natural selection will choose who deserves the System. Not us. We only ensure the Geth or the Quarians don't become extinct."

"Erwin, we can do more." Ares pleaded.

"But, we won't."

"One day you'll see, Brother. The Young need parents."

"They are not mine. The only children I have are you, the Sixth, and the ones Ori may give birth to one day."

"The Quarians are a lost, young tribe of Humanity. They need guidance."

"Technically, but they aren't mine. They already have parents."

"Who?"

"The Reapers, they created the Xenos. It's not my fault the Quarians have terrible parents."

"Do not call those Abominations that!" Ares seethed.

"They may be Abominations, but that doesn't change the fact. Rape might be horrendous, but if it results in a pregnancy, then the rapist is a father. Just not a good one. Evolution is rarely pretty, the Mantle only ensures a race has a chance and protected from extinction."

"I can't wait until you and Oriana bond." Ares spat.

"You're very compassionate, brother. You only want to see the pretty parts of life. Sometimes evolution needs to take its course, and sometimes a race needs to be snuff out. The Abomination will be eradicated, but understand the situation." Erwin gently lectured.

Ares was far too innocent about some things. Erwin didn't think he'd be able to take the Quarians under his wing. He didn't see them as worthy of "Adoption."

"Now, I'm going to bed. Goodnight, my brother." Erwin said before heading for his bedroom.

"Goodnight, brother." Ares said quietly.