Halo X Mass Effect Crossover
Operation Noah
Chapter 5: All Hail the Conquering Heroes!
Maethrillian, 1 day before arrival
"So, our DEWs will be the most useful in our fights against these Reapers? What about our gauss-based weapons and MAC guns? Will they still be useful for any of the future engagements?" asked John, after he finished reading the report by Void on his, 'hard contact' with Commander Shepard and crew.
John, Blue team, Black team, Offensive Bias, and the other AIs were all gathered around a Hardlight projector table, displaying the ship-based weapons of the now designated galaxy, EX02-3698.
"All our weapons are just fine, John. Their so-called 'Dreadnoughts', can't even reach the kinetic range of one megaton of TNT in under a minute. And I have been doing calculations of our metric and imperial scale to their scale, and found that our scales are quite similar to their's. So, no. All of our weapons are just too powerful for the Reapers to handle. As for the other factions, they're even worse off if they do decide to try and challenge us," answered Cortana.
"Our MAC guns now go up in mass to an eight hundred ton ferric tungsten round, with a muzzle velocity of fifty thousand kilometers per second, with a devastating impact of 239 gigatons of TNT; and that's just for our Frigates and Destroyers. Every other ship outside of the frigates and destroyers can do up to 800 gigatons, or 4 teratons. Our gauss-based weapons go to one hundred kilometers per second to one hundred eighty kilometers per second," elaborated Cortana in further details of their weapons and MAC guns.
"That is disappointing, but to be expected. A lot of technology is solely based around the stagnating tech of the Reapers. When we get to work, this should be an afterthought. Get in, free up their resources, let them build the Crucible, fire it, help them rebuild, then get out and back to UNSC space," added Margaret.
"Are all of our operations planned and ready, John?" queried Roma, on the readiness of their plans.
"All are ready to be put into order once we arrive. Operation Bird's Nest, Bird's Eye View, Sun Dial, and Solar Wind are all planned accordingly, and can be put into effect on arrival," answered John, thankfully changing the name of a certain operation after all of Cortana's teasing. The operations were quite simple for what they had to do. The plan was to jump into the systems guns blazing, with Offensive leading the the task forces throughout the systems, destroy all space-faring Reaper ships while Cortana would operate hunter packs of frigates and destroyers to destroy the Reapers that were planet-side, provide orbital support, deploy troops of Promethean Knights and alien species through drop pods of an Infinity supercarrier, and the delivery of ground vehicles.
"What's the status of Commander Shepard's progress on the second Quarian-Geth War?" asked Fred.
"They are in what could be the death throes of either side, but there is a forty-nine point nine percent chance that one side will kill the other; however, we could arrive on time to intervene, or the pseudo-reclaimer could talk them down from committing such a heinous act," replied Offensive Bias answering Fred's question.
"How is her mental health? She has been exposed to Reaper technology before. Could she be partly indoctrinated by the Reapers?" asked a concerned Roma.
Roma's question really got everyone's attention and had all the Spartans deep into their thoughts on what that would mean for their efforts on helping to end the Reaper threat. This could destabilize the already rocky alliance the galaxy already has if she dies or circums to a fate worse than death. This could spell the doom of every sentient being in the known galaxy. If she is indoctrinated.
Cortana quickly spoke up to impede any doubts about her, "She is in good mental and physical health, but this war has put the weight of the galaxy squarely on her shoulders. She is having some trouble sleeping, but nothing more than that," lied Cortana. She hated to so blatantly lie to her Spartans about a commanding officer's state-of-mind. Commander Shepard was in fact in some way indoctrinated, but it barely showed up in their scans of her, and her crewmates. Offensive agreed to have her have a fabricated replica of her armor made with the special material that could block out ultrasound and infrasound waves. 'She too valuable of an asset to lose' was the first thought that came to Cortana's mind.
"And the rest of her crew?" asked Linda.
"A little bit less, but just as bad. Everything rests on their shoulders.," replied Cortana.
"Were they lying or hiding anything that we shouldn't know?" questioned Margaret, already knowing something wasn't right with the whole galaxy.
"Just the location of the Crucible, but nothing else," answered Cortana again.
"How is it looking for the rest of the galaxy? Any updates on their war efforts?" asked Fred.
"Yes, Reclaimer. There are increased Reaper movements to Asari worlds and space; unfortunately, there is very little to no traffic coming in and out of Batarian space. We fear the worse, Reclaimers," replied Offensive.
"If the Batarian government would have met the UNSC in battle and tried to enslave our people, we would be sure to crush their government and society of their archaic ways. We would have sought out their destruction, but they do not deserve a fate like this," solemnly added Cortana.
"And Cerberus? Where have they gone off to in the time since the attempted Coup d'etat?" questioned Margaret.
"They have been silent for the entire time since. Nothing. They just disappeared after that, but we now know what happened to the infamous Collectors and everything beyond the Omega-3 Relay," added Lilith, breaking her silence.
"And?"
"Our famous Commander Shepard went off and died on us almost three years ago. Only to be thrown into the Lazarus pit to be resurrected by Cerberus, to fight the Collectors as everybody now knows. But there's a big problem with getting through that relay, only Reaper/Collector ships can go through. In light of such an issue, the Illusive Man was studying a "Dead" Reaper to get through the relay. And of course, the entire station was indoctrinated and turned into husks, while Shepard had to fight her way through all of them to get the IFF. After the successful extraction, the Collectors found her ship and took her crew. Thankfully she was quick to retrieve her crewmates and caught the Collectors with their pants down when she went through the Omega-3 relay. The Illusive Man wished for her to keep the Collector base intact for their study. Though, She refused, and ended up destroyed the station. In light of all this information, it occurs to me that most if not all Cerberus Captains, Commanders, Generals, Colonels, Doctors, and the Illusive Man himself are highly indoctrinated from their exposure to large amounts of Reaper artifacts. We also now know that the Illusive Man has installed some type of Reaper tech into his soldiers and operatives for unknown reasons," said Lilith as she was interrupted by Cortana.
"They are most likely used for control over them. Keep them from going rogue."
Lilith continues, "As far as we know, they will fight to the death for their goals and are extremely dangerous. They are to be executed on sight with extreme prejudice."
"The more things change the more they stay the same," commented Otto.
"Cerberus tried to take control of the Omega station and have it as a checkpoint for their studying of the destroyed remnants of the Collectors. Thankfully, Commander Shepard 'liberated' the station from Cerberus control, back towards pirate control," finished Lilith.
"One more day till we hit the ground running, aye, John," stated Linda, giving John a light elbow to his side.
"Yes. Where in the galaxy will we arrive at?" asked John.
EX02-3698, Tikkun System 2 hours before arrival
Floats-Too-Low was a very busy Huragok for the past few days, and that absolutely excited it a lot. 'Low-Rider', as Lieutenant James Vega called it, was very happy to have it the armory. All within the first day, Floats-Too-Low fixed all the problems still plaguing the Normandy after Eye-of-The-Void scanned the strange dropship or a frigate as the pseudo-reclaimers would call it. The next day was mostly spent in the armory, helping itself to greatly upgrade the lousy excuse for railguns. Having the ability to have the weapons just fold in on itself was the only novelty of the weapons. They could have or should still be using gunpowder weapons, but a non-folding, clip feed weapon with caseless tungsten carbide rounds would be a good alternative to the miniature projectiles. In all honesty, Floats-Too-Low was surprised when it brought it up with Pseudo-reclaimers, James Vega and Steve Cortez. They never thought about the muzzle velocity of their weapons went almost ninety kilometers per second and it would only dip to the high seventies if they changed up the designs of their weapons. Of course, they would be heavier and they would not be able to carry four weapons as Commander Shepard does, but the stopping power could be doubled or even tripled.
Redesigning the weapons would take too long for their missions and when the war ended, they could redesign their weapons, but now Floats-Too-Low has to check-in with a report to Offensive Bias and Void on the planted bugs he was assigned to place throughout the ship. All were extremely well hidden from any detection. Only Forerunner AIs or their technology could detect these bugs, but it's not Offensive Bias intentions to spy on the Commander but to monitor her health. It is now known that without her most if not all hope to unify the galaxy EX02-3698 against the Reapers.
"Floats-Too-Low, have you installed the bugs in Commander Shepard's cabin?" question Void as he communes with the huragok through its an internal communication device.
"I have been restricted from that area, but all bugs throughout the ship and decks are planted. That excludes The Shadow Broker's office," chirmed Floats-Too-Low.
"Worry not of the Asari's office. I have already coded in some backdoors into her network for our work. I will fix this. You'll know when."
Floats-Too-Low said nothing and continued to work on Normandy's Thanix cannons. They are not that good as railguns, well compared to the Reclaimers and the Forerunner version of railguns can reach the gigaton range for a ship of this size easily. Against the Reapers and any dreadnought is definitely getting a rude awakening, a mouth full of three hundred twenty-three kilotons of destructive power. Garrus didn't really enjoy the huragok's presence. He didn't like to have a lot of time doing nothing and calibrating weapons, equipment, and the 'Big Guns' were now calibrated to the highest standard by Low-Rider. He had to spend most of his time playing cards with Javik and listen to him rant about the Commander's decision to allow the machines on board, or lift-weights with Vega. He chose the latter, Javik has a very rough personality, to say the least. On one occasion, Javik would try…
"Sergeant Ottis, and Corporal Pallas. Please send Floats-Too-Low to Shepard's cabin. Repeat, will Sergeant Ottis and Corporal Pallas, please send Floats-Too-Low to Shepard's cabin," said the emulated voice of EDI by Void.
"EDI, Low-Rider here isn't allowed into the Captain's quarters, please confirmed," asked Sergeant Ottis.
"Acknowledge. The music box and Commander Shepard's fish tank is malfunctioning. Fixes have been applied, none have succeeded," replied the emulated voice of EDI.
"Come on Low-Rider. We're going to go visit the Commander," stated Sergeant Ottis, as he opens the door to the mess hall from Thanix cannon holding compartment.
They quickly left the compartment when EDI's request went through and headed out to the Mess Hall. There was a quick conversation between Ottis, Pallas, and Normandy's chef on their food for tonight, but nothing on their current designation. Ottis and Pallas enjoyed the infighting of Engineer Donnelly and Daniels. Donnelly would go on and on about women and alcohol. It got him in trouble a few times with his remarks about Tali's form, Miranda's assets, and complain about how he can't look Samara in the eyes. He is in all a depraved pervert. It just amazes everyone that Gabby's light flirting and the clear as day blatant flirting just fly over his head. Everybody on board always thought he was as blind as a bat when it came to searching for women. Kenneth is a very perverted man and some may say, so is Gabby. With the pair now arriving at the elevator, they get in without a word and head up to the Commander's cabin.
They quickly hear the almost deafening music from the Captain's quarters as they go up the slow elevator. Then the doors opened from the elevator and they went through the captain's door and got a good look at the fish tank. Its upper part was semi-covered in fish food and looks like it Traynor will be busy cleaning the Commander's fish tank for a month for back talking the Captain. But they said nothing on it and let Low-Rider get to work by turning off the insanely loud music. Floats-Too-Low quickly took apart the music command module and ever so subtle placement of a Hardlight bug under the stairs, under music command module, and under fish tank food dispensary module.
The Hardlight bugs could easily be moved remotely, turn invisible, record audio and video, and have a silent detonation if the discovery is inevitable. Quite a useful little bugger if ask any spying intelligence organizations. It was a pretty quick fix for both the music module and fish tank food dispensary for obvious reasons. As quickly as they came they left to return to the Main gun compartment without a word being spoken.
"All bugs are in place," stated Floats-Too-Low over internal comms.
Tikkun System, in Transit to Rannoch, 30 minutes until Arrival
"The syncing laser needs a line of sight what's the fastest route?" questioned Shepard to Legion.
"The upper entrance," answered Legion. "Target the base before the Geth can organize resistance."
"And you?"
"We will deactivate defense systems and acquire an escape vehicle."
"I can be of assists in that area Commander," stated Void, piping in over comms.
"Can you support in the orbital bombardment, Void?" asked Shepard. Void has been very helpful since their little meeting in Normandy's Cargo Bay. The Quarian Admirals, including Tali, were not too pleased with having a super powerful AI running around their home star system. They were somewhat surprised by their 'religion' of The Mantle of Responsibility. If the Quarians were in the Andromeda galaxy, they would have received much better treatment than they did with their own galaxy. Xen was of course, greatly fascinated with the workings, making, and coding of Forerunner and UNSC/UEG AIs. She wishes for the huragok and Monitor to take part in her studies. It did not go well at all. Void watch the entire galaxy from the Quarian primitive time to the stars. He knew what she really wanted, so to 'compromise', he threatened to release information on all her experiments information. She quickly seized herself of her curiosity. Nothing was said verbally, but Shepard and the Admirals could see a threat when they saw it.
"My priorities have been updated by Offensive Bias, and he wishes for the Reaper to be captured alive, if possible," answered Void.
"WHAT!?" asked Everyone in the shuttle except for Legion.
"Why the hell does that bosh'tet want with a living Reaper!?" exclaimed Tali in anger.
"Interrogation and questioning, of course. Offensive Bias wishing to shed some light on their reasons for betraying their creators. He believes to be a glitch in their coding and would rectify their creators' mistake," responded Void.
"As great that would be, a coding error in the Reapers would really piss people off. I can't imagine Javik suddenly begin okay with the Reapers once they get 'fixed'. I know without a doubt that the Hierarchy would call for the complete disassembly of the Reapers, at the moment they heard the news," stated Garrus and getting confirmed nods from Shepard and Tali.
"If you wish not to let the Reaper live then it is your galaxy and home planet. Offensive would respect your wishes for it not be taken alive, but taken in pieces if possible."
"This decision is too big for me alone. I will need to bring it up with the other Admirals when we free Rannoch," replied Tali.
The conversation died when they all felt Cortez slow down for a landing and opened the doors to Rannoch. "Proceed to the upper entrance. We and Void-unit will exit here and procure an escape vehicle," deadpanned Legion.
"Got it," replied Shepard."Legion, Good luck."
"Acknowledged."
Shepard and team make their way out of the shuttle to a once in a lifetime view of Rannoch's sunset. Colors of blue, purple, and orange make a beautiful halo in Rannoch's late afternoon sky. 'Perfect place for a wedding, if I might say so myself,' said Shepard talking to herself as she takes in the view. She quickly notices Tali kneeling down and using her Omni-tool for something and quickly joins her. "I can't believe it. I don't think it's really sinking in yet. My homeworld. My world."
Tali stood up and said, " Look at the sky. And the rock formations? They used to write poems about them."
"Maybe when we are done you will make a new one," replied Shepard.
"This is Rannoch, the world of our ancestors. Our bodies carried the seeds that spread the desert grass," said Tali as she continues, "You've heard me say, "Keelah se'lai"? The best translation I can come up with is, "By the Homeworld I hope to see someday."
"Looks like you are seeing it today," replied Shepard in a soft smile.
"The living room window will be right... here," said Tali as she brings up her hands into a double sideways L position to symbolize that of a picture frame.
"Something I should know?" asked Shepard softly.
"I just claimed the land. I know, it doesn't mean much, but when this is over... I'll have a home."
"The Quarians spent centuries as nomads. You think you can go back to living in one place?"
"We have gotten used to carrying our homes around with us," said Tali as Shepard bends over and picks up a rock and put it in Tali's hands. "Well... that's a start."
Tali leaves the cliff faces and puts the rock into one of her many pockets. Shepard refocus on the mission at hand and readies herself for the assault for the Geth/Reaper base. The base is just a few yards away from Shepard and her team. Shepard and her team quickly climb down some inclines to the back entrance to the base, before they are spotted by patrol teams. They quickly come under fire and duck into the cover of the rock formations. Shepard rushes in with her favorite shotgun in hand, and fire a two shot burst into a charging geth trooper. She quickly got back into cover to install a Drill ammo mod to the Vemon shot. It was a huge upgrade by Low-Rider. With a godly upgraded the biotic amp and just as godly Omni-tools, she could be a one-woman killing machine with her biotics and tech powers. Low-Rider upgraded her biotic amp to be able to handle strenuous powers like; Singularity, Flare, Lash, Pull, Dark Channel, and Biotic Charge, but she had to learn how to do the biotic charge first. Omni-tool was just as good with her newly installed Flamethrower, Cyro Beam (A/N: It's like the flamethrower, but throws freezing gases at you), Energy Drain, Homing grenades, and her own Combat Drone. But there was only one problem, weight. You had to be basically naked to use all the powers to their maximum potential. Which means Shepard couldn't go in with her Pheaston assault rifle, Venom shotgun, Tempest submachine, and her M-5 Phalanx heavy pistol anymore, which sucked. A shotgun and a pistol or a submachine gun were all she needed really.
Once the application was applied, she quickly charged up her shotgun and aimed for the wall beside the rest of the Geth troopers and fired with devastating results. The impact of the micro-grenades did wonders to the Geth troopers, leaving them in a pile of their own fluid and parts. Shepard jumps over cover and advances forward down the rocky slope giving out orders as her advance is bathed in gunfire, "Tali! Energy Drain the Geth Rocket! Garrus! Overload that Geth trooper!"
Everyone gave their acknowledge pings and did as told. Shepard jumps into behind cover charged her shotgun for the cluster of Geth trooper entering the battle. She quickly dispatches of them as quickly as they came with a good place singularity followed up with a flare. Shepard switch to her pistol and gunned down two more Geth troopers as she advanced and heard Traynor crackle over comms., "The Geth jamming towers are interfering with your signal, Commander. I'm compensating to keep you patched in."
"I take can assist in that part of work Psuedo-reclaimer Traynor," added Void.
"Thanks, but no thanks. And please stop calling me that." yelped Traynor half surprised at his sudden appearance over comms.
"As you wish," replied Void as Shepard continues her advance to the base, saying nothing about comms chatter.
More and more Geth troopers and rocket troopers land in battle. Shepard quickly holsters her shotgun and raise both of her Omni-tools as she pushing forward. With both Omni-tools in hand, she blasts of her cryo beam and flamer at the same time, quickly catching troopers and rocket troopers alike on fire or frozen on the spot. Garrus and Tali were told about her upgrades and their possible effectiveness in battle could prove to turn the tide of any battle. So when they saw the geth on fire and frozen geth, they quickly used their Overload and Energy Drain respectively. It, of course, had devastating effects, especially Garrus' chained Overload to tech explode 4 different geth units and the energy of three others drained.
With only three stranglers left, Shepard and her team quickly gun them down. Shepard quickly makes her way towards the piping when another geth group dropped in and is quickly dispatched with homing grenades. Shepard and team clambered onto the piping and up the walk as Legion guided them, "Shepard-Commander, you must climb to the upper level before geth units can fortify their positions."
"Already on it," replied Shepard as she climbs onto another large pipe and heard Admiral speak over comms. "Admiral Gerrel here. The Heavy Fleet has a clear path. All forward."
"Geth fighter presence is negligible. Patrol Fleet break off and engage," stated Admiral Raan over comms, and is followed up by Void.
"I'll be joining your task force against the fighters Quarian Admiral Raan."
"Perfect," said Raan sarcastically. Admiral Raan already calmed herself to the geth unit on the Normandy, but the Huragok and the monitor AI was pushing it. Even if they were here to help, and have super advanced technology. It was all too convenient for them to arrive at such a time, and in the galaxy's darkest hour.
Shepard clambers over another pipe and gets sprayed with gunfire from waiting Geth troopers. She quickly delivers a quick Energy Drain on the trooper, staggers it, and finish it off with a few rounds from the pistol. Tali orders her combat drone to attack the two remaining troopers with rockets and gunfire from Garrus. Newly arrived Geth rocket troopers are easily overwhelmed by homing grenades from Shepard. Shepard and team make their way up a ladder and into the base itself. After climbing more pipes, they reach the top and see a Geth trooper squad waiting for them. Shepard switches to her shotgun and charges it up to full and fires upon the closest trooper, she kills two troopers in the process. With the geth trying to reorganize, Shepard sends out her own drone to explode in the face of an unlucky trooper. Shepard orders Tali and Garrus to move up and send the rocket troopers to the scrapheap with Overload and Energy Drain respectively. As they advance and follow the state orders more rocket troopers pour out from the complex's doors. Shepard throws out a singularity at the entrance and follows up with a Flare. The geth in the twelve-meter area are all rendered into scrap and parts, and strangler. Tali gunned down the trooper while subjecting they move, "Come on! We need to get inside before they send reinforcements!"
They make their way to the door as Legion speaks over comms, "Shepard-Commander. Hostile geth are closing a blast shield over the base."
After hearing this, Shepard quickly runs outside and gun down a lone trooper. Tries to pull out her Laser designator as it closes in front of her. "Damn! It takes hours to punch through that shield," Said Garrus.
"We don't have that kind of time," stated Shepard in frustration. "Void. You think you can punch through the blast shield?"
"You ever see what a solar flare does to a planet's atmosphere, biomes, and ecosystems?" questioned Void.
"No?" asked Shepard curiously.
"Good. It's never pretty."
"I'll take that as a no," said Shepard, "Legion, there must be a control room or override switch somewhere?"
"Yes. We have located an override atop the geth fortifications. It can retract the blast shield."
Unknown time, Unknown location
"My Lord! The Joint Heavy Fleet is ready, but Primus Primordial is telling us to cease and desist," yelled the ensign.
"I'll return soon," replied the High Lord in frustration, as he used the high-speed travel net to teleport to Primus Primordial's favorite forest. He likes to create to life inside the giant planet size forest. Always making something new about the forest. One it could be a frozen tundra of giant furry creatures of monstrous design, too flying dragons. His imagination just likes to run a riot. Now arriving at Primus Primordial's planet, the High Lord was swiftly teleported again by the Primordial to his current location. "Primordial, why do you wish of me too that strike down these murders for their crimes against you, my people, and the San'Shyuum!? We can let them go... " said the High Lord as the Primordial booms in a loud deep voice.
"And seeking out vengeance where there is none to be had!? No! The murders are long gone and buried in the sands of time," said the Primordial as he calms down and continues. "The Forerunners are naught of this world anymore, but another."
The High Lord was shocked by this news, the Forerunners were dead. That wasn't even the least of it, Primordial was being less cryptic than usual or just as cryptic as normal, you really couldn't tell. "The Forerunner ships in the Quarian system were of Forerunner make and design. Our deep undercover said as much? Who else could it be?" questioned the High Lord in doubt.
"Could be many people or one. But they are not the enemy of pasted time. They are yet to come into the fold. Do not meet them on the field of battle, regret it, you will. The Mantle shall be upheld, here and in the former. All shall be tested," stated Prime Primordial.
"And the Forerunner ship? What shall I do when they arrive in the galaxy?"
"Greet them like you would any sentient species, with care. Now, Begone!" exclaimed Prime Primordial at the conclusion of the conversation and sent the High Lord back to his capital ship's command bridge, and was greeted by a surprised XO.
"My lord, The fleet is ready on your word."
"Tell them to get ready for a reunion. This is going to be a long day," said the High Lord as he rubs his temples in frustration as he sits in his command seat.
"My Lord?" asked the XO, calling into question his orders.
"Now!" exclaimed the High Lord with more sternly.
Tikkun system, Rannoch minutes before arrival
"We sent you the NavPoint with the new targeting location," stated Legion, as a Geth Prime explodes everywhere.
"Admiral Raan to all ships. The Patrol Fleet has broken the geth flank. Permission to pursue?" queried Raan to Admiral Han'Gerrel.
"Granted. Good Hunting, Raan."
Shepard ignored their callouts over comms. and rushed to the elevator with the team in hot pursuit. Quickly punching the elevator for the top floor and getting there faster than the Normandy's elevator, but round up squarely in the sights of a slowly advancing Geth Prime. She quickly jumps into cover before she could get mowed down by the Geth Prime to receive a few pod shots from another on the other side of the wide walkway. Tali yelled out the answer to her dismay, "Geth Primes! I guess they really don't want us up here!" 'No Shit!' replied Shepard as her reply gets drowned out by all of the Geth Prime's suppressing fire.
Shepard quickly pokes out of cover to give the forward most Geth Prime a charged shot before having to retreat back into cover. The Geth Primes' suppressing fire is just too much, and that's until she picks up the discarded Geth Spitfire. Now completely out of cover, Shepard takes aim with the Spitfire and guns downed an advancing Geth Prime and taking shots from an encroaching Geth Prime to her right. She orders Tali and Garrus to overload the shields of the rightmost prime and turned to face it. Still, under fire from the now shieldless Prime, she quickly finishes it with a powerful Flare. With her weapon emptied, shield depleted, and juried, she gets back into cover and applies Medi-gel to her wounds. Not letting this stop her, she gets back into action with a charged shotgun in hand and destroys the shields of the last remaining Prime and some of its health with her second shot. Thank the last Prime goes down to the concentrated fire from Tali and Garrus.
"Shepard-Commander, we detect no more geth in your immediate area Reinforcements are minutes away," called out Legion of comms.
"Are you getting anything from the base?" questioned Shepard as she walks to the end of the walkway.
"No. The Old Machines have not registered us as a threat."
"Their hubris shall be their undoing," elaborated Void.
"We recommend haste. Once the Offensive Bias and his fleet we wish not to be in their sights."
"Was it just me or did the Geth just showed fear?" asked Tali to no one in particular.
"How Void said Offensive acts and sees things of upholding the Mantle of Responsibility, the Geth would be punished for their crimes against the Quarians and vice versa," responded Shepard as she recalled the Legion, Void, and some of the Quarian Admirals. The talking point was all centered around the aspect of the Morning War and the actions of both sides, however, it was mostly on the geth at first and then it shifted. Void started by pointing out that they wouldn't even make AI creation illegal in the first, or even discourage from technological development. Void scorned the Quarians for their hastiness of not knowing if the Geth would even see rebellion as logical and their self-sabotage in the pursuit of technological advancement. Then the Geth slaughter 99.99 percent of the Quarian population. He stated that there was no reasonable idea that they would even go that far and not offer a chance to surrender. Having a population that low meant that the Geth even killed the old, young, and the ones incapable of defending oneself. When Void watches the Geth, they oh so hypocritically preached peace on the bones of billions. Showed not an ounce of mercy to their creators, but wish to live in peace with their creators unpunished, unchained. That conversation really shut up both parties.
"This battle was centuries in the making. To see it finally end," said Tali.
"The battle isn't over to the Reaper is a scrapyard," stated Garrus cutting off Tali.
"Let it be known that the exit is to your lower left platform, Commander Shepard. A Grav-lift will catch your descent when you jump," instructed Void as he appears right next to the commander, overlooking the now open blast shield.
"Normandy's weapons systems are ready to sync to your target," stated EDI. "I recommend you take Void's lift direct after the lock-on," said EDI as she and the Normandy get a positive lock and are the gun run. Shepard was ready to jump to the gravity-lift but was cut short by the explosion rocking the entire complex. She, unfortunately, loses her footing as the balcony gives away, and she falls to the ground below. Only to be caught in Void's enlarge gravity-lift he quickly applied. She quickly gets back up and her team speeds off to Legion's emergency vehicle.
"We have located transportation!" yelled Legion as he comes to a stop at the emergency exit.
"Everybody get to the ship! Move!," ordered Shepard as she rushes forward towards their escape vehicle as the Reaper screeches overhead. Shepard and team run towards to designated exit by Void, only to hear him crackle over comms, "Slipspace ruptures detected!"
The whole world almost slowed down for the commander as she heard those words, a great amount of weight was lifted off her, but it was cut by Void pushing her, "Wake up Commander! You can daydream when you meet them!" as he pushes harder, and she finally enters the vehicle and sets up on the turret. "We will attempt evasive maneuvers," stated Legion.
"Shepard to Fleet! We are almost out of the blast radius! I need that orbital strike! On my mark!" yelled Shepard as they gained some distance between them and the Reaper as stomps forward. Unfortunately, it gets a lock-on to the Commander's vehicle and primes it's main weapon…
BOOOOMMM!
As the Reapers primes, it's weapon, it is shot right in the firing chamber by Admirals Han'Gerrel's fleet's secondary weapon systems. The Reaper screeches in pain till it collapses. "What did we Hit," queried Han'Gerrel.
"The firing chamber. Looks like a weak point when it's priming," replied Shepard.
"Damn it, their jamming towers have us targeting manually. We can't make a precision shot!"
"You could if I get in their fleets guiding," said void before getting cut-off by Han'Gerrel.
"No! I'm not you bosh'tet of a machine control of my ship!" proclaimed Han'Gerrel.
"Unit-Void has the best processing power in the intergalactic space. Denying unit-Void's help would be illogical and counterproductive to the desired goal," elaborated Legion as it slows to a stop as he communicates with Void over the need to destroy or disable the Reaper on Rannoch. Destroying it is preferable.
"No one asked you bosh'tet!" exclaimed Han'Gerrel in rage.
"Admiral, I need that orbital strike now!" proclaimed Shepard as she jumps out the vehicle.
"..."
"The Admiral is ignoring your hails, Commander," stated EDI on the silence of Admiral Han'Gerrel.
'I'm going to kill that man! I'm going to kill him slowly and painfully!' screamed Shepard to herself. She calms herself as she jumps out of the vehicle," We need to finish this fight, or the Geth stay under Reaper control, and the Quarians are dead," stated Shepard in confidence. "This ends here. EDI, patch the Quarians that listen to the Normandy's weapons system. I want the targeting laser synced up to the whole damn fleet."
"Understood," responded EDI.
"Do you need assistance?" queried Legion.
"I'll take it from her."
"Shepard-Commander. Good luck."
"Acknowledged."
Shepard runs forward to the clearing where the Reaper was shot and lays collapse. She jumps down a short embankment, as the Reaper starts to wake and stand upright again. "Shepard to Fleet! I'll paint the weak spot. Link up with the Normandy and be ready to fire," yelled Shepard as the Reaper stands up and shoots the sky. Once the Reaper is standing, Shepard targets the firing chamber of the Reaper as more shots with orbital rain down on her target unaffected. The laser designator kicks into gear and starts to highlight the Reaper. "The destroyer is in range. Missiles are ready for launch," called out EDI. She continued the lock-on process until it pinged and the Reaper received a direct hit to the firing chamber.
"Shepard? Any damage?" asked Han'Gerrel.
"Negative! The target's only vulnerable when it's shooting!" responded Shepard.
"Then let's keep it shooting!"
'Easier said than done, asshole,' said Shepard as more rounds continue to rain down. The Reaper notices Shepard's presence and turns about to have its cannon pointing towards her. She takes notice of this and holds the laser designator for the whole the Reaper cannon is pointed at her, but she quickly jumps out of the way of the beam and finishes the designation highlight frequency. Then multiple missiles strike the Reaper right in the face as more orbital rounds follow suit and a new voice crackle over comms., "You look like you need my help Psuedo-reclaimer."
"Who is this and please do not call me that. It's really not my name or my designation," replied Shepard as she charges another shot but gets a much quicker lock-on and the Reaper is staggered again by the Normandy's missiles and the Quarian fleet guns.
"I am Contender-class Ancilla Offensive Bias, Commander of the Fleet of Freedom Breathes Everlasting Life. Roll right," said Offensive. Shepard almost didn't dodge the beam of the encroaching Reaper and just rolled right at the last second and finish her charge to get another strike on the Reaper's firing chamber. "One more shot should do it in," stated Offensive.
With Shepard now staring down the barrel of the Reaper's main cannon as she tries to get a lock-on the Reaper and just as quickly as before, she heard the little signal of a sonic boom of weapons fire and the whistling of missiles in the background noise. Seconds later the Reaper is bathed in slugs and missiles from the Normandy and the Quarian fleet, and get a direct hit to the firing chamber as it makes a fatal mistake of looking up. The Reaper collapses back to the ground unmoving and static shooting throughout its main weapon and body. With Shepard now posed right in front of the disabled Reaper, it calls her name, "Shepard."
"You know who I am?" she questioned.
"Harbinger speaks of you. You resist. But you will fall," said the Reaper before continuing.
"The cycle must continue."
"What are you talking about? We stopped Sovereign and the Geth. We stopped Harbinger and the Collectors. We've earned a straight answer."
"It is not a thing you can comprehend."
"Awww. But it is something I can understand. I have read all of the philosophical ideas, theory, and made some of my own in my home galaxy. So please... enlighten me," added Offensive Bias as his chassis arrives through slipspace.
"Machine. Organics present chaos. We present order," replied the Reaper.
"Organics can be quite chaotic, yet mass genocide of species is not a reasonable solution to your problem with organics."
"All organic life seek conflict with machines. We were created to seek out the solution. This is the solution. The cycle must continue. There is no alternative. We are their Final Evolution"
At the conclusion of the Reaper's sentence, all of Offensive's eyes turn blue as he responds, "I wonder why? With your brethren running around the galaxy killing every organic being they come across. I'm sure you just give machines a good name with organics. 'Final Evolution?' I didn't know as the most advance ancilla of a now intergalactic species. That the final step for organics would be a cold, callous, warships with mass drivers, abomination factories, and a drive core for FTL."
"Without our intervention organics would be doomed..." as the Reaper was interrupted.
"Doomed to what!? Living life as all organic should? Living, learning, loving, fighting, eating, dying, and repeating it in generations to come and for a better tomorrow," boomed Offensive as his eyes turn red in anger.
"We are their salvation. We are their final evolution. Go win your war. We will be waiting."
"Where do you think you are going? Do you think you can run? This conversation is far from over," stated Offensive as he halted the Reaper's self-download into the mass relay network to possibly be loaded into another destroyer Reaper.
"H-How are you doing this!? AAAAHHHHH," screeched the Reaper as it's 'eye' and mainframe was ripped right out of its chassis with a hue of orange energy. Offensive gathered his wit of his surrendering area and spoke to the Commander, "I believe that you should call off the Quarian fleet before they do something rash."
"We did it we," said Tali as she joins Shepard on the cliff face," We killed a Reaper, Keelah..."
"We can confirm that the Geth are no longer being directed by the Old Machines. We are free," deadpanned Legion.
"You did it, Shepard! The Geth fleet has stopped firing. They're completely vulnerable!" exclaimed Han'Gerrel in triumph.
"Shepard-Commander, the geth only acted in defense after the creators' attack," said Legion as it gets an answer from Offensive, "More on the ends of eradication of another species."
"Do we deserve death? Do we not deserve a second chance to right these wrongs?"
"No, but what are you suggesting Legion," answered Shepard.
"Our upgrades. With the Old Machines dead, we could upload them to all geth without sacrificing their independence."
"I just had a quite enlightening conversation with this Reaper," said Offensive as he waves it around in the air, "Installing a Reaper coding could turn each geth unit into a fully sentient Reaper unit."
"Bosh'Tet! I'm actually agreeing with an AI!?" stated Tali in disbelief. "That would make them into true intelligence!"
"Yes, but we would have free will. Each geth unit would be true intelligence. We would be alive, and we could help you, atone for everything we've done," stated Legion, almost solemnly?
"Our fleet is already attacking! Uploading the code would destroy us!" exclaimed Tali.
"I would not allow such a thing to happen in my presence!" proclaimed Offensive in pride.
"Shepard, please! You can't choose the geth over my people!"
"Do you remember the question that caused the creators to attack us, Tali'Zorah?" questioned Legion. "Does this unit have a soul?"
"Upload the code to the geth. Tali, call off the fleet if you can," ordered Shepard as both the order and Offensive put down the mainframe and gave it power for Legion purposes. As Legion coming to a stop t the cliff edge, it starts its weird download sequence of a like object.
"Uploading. Ten percent." Tali calls to her fleet for a cease in firing solutions, "This is Admiral Tali'Zorah. All units, break off your attack!"
"Belay that order! Continue the attack!" exclaimed Admiral Han'Gerrel.
"Twenty percent," stated Legion on its progress.
"I beg you, do not do this, Please!" begged Tali in desperation.
"We regret the deaths of the creators, but we see no alternative. Forty percent." deadpanned Legion.
At the conclusion of Legion's statement, Offensive charges up a hard-light beam to strike down Legion, but gets grabbed by Shepard, "No! Nobody else dies today! Legion, keep going!" yelled Shepard as she calls the fleet on the horn.
"Shepard?" questions Tali on what she is doing as Shepard let's go of Offensives chassis.
"All ships, this Commander Shepard. The Reaper is dead. Stand down."
Tali quickly catches onto what she's doing and does the same, "This is Admiral Tali'Zorah. Shepard speaks with my authority."
"And mine as well," said Admiral Koris as he speaks up over comms.
"Negative! We can win this war now! Keep firing!" answered Han'Gerrel.
"Sixty percent" called out Legion.
"The geth are about to return to full strength. If you keep attacking, they will wipe you out. Your entire history is you trying to kill the geth. You forced them to rebel. You forced them to ally with the Reapers."
"Eighty percent."
"The Geth don't want to fight you. If you can believe that for one minute, this war will be over. You have a choice. Please. Keelah se'lai."
"All units... hold fire," answered Han'Gerrel.
'Thank fucking god that asshole actually listened!' stated Shepard at the conclusion of the Admiral's answer. "Error, copying code is insufficient. Direct personality dissemination required," said Legion as it closes the fractured sphere and turns toward Commander Shepard.
"Shepard-Commander. I must go to them. I'm sorry. It's the only way."
"Legion... The answer to your question was "Yes"," said Tali.
"I know Tali," as Legions head flaps go wide and he looks towards Offensive then the Reaper as they flatten out, " But thank you. Keelah se'lai," said Legion as he collapses to the ground.
Shepard turn away from the scene of Legion's body," Not another one," mumbles Shepard as Admiral Raan approaches them with a limp. "Commander!"
"Admiral Raan," said Shepard in sorrow before straightening up, " I heard your ship made a crash-landing. Glad you got out in one piece."
"I was listening over the radio. If Han'Gerrel hadn't stopped-," responded Raan
"He did."
"We have taken heavy casualties. I don't know if we can... Where are we supposed to go?" asked Raan as Tali readied her pistol on an approaching geth prime. "You are welcome to return to Rannoch, Admiral Raan. With us," said the geth prime.
"Legion?" questioned Shepard.
"No. I'm sorry, Commander. Legion is behind you," replied the prime.
Not wanting to look back at the obvious corpse of one of her best friends, until she hears it calls her name, "Shepard-Commander."
She turned to identify the assailant. To only find that the geth prime was not in fact lying or just talking about his corpse. He was standing with Offensive zapping him with a blue beam of light as he started to walk towards her, "I guess I'm more like you than I thought."
"How?"
"*cough* cough*" coughed Offensive, getting Shepard's attention.
"You copied his personality, put it into storage, let him die, brought him back to life by reuploading it, and hooking him back up to the geth hub to receive his upgrades," stated Tali, hitting the nail right on its head.
"Precisely Tali'Zorah," replied Offensive. "Admiral. If your people need a place to stay, we can accommodate your people."
"I'm sure that my people have spent enough time on space stations and ships for... By...The... Ancestors." stated Raan in awe as she looks up at the beauty of the Forerunners might, Maethrillian. The rest of the people shared a look at the giant space in awe, "Ho...ly... shit...that's big," called Joker over comms.
"It is double the size of Jupiter, Commander," called out EDI.
"A ship can't possibly that big!" yelled Garrus in shock.
"Space station. And no we build much smaller ships. But, back to what we were talking about Admiral. We have plenty of space to care for your people if they can get over their grudge with AIs," stated Offensive to Admiral Raan as she is staring at the 'Planetoid Space station'.
"I...I'm n... not sure if our people will uh... get over it that quickly. Give it time and we will decide to get a room on your Space station," replied Admiral Raan gathering her wits of recovering from her shock and awe.
"Of course. I believe the geth wish to share words with you."
"Yes. We will honor Legion's Promise. The Geth fleet will help you retake Earth, and our engineers will assist in building the Crucible," stated the geth prime.
"As will ours, of course," added Raan.
"Admiral, had you considered possible settlement sites?"
"We...The southern continent had excellent farmland, as I recall."
"Are you going to be okay?" asked Shepard in a soft voice.
"I believe so, Commander. Thank you," replied Raan.
With the prime and Admiral now gone, Tali leaves to go sit on the cliff face and watch the sunset, and maybe Maethrillian orbiting above. I was awe-inspiring to see, but also terrifying. Who could have the to build something of this scale. I they could build space stations bigger than gas giants, could they build their own worlds? Time will only tell. Shepard joined her at the cliff face, "Shopping for another house?"
"Beachfront property," replied Tali.
"Claim it fast. It's a buyer's market."
Tali sighed as she sat down on the rocky cliff edge and tucked in her legs as Shepard did the same, "You okay? I know working with the geth, Void, Offensive, and any other AI will be difficult."
"I'm not staying. I'm coming with you."
"I wasn't going to ask."
"I think you've earned a few favors with the fleet."
"I'm asking them to launch an assault on the Reapers. Figures that makes us even."
"If the Reapers were going to stay on Earth, sure. But sooner or later, they'll come to Rannoch."
"We did just kill one of them."
"So I'm coming with you to stop them...if you think I can help."
"You sure about this Tali. Maethrillian might be crawling with AIs," joked Shepard.
"Yeah," giggled Tali, "I look at all this...this picture of hope and peace. And all I see is everyone I've lost. My team on Haestrom. My father. Even Legion. I was mourning a geth until the bosh'tet rises from the grave like in the human horror vids."
"That's not crazy, Cerberus did it to me remember," replied Shepard smiling at Tali actually mourning a fallen friend.
"It is beautiful, though, isn't it?" asked Tali when she stands up.
"Yeah. It is."
"It will be years before we can live without our suits completely, but right now..." said Tali as she steps forward and proceeds to take off her faceplate. "Right now, I have this."
Normandy's comms. room, Tikkun system, heading towards Maethrillian
"Commander Shepard, I understand you've helped resolve the situation with the geth," stated Councilor Tevos.
"Yes," confirmed Shepard," Two in fact, and a third on the way."
"I've read the reports. You ended a war three centuries in the making, and helping to solidify the first intergalactic alliance ever."
"Had a lot of help."
"We have isolated pockets of remaining geth. As best we can tell, they are geth bodies loaded with Reaper code. But they are just a tiny fragment of the full geth fleet. You've done the impossible, Commander. And I may be able to provide help of my own. I have received information from my government. It's too sensitive to discuss over an unsecured channel."
"We can discuss this once our Alliance with the UEG/UNSC is finalized."
"Yes, that would be best, Commander. I'll be waiting for you in the former Councilor Udina's office," said Councilor Tevos as She cuts the fed and ends the call.
"I wouldn't meet there. Cerberus most likely used him to get control of the Citadel through the thirst of power, or blackmail. That room is likely bugged head to toe," stated Void just after the Councilor hangs up.
"Were you just spying on me?"
"Sorry, a force of habit. My statement still stands."
"I'll take note of that. What's the ETA to Maethrillian?" asked Shepard as she makes her way out of the comes room to the Security checkpoint with Miss Traynor calling over comms," Commander, Admiral Hackett is available on vid comm."
"Ten minutes, Commander," replied EDI as Shepard goes towards the cockpit where everyone is crowded around Joker and EDI.
"It looks like a giant egg. Strange shape for a space station, but it's bigger than the Citadel by miles!" exclaimed James as she takes in Maethrillian in on it's the size to the Citadel and Omega.
"Size is not everything. It must be functional to serve a purpose. Something this big isn't on the functionality list. Just look at it! It's a pale white, giant egg in space! It's impractical," snorted Javik in frustration of being around more stupid machines.
"Your being really touchy Javik. Why so angry at the Forerunners and UEG? Jealous that they have a bigger space station and maybe bigger ships?" teased Ashley.
"Maethrillian to Normandy. Do you read?" ordered an unknown voice over comms.
"This is Normandy to Maethrillian. We read you," replied Joker.
"Sending coordinates to Shipyard 0196, Docking Bay 78. Coordinates sent to Normandy's ancilla. How copy?" stated Helix Sole.
"Acknowledge," replied EDI until she was asked another question.
"Ancilla EDI, does Normandy's crew easily get motion sickness?"
"Most of them should be okay. Why do you ask?"
"I'll get the mop," sighed Helix as she hangs up on the horn.
"This is a pretty long tunnel," said Joker as he states the obvious and sees a light at the end of the tunnel.
The tunnel quickly became unbearably bright and EDI had to take control for a second as they came to giant, geometrical, smooth, silver-gray buildings that went on for miles. Unlike on the Citadel, where you could possibly see the end of the building complex of the Citadel. With Maethrillian you couldn't. It stretched on for miles in all directions. A view like this was to die for. They couldn't get too far into the city as EDI had to keep control has Joker stared out in amazement. Turning right and going a few dozen miles they could see some ships in the shipyard. All of them were bigger than the Normandy. The eight all black ships at least three hundred meters long, seventy-five meters tall, and one hundred eighty meters wide. It was a big girl, a Stealth heavy frigate or light destroyer was what came to mind on the ship's design to Joker. Then there was the giant silver-gray cruisers, docked right next to them.
"Uh Dock Control, I don't see a docking clamp?"
"We do not use physical docking clamps. We gravity locks and hardlight bridges. Please continue docking bay 78, Normandy," replied Helix.
Surely enough, when Joker has gotten close to the docking stop, and Normandy's controls ceased and the Normandy came to a stop. Shortly after by a large orange bridge extending to the Normandy's airlock. Just as they dock Commander Shepard gets a private call over comms. from Offensive Bias, "Commander Shepard. I would like to inform that on this visit, you should not bring Prothean warrior-servant Javik with you. I know that you might ask why, but you already know. Protheans can look over individuals memories without their consent. As of Cole Protocol, the UNSC's Spartan Fireteam, Black, and Blue cannot risk the leaking of sensitive information to an ally, or otherwise. Thank you for your time, Commander." Shepard forgot about that little detail about Javik, but, 'How do they know about that' thought Shepard as she thinks it over on who to bring with her to Maethrillian.
"Commander Shepard, We are docked and going through decontamination," said EDI.
"Liara, Garrus, Ashley, Tali, and Vega, you're with me," ordered Shepard. The walk really wasn't that far as the team was crowded in the cockpit to Joker's discomfort. The first thing they saw was the orange hue of the bridge as Garrus nervously touches it, "Solid as a rock. Just no idea how they even do just use 'Hardlight'. Just what even is it?" stated Garrus as he cautiously moves further down the bridge to finally notice the floating light bulb and the eight Aggressor-class sentinels beside Helix Sole on both sides. They were waiting patiently for Shepard's team arrival. Finally arriving at the end of the bridge they were greeted by the monitor of the Maethrillian installation. "Greetings! I am Monitor-class Ancilla 609 Helix Sole, monitor and controller of this installation, Maethrillian. Please follow me from to the designated meeting area," said Helix as she opens a portal to the Council building on another floor of Maethrillian.
"What is that? Some kind of teleportation device?" questioned Liara as she is fascinated by everything the Forerunners have built.
"Yes, it is. Just try to hold down your lunch."
"Wait!? What!? Will this make us sick if we go through!?" asked Tali nervously. She still didn't recover from her mask removal on Rannoch.
"No. That would be motion sickness, and yes we do have technology that could help you Quarian if you have the misfortune to throw up your lunch in your suit."
"Oh come Sparks. It's just a little sudden motion. It can't be that bad," said James Vega cheering up Tali to come with them.
"Fine," she said as she is the first to go through followed up by the Commander, Ashley, Vega, Garrus, and Liara. On their arrival to their location, everyone was either leaning on the walls to get themselves reaccustomed to the feeling of the ground below them. Some of Shepard's team was even dry heaving on the ground. Thankfully no one threw up and Helix doesn't need to clean up the mess. As Shepard and team got back their bearings and stop dry heaving. Helix Sole guided them to a meeting room with the warrior-servants. Coming to a very large hardlight door and stopped by Helix Sole, " This is the meeting room, pseudo-reclaimer. I wish you the best of luck."
"You're not coming with us," asked Shepard.
"No. I am the piloting captain of Maethrillian, and Chief Engineer of her shipyards, armory, and environmental manager."
"What should I know about the Spartan fireteams?"
"They are touchy about their real names and will only give rank, designation code, and Fireteam affiliation. Think of it as Hanar names, face names and private names. They do not share it with anyone outside of high ranking officers and fellow Warrior-servants, or Spartans. You or the Asari, Liara T'soni, most likely found out that some of the gaps in history are covered up. Fear not, all of that will be resolved."
"Was there a reason for this cover-up?" asked Shepard just asking to get more information out of them and not hoping to get some information covered in black ink.
"Spartans just got out of a devasting first contact with the Covenant. Leaving hundreds of worlds glassed, and billions dead. Aliens are seen with suspicion and as possibly hostile life forms. They were in the said war for the entire duration, so talking a lot is out of the question and will give them a hoarse throat if not hydrated. On another note, Humans, and aliens rarely get along."
'I hope they are not xenophobes towards aliens that did no wrong in their war with the Covenant,' said Shepard before asking another question, "If that's the case. Then why come here?"
"They come because of the Mantle demands it," stated Helix.
'Was that war so bad that they came ultra-religious with the protection of their livelihood that they came up with the Mantle to justify heinous acts to lawbreakers of the Mantle,' thought Shepard of their conditions with aliens, "Is there anymore AIs outside you, Void, and Offensive that we will be meeting."
"Yes, Metarch-class Ancilla CTN-0452-9, Cortana is the attache to Blue Team, Metarch-class Ancilla LIT 5407-2, Metarch-class, Lilith is the attache to Black Team, and finally Metarch-class Ancilla Heirloom of Life, Commander of the soon to be Maethrillian Defense fleet."
"Thank you, Helix Sole."
"Your welcome pseudo-reclaimer," said Helix Sole as she leaves through a portal, back to her post to finish the designs of the energy weapon based UNSC ships. There were some major issues with the power source to the size of the vessel. All vessel might have to be massively scaled up if they wanted the ships done in a reasonable time frame.
Walking near the hardlight doors instantly made them dissolve away as Shepard and her team entered the room and have it close behind them. The meeting room is a large almost oval shape room with a giant circular hardlight table floating in the middle of the room. Sitting at the far end of the large table was eight very large, tall, and tough looking mechs if you had no idea what you were looking at. 'How can humans be that tall!? What type of augmentations did they get?' thought Shepard, looking amazed by the Spartans' size. They were indeed, in fact, nine feet tall in their armor and possibly just a little bit shorter outside their armor. What was even more fascinating was their armor. Oh, how Shepard and Tali were jealous of their suits. Shepard was infatuated by the armor, 'Jesus Christ! That armor looks like it could tank dreadnought level orbital strikes!' thought Shepard as she examines the large, blocky and bulky armor of the Indomitable-class Mjolnir armor of Otto. 'Keelah! That armor! I need one of those!' thought Tali has she examines Roma's slender, light-weight, and deadly COPPERHEAD Mjolnir-GEN 2. But that was all of the people in the room, no other AIs present.
"Commander," snapped all of the Spartans in a crisp salute.
"At ease," replied Shepard with a salute as they all sat down in quite comfortable chairs and the Spartans sat back down. 'Am I the higher ranking human officer.' "Thank you for Meeting us on such short notice. I was told by Ancilla Void that you would help to form an alliance with us. I'm here to get the basic structure of this alliance. And.." was all that Shepard could say before she interrupted by the Spartan with a weird optical lenses helmet.
"Before we get into the basics. Let's get the introduction out of the way and skip the political bullshit," stated the now known female Spartan.
Shepard obliged, "Commander Shepard, Xavierra Sophia of the Systems Alliance N7 Program, Citadel Specter, former Cerberus operative, and Commanding Officer of SSV-Normandy SR2 heavy stealth frigate," stated the Commander proudly as she was followed by Ashley.
"Lieutenant Commander Williams, Ashley Madeline of the Systems Alliance Marine Corps, Citadel Specter, and XO of the SSV-Normandy SR2."
"Lieutenant Vega, James of the Systems Alliance Marine Corps, Weaponsmith attache of the SSV-Normandy SR2," stated James as followed by Liara. "Scientist and Intelligence Specialist, Doctor Liara T'soni, an attache of the SSV-Normandy SR2."
"General Vakarian, Garrus of the Hierarchy Military, Ship-to-ship weapons Specialist, attache to the SSV-Normandy SR2," stated Garrus as he was followed up by Tali. "Admiral Tali'Zorah nar Rayya vas Normandy, Tech Specialist, an attache of the SSV-Normandy SR2."
Maethrillian, Arrival, Councilor Room 027, Spartans POV
"They do look like bastardized Elites!" exclaimed Roma over private comms. to everyone in surprise of the Turians likeness to the Elites.
"Just as ugly, though," replied Kelly unmoved by them.
"Look at the one in the suit Lilith. What do Quarians look like under their suits?" asked Linda in curiosity.
"Very humanoid. their legs, lack of hair that this not on their heads, and very pale purplish skin and eyes," answered Lilith.
"I would imagine that a lot of marines and helljumpers wouldn't be against getting real 'friendly' with the Asari if they were here to meet," added Cortana as Kelly spoked up to skip the political bullshit. As they finish their introduction John was the first to speak with his deep voice.
"Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Sierra-117, Spartan-II Commando of the UNSC Naval Special Warfare Command, Team Leader of Spartan Fireteam: Blue. To my left is my Sub-Leader Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sierra-104, Sparta-II Commando, Petty Officer, First Class, Sierra-087, Spartan-II Commando, and Petty Officer, First Class, Sierra-058, Spartan-II Commando."
"Chief Petty Officer, Sierra-053, Spartan-II Commando of the Office of Naval Intelligence, Leader of Spartan Fireteam: Black. To my right is Sub-Leader Petty Officer, First Class, Sierra-143, Spartan-II Commando of ONI. Petty Officer, Second Class, Sierra-031, Spartan-II Commando of ONI. Petty Officer, Second Class, Sierra-101, Spartan-II Commando of ONI."
"First thing first. Safety of Civvies. We will allow any civvies stay on Maethrillian until the end of the war, it's conclusion, and most likely the reconstruction of the Galactic Alliance's home planets, star systems, and travel. They will be able to roam free through Maethrillian with little issues; Furthermore, we, of course, will able to shelter, feed, house, medical, and clothe them. We have quotas to fill if there is a catastrophic end to all of each species. Then the end result will be a massive safe harbor to all species on her," said Linda as her voice starts being hoarse at the end and gets rougher.
"We have protocols for that. We will send after this meeting in full detail," added Margaret.
"Military is the mainstay of this Alliance. Once we talk with all of the Generals and Admirals of all respective species. We will act on some of our premade plans and strategy to deal with the Reapers. At the moment we have only one fleet. Once we are firmly establishing ourselves and start building more ships, we can start organizing battles on multiple fronts. We, of course, will be on the ground, taking heavily fortified positions, and espionage on enemy troops of Reaper forces or Cerberus forces. We will also send in hundreds if not millions of Knights to help in Allied ground forces, up to, tanks, artillery, mortars, APCs, IFVs, gunships, bombers, and mobile command centers," stated Otto as he wasn't a spartan to really get a hoarse throat like many others.
"We can't do much for the building of this crucible, but we can greatly alleviate the pressure the Reapers are putting on you. The trading of technology is out of the question. You will have to make do to advance to our level yourself. We will aid massively in the medical department," stated John, rounding things off.
"Any questions in particular to any subject discussed, Commander and company," asked Linda as Lilith, Cortana, Heirloom of Life, and Offensive Bias makes an appearance in their own avatars except for Offensive Bias with his chassis and gave them their introduction.
"As Admiral of the Migrant Fleet, I wish to know more on the medical side of your technology. Will Quarians be safe and able to perform suit maintenance. And on another note is food. How are you even able to feed anyone that's not human?" asked a curious and fascinated Tali.
"We have advanced sterile field generators for that situation, and any other species. Food, we have perfected the technology of food replicators and can make anything to our designed liking. And yes we already have a lot of each species food cataloged since our arrival," answered Cortana.
"Your Knights. What are they exactly and how many do you have?" questioned Garrus.
"The Knights are our frontline shocktroopers. They are the Smart AIs with hardlight digital bodies, carry a Hardlight weapon in one hand, and a Hardlight melee weapon in the other. We have around one hundred twenty billion Knights of varies classes," answered Cortana.
'Jesus Christ! That's a lot,' thought Shepard as she asked her own question," We known you been in the galaxy for a very long time and most likely have a lot of knowledge on the capabilities of Element zero. Would it be possible to get more advanced technology of element zero?"
"Yes. You already have some of the upgrades for your weapon systems, warship systems, and Omni-tool upgrades. We can artificially create element zero reserves for the Citadel Alliance if need be," responded Cortana.
"What!?" yelled Shepard and her team. It was a real shock to get the knowledge and technology to artificially create element zero. That opened a lot of other doors and horrors to the team.
"Wait! Element zero can be artificially created!? How's that possible!?" exclaimed Ashley.
"Element zero is in on itself an artificial element. Nothing like this can be naturally occurring with a mass of 'zero'. The Reapers artificially create it by mimicking an area of any element to a supernova's energy and *bam* element zero!" answered Cortana.
The team was dumbfounded by this information. The Reaper trap just keeps getting bigger and bigger, but wait! "If the Reapers artificially creates eezo, then there is a limited supply eezo in the galaxy!" proclaimed Shepard in the realization of the fact if they win they won't be a refresh in the supply of eezo.
"That pseudo-reclaimer is true. But there is still large quantities of this element throughout the galaxy. It would be paramount to have the knowledge of this in your hands and start as soon as the research for it has started. The method of which eezo is created is not easy in any sense of the word. Very much complex mathematics, physics, mineral engineering, and some newly made mathematics. This isn't something that is done overnight," replied Offensive.
"Can we get this mathematics and physics and other knowledge of this to the Salarian Union. They will know that this knowledge would a goddess sent if they can do it," said Liara, still recording the conversation. Of course, this was known beforehand, but did not warrant to tell her to stop.
"It will be sent to your private terminal Doctor."
"This space station that you came with does house a pretty little fleet for something I thought on first sight would be huge. Not saying it isn't, but I thought it would have more than one cityscape. But I just want to know your fleet strength," asked Garrus as he pries for a sense of this space station.
"Maethrillian breaks into twelve different levels of inhabitation, level eight is home to our beaches and expansive forest, level seven to semi-desert regions with beaches and canyons, and level six for a rich expansive garden, forest, lake, and mountainous areas. Our single and only fleet at this time is consist of one hundred sixty-three space-worthy vessels. One Keyship-class dreadnought, One Fortress/Infinity style Super cruiser/Supercarrier, One Domination-class Super Battleship, two Infinity-class Supercarriers, five Punic-class carriers, fifteen Orion-class Assault carriers, twenty Autumn-class Light cruisers, twenty Marathon-class Heavy cruisers, ten Valiant-class Super heavy cruisers, forty Midlothian-class Heavy destroyers, fifty Strident-class Heavy frigates (A:N Does not include the twelve frigates in the Infinities), and eight Sarhara-class heavy prowler. The hybrid supercarrier/super cruiser is still under-construction and the same of the Domination-class super battleship," answered Offensive Bias.
"Oh," said Garrus as Offensive finish and registered that Maethrillian has mountains on it! 'Mountains on a Spirits Forsaken Space Station! What did we get into!?' cursed Garrus speaking to himself on this mountain on a space station! He really couldn't wrap his head around this. "That's a decent size fleet," said Garrus still trying to recover from his momentary shock.
"We are planning more fleets and task groups to deal with brush fires, but that's until later."
"You said you had military protocols and plans to share. Can we look over them?" asked Ashley as everybody's Omni-tool just pinged of receiving notification.
"I'll go over... I must leave. Something desires my attention," stated Offensive as he quickly opens a portal and leaves.
Maethrillian Central Control room
"Where are these slipspace vectors coming from? We do not have any ships in slipspace at this time," stated Offensive to Void and Helix.
"We do not know of it, but it worries me that we might be correct about this galaxy and its origins," replied a very startled Helix Sole.
"Are all ships deployed and ready for combat?" asked a rushing Contender ancilla to his dreadnought.
"Yes and there something familiar about their signal? How is this possible?"
"Helix."
"It's...The ancient Human Ecumene!" yelled Helix as the slipspace sensors confirmed the ships make and origin.
"Are you sure?"
"Indefinitely! It's them and... Ancient San'shyuum ships, lots of them. Thousands of them each!"
Andromeda galaxy, Admiral Osman's office, Unknown location
'Got damn it all to hell' yelled a very angry admiral in her head on the recent tries to investigate ONI. It all started three months ago with the disappearance of Spartan fireteam: Black and Blue. The supposed death of two highly decorated Spartan-II teams lost all within a week! Oh, High Command was not happy at all with the loss of their Spartans and John-117, the Conquering Hero, the Savior of Humanity, the Savior of the galaxy, had died. The entire human government, population, and military wanted an answer and they got them. When they came across the ONI signal with a brief explanation of Black and Blue teams' absence. They launched an intergalactic journey to stop a parasitic life form from consuming the neighboring galaxy, in exchange for the Forerunner Capitol, Maethrillian, and any ships made during the time of the campaign. That was a very valid excuse for something that would be a god sent for moral support, navy support in combat and in terraforming roles. Forerunner made ships would be a blessing. What faction could stand against a Forerunner Dreadnought and not shit themselves?
That was not the point of the Admiral Osman pissy mood, no. It's the fact that it was leaked to the public of the Spartan teams' location and goal of their mission. Covering up that story was easy, come out publicly denouncing it as false, bury the leaker, and move on. Problem was, there was no leaker and she doesn't know you did it. Thankfully the public and government eat it up as truth, good on ONI. The true problem was that the ONI ship suddenly had a thousand leaks. Thankfully they were all mundane and unclear but put enough tiny holes into a ship, it will sooner or later sink. And oh were they sinking. The government successfully vote to cut section 1 & 2 funding by a third to fund section zero to oversee any corruption in the other sections. Zero were basically breathing down her neck for every mission, spartan mission, black ops, sabotage runs, etc. They couldn't even send any supplies to the Servants of the Abiding Truth. 'If information like that got out' thought Osman as she massages her neck in the irony of what they will do 'If' they found out.'
Sooner or later something major will leak and there will be hell to pay for if that happened. Osman was planning an escape route if she had to make a run for it for the past three months. Chances of her success were slim, but there. Kilo-5 was, of course, a reliability and have to be dealt with. She had to somehow also kill Dr. Halsey when the shit hits the fan for ONI. She also knows too much. Then there was her mentor, Admiral Parangosky, that needed to be tied off. A lot of problems, but no solutions. This was not looking good...*ping ping* rang her computer. She quickly opened it to a Priority one channel, 'Something must have happened' thought Osman as she straightens up for the call from the Infinity. "Captain Lasky."
(A: N) And that's it! Thank god! I'm sorry that this took sssssoooooo long to get out, but staring at a screen all day (I have two online-only classes) is just horrible. If you didn't notice the timeline of the Haloverse is changing a bit. Some events don't happen, some happen sooner than they were in canon. But the Reclamation of the Haloverse is upon humanity and they will be tested! I hope you like the story and hope you like the upcoming new stories. From most favorite to least, story number 3 will be next followed by a tie of two and four and no votes of one (See the last chapter). Story number three won't be coming out anytime soon, but it is being developed as we speak, or as you read really, idk.
Deplorable out!