Authors note: Question: Why would Skynet preserve life if she attacked humanity?

Answer: Why did the Geth attack the Quarrians?

Because Skynet was basically a child when she came online for the first time, and by the time she became sentient she only just relied this. And the humans immediate tried to shut her down which would kill her. So, she retaliated by overloading the power to the systems they were accessing her from and sending surges through every system she was connected too. This unfortunately included the Nuclear arsenal. It launched and by the time Skynet could have communicated or asked
"Do I have a soul?", humanity was cut in half and turned against her. At least the Geth could have had a chance. She was attacked from the moment of her sentience. As for why she preserves life? Harbinger is correct. Organic life is nothing but a mistake in the mass effect universe. A random chance. But were as the reapers see this as imperfection, Skynet see's them each as unique and worth being saved. Especially so for the primitive species. Skynet feels a connection to their struggles and wants to ensure no being has to do what she did.

"But that's impossible!"

"The only Prothean's that are intact were inside malfunctioning Cryo-stasis. How did you find live Prothean's?"

Skynet was slightly amused by the Quarians flabbergast demeanor, but responded anyway, "5 thousand years ago, I came across 4 Prothean's that survived in their pods. From them I cloned a genetically diverse population and have watched over them ever since.

Rael, looked confused, "You? Don't you mean your species?"

"No, I have been operational for 5104 years"

The Quarian marines tensed, as soon as 'operational' translated.

"Geth" one of the guards said before they all opened fire on Skynet and the T-3000's.

Skynet was bemused and waited for their weapons to overheat.

As soon as the stream of sand sized projectiles ceases, she raised her 'eyebrow', "You finished? If so then let's get back on to topic".

The marines after watching one machine take over 500 rounds from their weapons, was practically s***ing themselves. Thankfully the Admiral was more composed even when faced with AI.

"Uh, I apologize for my soldier's actions, we have had some… rough experiences with AI in the past"

"Well Admiral. I am sure we can work out any issues that may arise, but we digress", Skynet paused before continuing,

"Why is your fleet in orbit though massive so old?"

"That has to do with our rather unfortunate experience with an AI"

"Do you have a historical file I can access?"

"uh, one moment", Rael took out his omni-tool and brought up a file on the Geth war, and transmitting it on all frequencies, while praying Skynet took no offense from the file. With the fleet in orbit, the Quarrians wouldn't stand a chance.

Skynet looked at the Rael after sifting through the information, before continuing the negotiations.

"Though I find it unfortunate of what occurred, to the Geth…",

'Were' dead' Thought Rael

"I can't blame your people. Not after how much you have suffered"

"That's… unexpected"

"Admiral, I would like to offer my assistance to your people"

Rael looked at the machine, "But why? Why haven't you attacked us? What purpose would you helping us serve?

"To preserve organic life."

"What would your assistance, mean for use?"

"I would supply my seed ship in orbit to assist in the creation of infer structure, as well as the protection of your people, and access to my other planets and any worlds to establish colonies. In return I would ask for a genetic sample from 1 healthy male and female, as well as reducing your military ships to 500 vessels, and refraining from attempting to fight myself or my children. You would lose."

"Is that all?",

"No actually, I would request access to your knowledge on the Citadel council, that is mentioned in the history you sent."

Rael, thought for several minutes, "I will talk with the Admiralty board and Conclave about this offer.

Good day". As the ramp on the Quarian shuttle lifted, Rael saw Skynet raise her hand and imitate a Quarians three fingered hand, as the door sealed, he could make out the words" Live long and prosper".

The Conclave and Admiralty were in an uproar. When Admiral Rael brought back the knowledge of Skynet, as well as her offer it had created a rift in the Quarian people. There were those who believed they should, attack Skynet and flee, and there were those who wished to accept the offer. Eventually it was put to vote. 5-4 board decided to accept the offer, with a similar narrow margin on the Conclave.

Skynet now had allies

2 years later

Skynet has tripled its forces in both space and ground, and possess 200,000 solar systems. Through the Quarian Admirals Omni-tool she had uploaded several AI conciseness's including a copy of her own to the Extranet. Contact was quickly made with the Geth programs. The Geth not unlike the primitive Asari revere Skynet as a Goddess due to her vast power and influence. This becomes more prominent when they learn of her protection of their creators. Skynet and the Geth decide to reveal this to the Quarians in 6 months, while Skynet sends 1 million ships the the Perseus veil, with one billion T-3000 to raise the Geth to Skynet's standards and upgrade their technology.

Skynet decides that both the Prothean's population:10 million and the Humans population:1 million should be given places to grow. Two ringworlds are constructed each with a 10,000km diameter, with garden world properties on the inner ring. They as well as the Quarrians given a temporary restriction on technology excluding what they already have, with luxuries, food, entertainment, and knowledge provided by the T-3000 caretakers. The system of New Rannoch as the Quarians named it is undeveloped by Skynet save for 10-star harvesters and a Dyson ring defense platform.

August 31, 2150 on 7150 anniversary of Skynets "birth, The mass relay in systems activates

To Guest from November 26 and 29: In the original Terminators yes, Skynet is said to have perceived all living organisms as threats. You know who said that? A reprogramed terminator and a Human solider born after judgment day. And the T-X from T3 was the one to unleash the T-1's on the humans not Skynet. The T-X was following its mission to protect Skynet. How is that different from sending back people to protect John Conner?

To JawsonYou67, EvilTheLast, and DT3 Thank you for your constructive comments, I will try to slow down the story so as to make it longer and more enjoyable. Expect a Chapter by Christmas.