The VERY Big, Bad Universe
When Human explorers stumble into the path of a large Terminus pirate fleet, Shanxi burns first in nuclear fire in what becomes known as the 'First Contact Raid' or the 'Qingming Genocide'.
The Human Systems Alliance reels from the shock that not only is Humankind not alone in this unforgiving galaxy, it is the smallest by far.
Now, having joined the Citadel Council Accord for protection, the Alliance and Council perform a balancing act between its members, as integration into the galactic community is fraught with scandals and perils for the bite sized Human race.
(I do not own mass effect, nor any of its characters, places, locations etc.)
A/N/
I had planned to update this fairly regularly but just about the day after the first chapter, I got made redundant from my job, meaning all my free time has now gone into finding work. If anyone cares, that means this'll be sporadic at best. That's life I guess.
"The facts lead me to believe that the Human race was in danger; that our worst fears had been realised.
An Alien race had decedent upon a powerless civilian populace, engaging in such wanton cruelty and depravity, a veritable genocide the likes of which had only been seen in our darkest hours.
You didn't see what they were doing in those camps! What they were doing to people with no chance of fighting back!
The only course left to me was to enact the 'Sore Looser' protocol.
Now they're gone...
I should have done it sooner. They would have thanked me by God...
Every man, every woman.
Every child..."
'General Williams at his war-crimes trial for enacting the 'Sore Looser Protocol': the complete nuclear annihilation of a world in case of first contact bent upon Human extermination.'
'(See First Contact Raid and Sore Looser Protocol)'
'Though his actions were deemed "Justifiable" by the court, he was honourably discharged and has retired in seclusion on Mindor.'
Chapter 1
"An offer you can't refuse..."
Garrus liked to think he was good at what he did.
He liked C-Sec. There were good people in it.
It was a worthy cause, even if it was difficult at times. Maintaining peace on what was essentially the most important area of the galaxy, with millions of sentients with different and often opposing cultures was never easy, but he had the training for it.
Being a soldier? The Hierarchy had trained him for that.
Being a C-Sec officer? Citadel Security had trained him for that.
Being good at his job? His mentor Lynuss had trained him for that.
Dealing with an overly affectionate, hammered, semi-naked Krogan on the presidium?
There was no training for that.
Lynuss snickered behind him, failing miserably to keep herself quiet while the Krogan female fawned drunkingly on Garrus as he half helped, half carried her to the pair's hovervan, away from Matriarch Mari Ji'kay's 'quiet party'.
"Just some old friends I knew from my Maiden days." Mar Ji'kay had explained, having the decency to look very embarrassed to C-Sec officers interviewing her. "We didn't plan to go skinny dipping in the presidium lake, it just sort of happened."
The other squad had taken one look at the group and the pulled seniority, taking in the Asari Matriarchs.
"Three powerful Asari biotics, against one Krogan female? We're doing you a favour." Severus had told them with a remarkable straight face, as his partner Cato had laughed heartily behind him. Lynuss had then pulled seniority on Garrus, having him take the Krogan to the van while she spent 10 minutes fishing out the Krogan's clothing. It would have only taken 1, but she enjoyed seeing Garrus get fawned over.
"I like Turians." The Krogan slurred, as she stumbled forwards, practically on top of Garrus. "Always so uptight! But find the right places to tweak and you can make em' roll over like a varren pup!" She yelled drunkenly.
"Ma'am, please, just do as I say and we can get this over with nice and quickly." Garrus pleaded.
"I'll do whatever you say officer... Just so long as it's not quick." She purred into Garrus' ear canal. Lynuss had given up the small measure of subtly she had remaining and was laughing loudly at the pair as Garrus attempted fruitlessly to heave the Krogan towards their van. Having had her fun, Lynuss finally helped Garrus heave the Krogan female into the van as she babbled incoherently. She went quietly, relatively, sprawling out on the floor of the van. Garrus sat himself in the passenger seat of the van as Lynuss started it up and began the short drive to nearest C-Sec station. Rotating his arm to work out the kink in the shoulder socket that came with propping up a 400 pound Krogan female, Garrus relaxed into the chair, relieved that his shift was nearly over.
"I think you two make a wonderful pair." Lynuss said, getting into the driver's seat.
"Funny." He muttered to her snickering.
The presidium was beginning to brighten as the holographic sky that served the day and night cycle for the Citadel turned towards morning. In an hour or so the denizens inhabiting the colossal station would begin their various morning rituals and then go about their day. Hopefully clueless as to the adventures of the ill-fated party of Mari Ji'kay.
Lynuss disabled the 'sky' view on the viewscreens, ridding the screen of the holographic sky - at least from their own van's perspective - to see the inside of the Citadel's arms. Civilian traffic ran in orderly lines from arm to arm, into and from the Serpent Nebula. Skycar shoals flitted in between these lines as their advanced VI's guided them safely from destination to destination. Inter-spaced between these lines were the no-fly zones and the flag-waving patrols of the Citadel Fleet. The myriad coalition of void vessels tasked with defending the Citadel swarmed closer to the Citadel than usual, it was not often that those vessels came inside the Citadel's arms. The reason for this shift in behaviour came in the form of a fleet of new vessels who's designs and inhabitants - until last week - were previously unknown to the galaxy at large.
One of the fleets of the newly discovered Human Systems Alliance rested in the arms of the Citadel, a small, but no less deadly armada that had the Citadel Fleet on high alert, like a varren in the klixen's nest.
After the scare that had occurred when the 217th Patrol flotilla had found the Human vessels conducting search and rescue in their Shanxi system beyond the newly activated Border Relay #314, Humanity had been dominating the headlines of Citadel space for a while. Their size notwithstanding, the Human race was as dangerous as they come.
Part of what had the news all aflutter was that their fleet numbers alone could match the Salarian's in all but dreadnoughts, even then it was almost assured that the Humans would win a 1 on 1 void war.
The laws of element zero were constant: vessels could only be certain sizes and dreadnoughts were as big as they came. Human bodies were less than half as small as the average Turian, this meant that their vessels had more than twice the room for shields, armaments and armour than the rest of the galaxy's void vessels. With the exception of dreadnoughts, Human vessels virtually outmatch every opponent in the corresponding class in all areas save for technology and engines. Human dreadnoughts still had a great deal more armour and broadside cannons, but their main gun would be roughly the same size as their Citadel counterpart and less technologically powerful.
Thankfully, the Council had convinced them to join the Citadel Accord - at least temporarily. To think that the Citadel and Humans had almost had a war... His sister would never let him live that down.
Still, between their void navy and the fact that they blew up one of their own planets with 6 million of their own people on it, the other races of the galaxy all wanted the Humans pacified one way or another, lest the galaxy suffer another Krogan rebellions.
Reminding himself of Krogan, Garrus brought up his omnitool to look through the various documents that he would fill out in regards to an arrest. A priority message icon flashed on his omnitool before he could search. Surprised, Garrus opened it only to find out that it was from Commander Ferus, head of C-Sec on the Presidium, detailing that he should make his way to Ferus' offices as soon as possible.
Lynuss glanced towards Garrus, suspicious of the male and what he had read that had gotten him grinning so.
"What is it?" She asked.
"Orders. I've got to see Ferus when we land."
"And why is that a good thing?"
Garrus said nothing, though he lay back, got comfortable and relaxed for the remaining journey, much to Lynuss's growing concern. 'As soon as possible' meant he wouldn't have to book the Krogan.
That would be all Lynuss's job.
When the pair arrived at C-Sec Presidium, Garrus waved to the now swearing Lynuss as the smaller female struggled with the amorous Krogan who had revealed herself to be bisexual and just as enamoured with Lynuss as she had been with Garrus.
Garrus made his way through the station dodging the few officers, civilians and detainees that were around at this much too early hour. Coming to the Commander's office, he knocked on the door and entered when he heard the order shouted at him through the door.
Commander Ferus stood with a pair of Turian C-Sec personnel and an Asari in custom gear. One of the Turians was unknown to him, but the other Turian was non other than Executor Pallin. The Asari was different, the only people able to be this heavily armed with non-standard issue equipment in the middle of C-Sec Presidium would probably be a SPECTRE. He wondered briefly why she was here before he noticed the other figures in the room.
Several armed and armoured mammalian creatures noticed his entry, ballistic rifles held at ease and without hostile intent. Almost all of them wore face-covering helmets, though the leader of the pack of Humans had her own on display. The Human ambassador they were escorting was attired in a dark blue version of what Garrus assumed was formal wear. The Humans collectively seemed to measure around 6 feet on average, standing at just shy of chest height to a Volus and around waist height on Garrus's 12 and a half.
"Officer Vakarian, may I present Ambassador Anita Doyle, of the Human Systems' Alliance." Executor Pallin motioned towards the Human. Garrus was thrown off balance when he realised he had no idea about Human greetings or customs. He fell back on ingrained Hierarchy training and saluted to the woman.
"Ambassador." Garrus said.
"Officer Vakarian, it's a pleasure to meet you." Ambassador Doyle smiled pleasantly. Though she was an alien, and a unique one at that, she had a disarming presence about her. It was easy to see why the Human Systems Alliance had picked her for the job.
"The Ambassador and her subordinates have concluded their negotiations with their Citadel counterparts. The Systems Alliance will be entering a trial period of admittance into associate status with the Citadel Council Accord within the week." Pallin announced.
Garrus shifted slightly, uneasy. He was pleased of course with the result, but this meeting seemed to be way above his pay.
"With the fullmost respect Ambassador, and you Executor, could you paint yourselves?" He asked the two.
Doyle faltered at the unknown Turian idiom, looking to Pallin to explain.
"It means to put your clan markings on; to be forthright and honest. He wants to know why he's here." Doyle gave an 'ah' in acknowledgement and continued.
"With the signing, Humans will be allowed to wonder freely, as with every associate species. Most importantly however, Human vessels will be stationed throughout Citadel space, aiding patrols and targeting pirates and the like. Their goal will be supporting Turian and other Citadel ships in keeping Citadel space secure."
This caught Garrus by surprise. The news had labelled Humans as isolationist, xenophobic and warlike. For them to be so willing to allow their citizens to journey freely through Citadel space and then lend more than the amount of their void vessels to the Citadel than the Council asked for was unheard of of a new species - even the friendlier ones.
"That's very generous of the Alliance." Garrus acknowledged.
Doyle nodded diplomatically in response. "A necessary compromise, the Alliance has 1 dreadnought too many under the Treaty of Farixen. Alone, it wouldn't be too too much of a problem, but we've also began work on another after the attack on Shanxi. The Systems Alliance is unwilling to scrap it, or the other fleet expansions due to costs and the uncertainty of the future." She explained.
"But that still doesn't explain why you need me." Garrus reminded them.
"Indeed so, may I present Commander Shepard of the Alliance Navy." Doyle motioned to the lead of her escort, who stepped forwards allowing Garrus to get a better look.
Her head hair was red-brown and bunched up in some sort of ball, a slender face and high cheekbones gave birth to bright glowing orange eyes that must have been cybernetics. These glowing eyes watched him unnervingly like a predator.
They were sizing him up properly now, her face was carefully neutral as far as Garrus could tell - lacking the easy smile of Ambassador Doyle.
"Officer Vakarian." She said stoically.
"Commander."
"With the soon influx of Humans on Citadel installations, both the Alliance and the Citadel Council are worried about how Human physical and cultural limitations will impact our integration into the galactic community. Though we doubt xenophobes would be willing to live in the heartland of galactic co-operation and multiculturalism, it is no secret that there is a sizeable anti-alien sentiment within the Alliance that is wrongly directed at the Citadel. Nor the anti-Human sentiment within the Citadel species who are worried that Humans are going to start blowing up planets."
"Other people's planets." The Asari chirped in helpfully, earning a glare from the Executor that could freeze helium. Doyle had the skills to keep her face neutral but Garrus grinned before he stop himself. Thankfully going unnoticed with the Executor staring at the Asari.
Shepard too was grinning in same toothy manner he had often seen with Asari, though Garrus noticed that Humans had a pair of fangs for eating meat, whereas Asari teeth were all blunt. It was the first measure of emotion Garrus had seen on her, it seemed she wasn't as much a VI as he thought. She noticed him looking at her and chastised herself, though she no longer seemed as defiant or cold as before.
"As I was saying, The Systems Alliance have asked for Human liaisons with C-Sec, partially to help mitigate the damage that will come with unfavourable elements clashing against each other, partially to see just how Humans can fit into galactic society."
"Human C-Sec officers." Garrus deadpanned in disbelief. The idea seemed ridiculous. The Human soldiers in the escort were obviously lethal, taut and lean with their sleek ballistic weapons, but for all their lethality with guns and in the void, Humans could not wrangle drunk Krogan females into the back of hovervans.
Doyle ignored Garrus' flagrant dismissal of Human abilities just as Garrus ignored Pallin's glare at Garrus' lack of tact.
"The Council are calling it the 'Integration Programme'. As the 'guardian', you will have the right to suspend and even abort your own and Shepard's parts in the programme at a whim. You will have to report weekly on how Shepard fits within C-Sec both as an individual and as a Human. After a couple of months we will be able to move forwards depending on the collective reports from others in the programme, even assuming the Systems Alliance decides to stay within the Citadel Accord."
It was clear to all that Garrus remained unconvinced. His immediate silence made it obvious that he wanted to say no, but that he simply was trying to put it in as polite a manner as possible, until Pallin made a suggestion.
"Perhaps a demonstration?" He offered.
Garrus looked at him questioningly.
"20 Credits says you can't arrest her."
Garrus disgraced himself in front of the other Turians with the lack of control over his sub-vocals as he let out such a warble that he wasn't sure that the non-Turians didn't hear it. The idea of the Executor putting down a bet - let alone one so ridiculous, was incredulous.
Doyle and her escort seemed to think he had accepted the challenge and positioned themselves back, leaving Shepard out in the open for Garrus. Doyle stood next to Pallin, her face serene and patient, the helmeted ones were obviously speaking to each other on internal comms, about what Garrus could only speculate.
He was suddenly unsure; were Humans venomous? They had those two fangs, but he was so sure that those were for eating meat. As he stepped forwards he was put off by her confidence. She had raised her arms to cover her face and one of her legs were put forwards for balance. Regardless of her stance, Garrus couldn't foresee any formidable way for her to resist him, yet she remained confident. Garrus cautiously approached the mammal as both parties looked on in silent apprehension. He stalked forwards, arms held out low for striking or swiping, trying to adapt his stance to fight a child-sized being. It felt better to think of her as being the size of a small 15'er. 15'ers Regularly trained against fully fledged soldiers all the time.
When he was poised, he swiftly advanced on her with the speed that Turians were famous for and lashed out with his left foot in a viscous kick to her legs. There was the telltale deep rumbling sound and Garrus realised he had made a mistake. His foot connected with hers and felt for all the world like he had just kicked a tank.
He withdrew quickly and held his hands up to signal his unwillingness to go further. Turian tactics with biotics were to surround and swarm, 1 on 1 hand to hand engagements were essentially suicidal.
Shepard also relaxed herself, standing upright and folding her arms to show she was likewise willing to end the demonstration. Doyle nodded her satisfaction and even the Asari looked impressed. With the exception of barriers, biotics were invariably used as an offensive weapon. Upping your own mass to make yourself as solid as possible was an rare ability. The demonstration showed a level of control over her biotics that was staggering.
So, the Human would be covered in a fight at least. If she knew her laws, then he couldn't see a reason that she couldn't do it. Spirits, it would be something to tell his kids. He loved a challenge.
"You said I can change my mind at any time?" Garrus asked Pallin. He nodded in return.
"Alright then." He turned to the diminutive woman in front of him. "I guess we're partners then." He said to Shepard, who smiled once more in the same unsettling toothy grin.
Lynuss was going to explode when she found out.
Good morning viewers, welcome to the Citadel News Network, I'm Nora L'Himo. The Human Systems Alliance embassy will officially open tomorrow on the Citadel despite protests and a universal petition which was submitted to the Council last week demanding that the Human Systems Alliance be barred from the Citadel Council Accord on the grounds of Humans being inherently violent and incomparable with galactic peace. The opening will go ahead under heavy C-Sec protection despite several threats against the embassy and it's staff.
The opening will be presided by Councillors Tevos and Sparatus alongside the Alliance's recently elected President Arjun Jain. Councillor Valern will not be attending the opening, sending his adjutant and hopeful successor Marr Esheel in his place, as he is attending his late Dalatrass' funeral and new Dalatrass' coronation on Aegohr. The opening ceremony will be a Human tradition in which a ribbon will be cut simultaneously by both Petty Officer Solana Vakarian and Admiral Steven Hackett, the two namesakes of the Hackett-Vakarian Concords.
On related news, Alliance void vessels will be seen throughout Citadel space, either acting with or independently of other Citadel war vessels in routine patrols, anti-piracy, search and rescue and other such operations within Citadel space and on its borders. To help Human voidfarers with the new realities of Citadel space, the Council has announced the formation of the 'Integration Programme', in which individual Humans will be paired up with an experienced local law enforcement officer to help with interactions between Human voidfarers and local laws, customs and populations.
The Citadel has released a statement saying that though members of the public are free to interact with the new Human officers as they would any member of law enforcement, that they do as without interfering in their duties.
Onto other news-
