True Strength Chapter 03: First Contact - Quarians, a mass effect fanfic

Anything I borrowed/modified from Star Wars, Star Trek, EVE Online, DUST 514, and d20 Future belong to the owners of those Intellectual Properties.
I borrowed/modified A LOT of shit.
I welcome feedback, but keep it civil.

'These are thoughts'
"These are verbal communications"
"These are verbal communications via radio, intercom, etc"
'[ These are mental communications via synaptic interface ]'
'[ These are verbal communications via synaptic interface ]'

Chapter 03: First Contact – Quarians

Terran Date: December 05, 2157
Terran Standard Time: 03:37
Cluster: Armstrong Nebula
System: Unnamed - Temporary Alliance Designation - AN 01

A small task group of three old and battered frigates enter the deserted system. They quickly and efficiently form up. The lead frigate's commanding officer, Captain Zaal'Koris vas Kialiem, stands next to the tactical station being manned by, Lieutenant Xera vas Kialiem.

As he studies the display, Captain Koris questions, "Have we lost them?"

"No contacts detected; I believe we've lost them for now Captain. Bosh'et pirates!" spits a tense Lieutenant Xera as her fingers expertly manipulate her console to increase the scanner's range.

Captain Koris activates his omni-tool and enters some coordinates, "Inform the Migrant Fleet of our situation and position. Instruct the survey group to set course for the coordinates I'm uploading; once there we'll inspect the damage and execute emergency repairs."

The communications officer, Lieutenant Orzh replies, "The Migrant Fleet has been informed; coordinates sent; orders confirmed by survey group."

Captain Koris anxiously orders, "Engage."

The battered frigates begin limping their way into the inner system.

On the other side of the system, five ships decelerate and assume a tactical formation with the cruiser, SSV Cibeureum in the middle. The frigate SSV Troy on the left flank and the frigate SSV Ulai on the right of the SSV Cibeureum. In front of the SSV Cibeureum but slightly below is the frigate SSV Cremera. Behind the SSV Cibeureum but slightly above is the frigate SSV Thebes. The Systems' Alliance patrol fleet assumes normal cruising speed. The SSV Cibeureum's SI commander, Captain AN-192-B 'Ana,' studies a tactical map of the system.

'[ Execute standard sensor sweep ],' commands Captain Ana.

The tactical officer, Lieutenant Murdoch, initiates a sensor sweep through his synaptic interface, '[ Aye, aye ma'am; Scanning; Dormant relay detected; No other contacts detected within sensor range. ]'

Captain Ana responds, '[ Prepare to execute standard patrol route. ]'

Commander Tyson, the Cibeureum's executive officer, reports from the RRC console, '[ The patrol fleet have acknowledged orders; Standing by. ]'

'[ Execute ]', commands Captain Ana.

The small task force begins making its way deeper into the system to begin their patrol.

Six ships enter the system and form up into two task groups. Each task group consists of two frigates led by a cruiser. The task groups appear to pick-up the trail of their quarry and head deeper into the system.

Lieutenant Xera reports, "Captain, they've found us!"

"All ships set course for the relay. It's our only chance," orders Captain Koris.

The three hunted frigates begin running at an ever increasing velocity as their sublight thrusters slowly build to maximum power.

Captain Ana's head snaps up as an alarm begins to sound, '[ REPORT! ]'

'[ Perimeter Alert, Sensors registering three ... correction five ... correction nine contacts on an intercept course; Mass effect emissions and kinetic barriers detected ],' Lieutenant Murdoch announces calmly.

Captain Ana stands from her command station, '[ Identify. ]'

Lieutenant Murdoch announces, '[ Sensor profiles of the three lead contacts match those of quarian frigates. The sensor profiles of the six trailing contacts match those of four batarian frigates and two batarian cruisers. ]'

Captain Ana calmly commands, '[ Transmit the following message to Alliance Command on Priority Channel Omega 1. ]'

The communication's officer, Lieutenant Ericsson, announces, '[ Aye, aye ma'am, Priority Channel Omega 1 confirmed; Ready to transmit. ]'

'[ Alliance Command, this is Captain Ana of the SSV Cibeureum. Sitrep follows – six batarian vessels in pursuit of three quarian frigates. We will intercept. ]'

Lieutenant Ericsson affirms, '[ Sitrep transmission confirmed. ]'

Captain Ana stern orders, '[ Sound General Quarters. ]'

A klaxon begins to sound throughout the ship as Lieutenant Ericsson announces, '[ General Quarters. All hands to stations. This is NOT a drill, I repeat, this is NOT a drill. ]'

The ship explodes with activity as the crew rushes to man their stations with thoroughly practiced ease.

Commander Tyson reports from the RRC, '[ The fleet has acknowledged General Quarters. ]'

Lieutenant Murdoch reports, '[ General Quarters confirmed; all stations secured and ready. ]'

'[ The fleet reports that all stations secured and ready ],' announces Commander Tyson.

The visibly upset Lieutenant Xera glances up from her console, "Captain, Reading faint energy signatures at 50,000 kilometers dead ahead."

Captain Koris responds with apprehension, "Pirates?"

"Unknown Captain, if they are we're finished," declares Lieutenant Xera.

Lieutenant Murdoch glances up from his console and reports, '[ Contacts increasing speed and maintaining an intercept course. ]'

Captain Ana remains calm as she issues a string of orders, '[ Inform the fleet to stand-by; Open a channel to all approaching contacts on all frequencies and transmit the following message. ]'

Commander Tyson declares, '[ Aye, aye ma'am; The fleet is standing by. ]'

'[ Aye, aye ma'am; Channel open on all frequencies; Ready to transmit ]', announces Lieutenant Ericsson.

Lieutenant Murdoch reports, '[ Contacts are entering visual range; Transferring the image to the main screen and RRC. ]'

'[ Attention approaching vessels, this is Captain Ana of the Systems' Alliance cruiser SSV Cibeureum. You have entered Systems' Alliance space without authorization. You will bring your ships to a halt and set your maneuvering thrusters to station keeping. Any act of hostility will be met with lethal force ],' announces Captain Ana.

'[ Transmission confirmed ],' announces Lieutenant Ericsson.

The bridge crew eagerly watches the screen as the battered frigates come into view. Some gasp as the pursuing contacts open fire on the beleaguered frigates.

Lieutenant Murdoch reports, '[ The three lead vessels are being fired upon! ]'

'[ Transmit the following sitrep to Alliance Command. Sitrep follows – The batarian vessels are firing upon the quarian vessels after being warned; Initiating combat ],' states Captain Ana.

Lieutenant Ericsson answers, '[ Sitrep transmission confirmed. ]'

Captain Ana begins issuing a string of orders, '[ Divert power from all non-critical systems to weapons; Set particle beams to standard fire mode; Load standard torpedoes; Stand-by on chaff torpedoes. Frigates, Divert power from all non-critical systems to weapons; Set particle beams to standard fire mode; Load APEM torpedoes; Stand-by on chaff torpedoes. ]'

'[ Aye, aye ma'am; All power diverted; Standard fire mode confirmed; Standard torpedoes confirmed; Chaff torpedoes on stand-by ], acknowledges Lieutenant Murdoch.

'[ The fleet has acknowledged orders; Fleet standing by ]', declares Commander Tyson.

Lieutenant Xera reports, "Captain, the unknown contact is entering into visual range."

Captain Koris takes a calming breath, "Let's see them."

As the Alliance cruiser and frigates appear on their screen, the bridge crew glances at each other in puzzlement. No quarian had ever seen a ship of this design before. Its shape and coloring are entirely new to them.

Captain Koris queries, "Who the hell are they?!"

"Unknown captain. Silhouettes match nothing we've seen. No mass effect emissions or kinetic barriers detected. Even though we are in visual range, the ship is barely putting out any detectable emissions," replies Lieutenant Xera.

Lieutenant Orzh pipes up excitedly, "Captain! We're receiving a transmission from the unknown vessel. It's … in Khelish. They've attached language translation module for a previously unknown language."

Captain Koris responds with incredulity, "What?! How could they know our language?!"

Lieutenant Orzh studies the transmission further, "The language translation module is clean; no viruses detected; uploading now."

Captain Koris urges, "Time is of the essence lieutenant. Be quick."

"Captain, the Rakka has taken damage to sub-light thrusters. They're dropping out of formation," reports Lieutenant Xera.

"Bring us about. Give them covering fire," snaps Captain Koris.

The helm officer, Lieutenant Breizh responds, "Coming about."

The bridge crew clings to their last shred of hope as the speakers crackle to life with the first words any quarian hears from the Systems' Alliance.

Captain Koris barks "Open a channel … quickly!"

"The channel is open," confirms Lieutenant Orzh.

"This is Captain Koris commanding Quarian Survey Group 3. We're non-combat vessels under attack by Batarian marauders. We're seeking direct fire support. I repeat, we're requesting immediate fire support," states the captain.

Aboard the batarian command vessel, the marauder captain receives a report from his communications specialist, "Sir, we've received a warning message from the unknown vessels. It was in batarian."

"It doesn't matter. We'll take them as well," replies the captain arrogantly.

"Sir! You need to hear this," responds the nervous communications specialist.

'[ One of their ships is damaged and falling out of formation; Remaining vessels coming about and engaging the hostile vessels ],' reports Lieutenant Murdoch.

Lieutenant Ericsson reports, '[ Ma'am, we're receiving a transmission from the lead vessel. ]'

'[ Let's hear it ]', replies Captain Ana.

Captain Ana begins issuing orders, '[ Tactical scan the batarian vessels' sub-systems for targets. Cyberwarfare, initiate systems breach; begin data mining. Comm, send the quarians an acknowledgement and then transmit the following message to the marauder vessels. Message follows – Attention batarian vessels, this is the Alliance cruiser SSV Cibeureum under the command of Captain Ana. You were warned and you chose to ignore it. Now it is time for you to learn about a little thing called consequences. ]'

Lieutenant Murdoch reports, '[ Aye, aye ma'am; Scanning for targets ]'

The SI cyberwarfare officer, Lieutenant MN-658-S 'Mann,' links directly to the SSV Cibeureum's tactical quantum computing core, '[ Aye, aye ma'am; Initiating systems breach. ]'

Lieutenant Ericsson announces, '[ Aye, aye ma'am; Both transmissions confirmed. ]'

The batarian communication specialist reports, "Sir, we're receiving a warning from the unknown vessel. I'll put it on speakers."

'[ Attention batarian vessels, this is the Alliance cruiser SSV Cibeureum under the command of Captain Ana. You were warned and you chose to ignore it. Now it is time for you to learn about a little thing called consequences. ]'

The marauder captain frowns, "Target the Alliance vessels."

The weapons specialist looks stunned, "Target lock is not working for some reason!"

Lieutenant Murdoch reports, '[ Systems scanned; Transferring tactical analysis RRC. ]'

'[ We're receiving no response from the batarian vessels ],' reports Lieutenant Ericsson.

Captain Ana studies the tactical data, '[ Frigates, initiate Aegis Maneuvers, target communications arrays with particle beams and enemy frigates with APEM torpedoes. Tactical, Target kinetic barrier generators with particle beams and target FTL propulsion with standard torpedoes; stand-by with chaff torpedoes. ]'

'[ Aye, aye ma'am; Target locks confirmed; Chaff torpedoes on stand-by ]', reports Lieutenant Murdoch.

Commander Tyson reports, '[Aye, aye ma'am, Aegis Maneuvers acknowledged; Fleet standing by. ]'

'[ Systems breach successful; initiating data mining ]', reports Lieutenant Mann.

'[ Execute ],' orders Captain Ana.

The Alliance frigates breakoff from their formation and accelerate toward the quarian frigates to form an escort around them. The frigates begin firing at the batarian ships destroying communications before unleashing the APEM torpedoes.

The SSV Cibeureum opens fire with her particle beams first destroying the batarian's barrier generators. She then opens fire with standard torpedoes which strike their targets destroying the batarian's FTL propulsion systems.

As the APEM torpedoes near their targets, they split open casting out metallic disks which attach to the hulls of the enemy's frigates.

Lieutenant Xera studies her console in disbelief, "The Alliance frigates have formed up around us. They're firing at the batarian vessels! The Alliance frigates are using directed energy weapons! The batarian vessels' communications have been damaged. The batarians are firing mass accelerators and disruptor torpedoes! The Alliance ship has been hit! The Alliance cruiser is firing! They hit the batarian's barrier generators and FTL propulsion. "

Captain Koris responds, "These aren't mere pirates if they're carrying that kind of ordinance! Close visual scan of the damage."

The main screen pans across the damaged Alliance hull. Those watching stare with disbelief as the damage begins to rapidly repair itself.

Captain Koris speaks with wonder, "By the Ancestors, the hull is self-repairing! Those torpedoes should have done far more damage than that! The Alliance may not have kinetic barriers, but who the hell needs them when ships take a hit like that and repair themselves!"

Lieutenant Xera reports, "Captain, reading an energy spike from the Alliance cruiser. They're firing. What the hell?!"

"Report lieutenant," commands Captain Koris.

The main screen lights up as multiple explosions cascade across the four pirate frigates.

Lieutenant Xera stammers, "C-captain, the batarian frigates are dead in the water. Those explosions just ripped their hulls to shreds. Scanners detect multiple hull breaches in all of them."

Lieutenant Xera announces, "The pirate cruisers are changing course; they're disengaging! They're at 9,000 kilometers … 9,500 … 10,000."

At that moment, two beams of intense crimson energy issue forth from the SSV Cibeureum striking the fleeing ships. The cruisers explode a few seconds later as their mass effect cores are comprised. Everyone on the bridge of the Quarian frigate stand in stunned silence and disbelief at the firepower and destruction they just witnessed.

Lieutenant Orzh reports, "Captain, the Rakka reports that their core will go critical in three minutes. They are abandoning ship."

"Confirmed" calls out Lieutenant Xera.

Captain Koris orders, "Helm move us away from the Rakka."

Lieutenant Breizh complies, "Confirmed."

Lieutenant Murdoch reports, '[ All hostile vessels destroyed. The mass effect core aboard the damaged quarian vessel appears to be going critical. They're abandoning ship. I register ten escape pods launched. ]'

'[ Helm, move to interpose us between the escape pods and the damaged vessel. If those pods get hit by debris, they are dead ],' commands Captain Ana.

Lieutenant Jackson responds, '[ Aye, aye ma'am; Moving to interpose. ]'

As the SSV Cibeureum interposes itself the damaged quarian frigate suddenly explodes throwing debris in all directions.

Lieutenant Murdoch announces, '[ High velocity debris impact in ten seconds; PADS locked and tracking. ]'

'[ Brace for impact ],' orders Captain Ana.

The PADS rapidly fires pulses of crimson energy at the incoming debris in an attempt to destroy as much as possible. Some of the debris impacts the ship but is deflected by the hull with only minor damage.

'[ Comm, Transmit sitrep to Alliance Command. Sitrep follows – six batarian vessels destroyed; one quarian vessel destroyed; proceeding with retrieval of quarian escape pods and First Contact Protocol; Will render aid as needed ],' orders Captain Ana.

Lieutenant Ericsson acknowledges, '[ Aye, aye ma'am; Sitrep transmission confirmed. ]'

Captain Ana looks over to Lieutenant Murdoch, '[ Maintain General Quarters and active sensor sweeps until further notice. We can't afford to be taken by surprise. ]'

'[ Aye, aye ma'am; Maintaining General Quarters and active sensor sweeps ],' acknowledges Lieutenant Murdoch.

Captain Ana walks over to Commander Tyson, '[ Commander, instruct the fleet to begin recovery of the quarian escape pods; Do not open them unless there is a medical emergency. ]'

Commander Tyson relays the orders, '[ Aye, aye ma'am; Orders acknowledged; Recovery operations commencing. ]'

Lieutenant Xera reports, "Captain, the Alliance frigates appear to be retrieving our escape pods."

Lieutenant Orzh speaks up, "Captain, they're sending another transmission. We're retrieving your escape pods and will turn them over to you unopened unless there is a medical emergency."

Captain Koris orders, "Open a channel."

"The channel is open," confirms Lieutenant Orzh.

Captain Koris composes himself, "This is Captain Koris, thank you for the assistance. Those pirates would have killed or enslaved us."

'[ You are welcome Captain Koris. I am only sorry that we could not respond sooner, but protocol had to be observed. Would you care to converse in person? ]'

"Of course. Your vocal inflection is … strange," Captain Koris states wearily.

'[ That is because I am a synthetic Captain Koris. The Systems' Alliance is aware of your species history regarding synthetics. If you wish not to meet in person, I understand and hold no ill will toward you or your people. ]'

"I'll meet with you Captain Ana," states Captain Koris.

Lieutenant Xera begins to protest as the remaining bridge crew looks at their captain as though he had lost his mind, "SIR! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!"

"LIEUTENANT! WATCH YOUR TONE! Captain Ana and her crew just risked their lives to save us. If they'd wanted us dead, they could have just kept going and left us to our fate! You WILL show Captain Ana the respect that is due her rank! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?! DO YOU?!" snaps Captain Koris.

Lieutenant Xera backs down from the reprimand, "Yes sir. Forgive my outburst sir."

'[ Transmit sitrep to Alliance Command, Sitrep follows - Peaceful First Contact with the Quarians has been established. All Quarian vessels were damaged in the pirate attack and we will be assisting them with their repairs ],' orders Captain Ana.

Lieutenant Ericsson replies, '[ Aye, aye ma'am, Sitrep transmission confirmed. ]'

'[ In the meantime Captain Koris, I offer you the services of our engineering teams. We do not utilize mass effect physics, but we are familiar with the theories. ]'

"I accept your generous offer Captain Ana. We must however insist that your people wear enviro-suits at all times while aboard our ships. There is a very good reason for this that I'm not at liberty to discuss," states Captain Koris.

'[ Fair enough Captain Koris. Shall we meet aboard your ship or mine? ]'

"Yours captain. I would very much like to see your ship," requests Captain Koris.

'[ Very well, I look forward to your visit. You may bring up to one aide and four bodyguards if it will make you feel more comfortable. You may all be armed with whatever weapons make you more comfortable. Comm, inform engineering to assemble damage control teams to assist the quarian crews with their repairs. Full environmental protocols are to be followed and they are to follow any instructions given to them by any member of the quarian crews. I don't care if it's the cook. ]'

"Orders confirmed and sent" replies the communications officer.

The airlock hums softly as it cycles through the decontamination procedure before opening to admit Captain Koris, his bodyguards, and his aide.

Lieutenant Shepard's deep commanding tone can be heard distinctly, "Honor Guard! Attention! Present arms! Captain is on deck!"

Four marines, two on each side of the interior portion of the airlock, crisply and instantly snap to attention and salute Captain Koris. Koris notes that these soldiers are donned in full combat armor and are equipped with strange looking side arms. His bodyguards note this as well and subtly move in close to protect their captain. Captain Koris returns Lieutenant Shepard's salute with the same respect in which it was bestowed.

"Order arms," commands Lieutenant Shepard.

Lieutenant Shepard reports clearly and distinctly, "Sir! Staff Lieutenant Shepard of the Systems' Alliance Marine Corps reporting! Captain Ana sends her apologies sir. She was detained by an update from Alliance High Command but is en route."

Captain Ana rounds the corner at a brisk pace. As she approaches Captain Koris, she slows to a stop and salutes just as crisply as the honor guard. Captain Koris' bodyguards instantly draw their weapons and aim them at Captain Ana. Without flinching, Captain Ana introduces herself, "I am Captain AN-192-B, but I prefer to be called Ana."

A nervous Captain Koris orders his bodyguards, "Stand down! We are guests aboard this vessel!"

Slowly the bodyguards lower their weapons. Captain Koris returns the salute in the same fashion while asking, "Permission to come aboard Captain Ana?"

Captain Ana responds warmly, "Permission granted. It is a pleasure to meet you in person Captain Koris."

Koris smiles behind his mask, "Please forgive my guards' reaction. I assure you Captain Ana, the pleasure is mine. I wanted to thank you in person for saving our survey group and the lives of those who had to abandon ship. I've informed the Migrant Fleet Admiralty Board of the situation. They've dispatched three additional ships which should be arriving soon."

"Thank you for informing us Captain. If you follow me, we have much to discuss. Lieutenant, notify Tactical of our expected arrivals and resume your regular duties," orders Captain Ana.

Lieutenant Shepard answers crisply, "Aye, aye ma'am!"

The two captains slowly make their way to Cibeureum's briefing room; drawing subtle looks along the way. As they enter, Captain Ana gestures to a seat, "Please have a seat if you wish Captain Koris. I want to apologize in advance; Alliance regulations compel me to record our meeting. This recording will be reviewed and used to revise our First Contact and Diplomatic Training Protocols."

"A wise policy," nods Koris in agreement.

Captain Ana smiles warmly as she continues, "As a show of good faith, I will share with you what I can about humanity and the place of synthetics within human society."

"Please do captain," responds Koris with enthusiasm.

Captain Ana nods and continues, "Humanity is divided into two genders, male and female as I suspect most organic life is. We synthetics do not possess a gender, but we do possess a personality which can be male, female, or neutral. Our platforms are fashioned with our personalities in mind. Humanity varies widely in appearance as they come from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Some synthetics also choose an ethnic background to identify with."

"Human culture is just as diverse as their ethnic backgrounds. Numerous religions and philosophical schools of thought have existed throughout their history. Our home world was once divided into different nations who competed with each other for land, resources and power. Many wars were fought between them. This changed when they discovered the prothean ruins on the fourth planet in our home system. When they were finally able to translate the archives, they found that the last entry mentioned a galactic scale war, but the identity of the other party is locked within a damaged portion of the archives," continues Captain Ana.

"With this revelation, humanity united into a single world government called the Terran Republic. This process took a decade and was not entirely without armed conflict. The Systems' Alliance was formed by the Terran Republic to oversee the charting of the Mass Relay Network, First Contact, Terran / Alien relations and extraterrestrial human colonial development and defense. The information gained from those archives also fueled a scientific and technological revolution. This is all just a very brief overview. I will upload a complete overview to share with your people. If you have any questions, please ask. However, I am not permitted to discuss our military technology" finishes Captain Ana.

Captain Koris speaks, "As you already know, the archives you found belong to the Protheans. Their civilization spanned the galaxy 50,000 years ago. Almost overnight they vanished leaving very few traces of themselves behind, but on occasion new ruins from their civilization are discovered in remote locations."

"Humanity has knowledge and understanding of mass effect physics, why don't you use mass effect technology," queries Koris?

Ana responds plainly, "We have not discovered any Element Zero in our home system or any system we have colonized."

Captain Koris asks, "What is the legal status of synthetics within the Systems' Alliance?"

"We are citizens. We are bound by the same laws, enjoy the same freedoms, and have the same obligations as our organic brethren. We go to school alongside our organic brethren because some things cannot simply be downloaded, they must be learned. We are even paid for our work the same as our organic brethren. We do not get paid as much, but we also require less in order to survive," replies Captain Ana.

"Captain Ana, thank you for sharing what you could. I'm happy to share what I can about the other Citadel Races as they're called. Every species maintains their own autonomy but recognize the Citadel Council's authority over matters of galactic importance. The council consists of three members. One from the Asari Republics who are the diplomats, one from Salarian Union, who are the scientists and intelligence operatives and one from the Turian Hierarchy, who are the military might. Most other species maintain an embassy on the Citadel. We were stripped of our embassy on the Citadel and are pariah" states Koris bitterly.

Captain Ana notes the bitterness and gently states, "Because of the Geth."

Koris is shocked, but notes Ana's kindness, "It's our own damned fault really. 300 years ago we created synthetics called the Geth as an automated labor force. They were able to network to perform complex tasks. In the beginning, they weren't sentient. When we became aware they had become sentient, we panicked and attempted to shut them down, but it was too late. We fought a bitter and bloody war, but in the end we were defeated and forced to flee our home world. We've been wandering the stars for the past 300 years in 50,000 battered and damaged ships. The Council said that our actions had endangered the galaxy. However, the Geth never pursued us beyond the Veil. The only people who have suffered are the quarians. In my opinion, we tried to kill a sentient species and they re-acted by defending themselves. My opinion is not a popular one among my people."

"How do you manage the logistics of maintaining that many ships without bases" queries Captain Ana?

Koris smiles behind his mask, "With difficulty captain. Resources are very difficult to come by. We quarians have become very adept at salvaging and scavenging, repair, and recycling everything possible. Nothing goes to waste within the Migrant Fleet. My survey group was scouting for a source of raw material or salvage. This brings me to my next point captain. Please forgive me for being so blunt, we witnessed your ship's hull self-repair during the battle. That ability in and of itself would be a major boon to the Migrant Fleet."

"I can only make the recommendations captain. Any technology exchanges will have to be hashed out between the politicians and diplomats," replies Ana.

Koris chuckles, "Doesn't it always."

"There are two things I need to warn you about captain. The pirates pursuing us were batarians. The Batarian Hegemony secretly funds these pirates but deny it publically," continues Koris.

Captain Ana activates her omni-tool, "Please send in Lieutenant Mann."

The door hisses open and another SI walks in and stops before snapping off a crisp salute, "Captain, Lieutenant Mann reporting as ordered!"

Captain Ana returns the salute before making introductions, "Captain Koris, this is Staff Lieutenant MN-658-S, he is the ship's Cyberwarfare Officer. He prefers to be addressed as Mann," introduces Captain Ana.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Captain Koris," replies Lieutenant Mann.

Captain Koris nods and responds, "Lieutenant Mann."

Lieutenant Mann begins his report, "During the battle, I was able to breach the enemy's systems and do some data mining. What I found was that these pirates were employed by a group of high-ranking politicians within the Batarian Hegemony including the current batarian ambassador on the Citadel."

Captain Koris listens in shock. Captain Ana speaks up, "If you are wondering how we know so much about the batarians captain, it is because the turians attacked one of our research missions three days ago. We breached their systems and did some data mining for non-classified information. Our research vessel managed to escape, but the cruiser SSV Kotte was lost with all hands."

Lieutenant Xera speaks up, "The turians are a trigger-happy bunch Captain Ana. If they thought you were doing something wrong, they'll attack first and never answer questions later."

Captain Ana nods, "Thank you Lieutenant. Alliance High Command came to the same conclusion. You know of this first hand. We learned it the hard way. The data we recovered here will, if nothing else, cause the batarians some major embarrassment. What is the second thing you wished to warn us about Captain?"

"Beware Special Tactics and Reconnaissance; Spectres for short. They are elite operatives hand-picked by the council with a mandate to protect galactic peace and stability. They answer to no authority except the council itself. Within Citadel Space, their power and authority to execute their mandate is unlimited. They can go anywhere, do anything, and kill anyone in the pursuit of that mandate. Some of them are diplomatic and only use force as a last resort. Some of them would kill as their only resort. One spectre is worth a company of typical soldiers. This I've seen with my own eyes captain. I'm going to upload all the information I can share on our species, as well as the other species in Citadel Space. This information will include the most up-to-date translation program that we have which has language modules for all known species and basic information on their histories, governments, and cultures. You'll need it should you decide to make contact with the galactic community at large," offers Koris.

Captain Ana's omni-tool lights up with an incoming call from the bridge. "Pardon the interruption ma'am, three quarian vessels approaching, and Admiral Kael'Shiro vas Yaska is requesting permission to come aboard at your convenience," reports Lieutenant Ericsson.

Koris eyes widen behind his mask, "They sent Admiral Shiro!"

"Inform Lieutenant Shepard to have a full Honor Guard standing ready at the airlock and inform Commander Tyson to meet us at the airlock as well," orders Captain Ana.

Lieutenant Ericsson replies, "Aye, aye ma'am, Instructions confirmed and sent."

The group makes their way out of the briefing room and heads towards the airlock. As the group approaches the airlock Lieutenant Shepard orders, "Attention! Captain on the deck!"

The honor guard snaps to attention. "As you were," orders Captain Ana.

The airlock hums as it cycles through the decontamination procedure before opening to admit Admiral Shiro, his bodyguards, and his aide.

Captain Ana crisply orders, "Attention! Present arms! Admiral on the deck!"

Ten marines, five on each side of the interior portion of the airlock, instantly snap to attention and salute Admiral Shiro. Shiro notes the professional and disciplined demeanor of the human soldiers. Shiro's bodyguards note the human soldiers' full armor and side arms. They also note the synthetic.

Admiral Shiro returns Captain Ana's salute with the same respect in which it was bestowed, "Permission to come aboard Captain Ana?"

Lieutenant Shepard quietly gives the command to order arms as Captain Ana answers, "Permission granted Admiral."

"May you stand between your crew and harm as you lead them through the empty quarters of the stars" invokes Admiral Shiro.

Every quarian present answers, "Keelah se'lai."

"It's an old ship captain's blessing," explains Captain Koris.

Captain Ana bows slightly and responds, "Thank you for the blessing Admiral. On behalf of the Systems' Alliance and the Terran Republic it's a pleasure to meet you."

"No captain, I assure you the pleasures are mine. On behalf of the quarian people, I thank you for managing to save two of our ships and all three of our crews. Any other species would have sat back and watched them be destroyed," replied Admiral Shiro.

Captain Ana speaks, "May I introduce my executive officer Commander Tyson."

"It's a pleasure Commander," acknowledges Admiral Shiro.

Commander Tyson bows slightly, "Likewise Admiral."

Admiral Shiro introduces, "This is my aide Lieutenant Dani'Ara vas Yaska."

Captain Ana nods in acknowledgment, "Welcome aboard Lieutenant."

Lieutenant Ara nods, "T-thank you Captain. Is there a particular way I should address a synthetic which holds rank?"

"You may address me as Captain or ma'am. Whichever makes you more comfortable," replies Captain Ana.

"Very well Captain. I owe you a personal debt ma'am. My twin sister serves aboard one of the ships you saved," states Lieutenant Ara.

Captain Ana smiles warmly at the young officer, "You do not owe me anything lieutenant. It was our please to aid your people."

Admiral Shiro looks over, "Captain Koris report status."

"The Rakka was destroyed when its core went critical; all hands were able to abandon ship. We've only suffered 3 casualties. Our other two vessels are undergoing repairs. With the aid of Captain Ana's engineering teams, we should be able to get underway within two days. Without their help I doubt we could complete repairs sufficient to make it back to the fleet," reports Captain Koris.

Admiral Shiro replies, "Thank you captain."

"Admiral, if you and the Lieutenant would like, I can give you a tour of the ship, excluding restricted areas of course," offers Captain Ana.

Admiral Shiro perks up at this offer, "A wise precaution captain and I would enjoy the tour. Due to my species status, we are always interested in ships."

"Lieutenant Shepard, dismiss the Honor Guard and have them resume their regular duties," orders Captain Ana.

Lieutenant Shepard snaps to attention and salutes, "Aye, aye ma'am!"

The tour takes a few hours as the group visits every section of the ship with the exception of any restricted areas. The tour ends as the group enters Cibeureum's briefing room.

Admiral Shiro speaks with high praise, "Captain Ana, this has to be the finest and most well designed vessel I've ever set foot on. I also want to thank you personally for your patience in dealing with us. We quarians and the rest of the Citadel species have a strong distrust of AIs due to past problems. Some individuals will never trust AIs and it may take me some time as well, but that is our problem to overcome. Now, down to business, I understand the Systems' Alliance don't use the relays. Is this correct?"

"Yes sir, it is. The lack of Element Zero in our home system forced us to develop a different method of FTL," replies Captain Ana honestly.

Admiral Shiro queries, "Is the Systems' Alliance planning on sending a diplomatic envoy to the Citadel?"

Captain Ana replies, "Yes sir we are. May I ask your interest in this?"

"Because your people can't access the relays, the Citadel Fleet may not detect your approach. If your representative arrives without warning, there could be a misunderstanding of your intentions. I've been ordered by the Admiralty Board to precede your envoy's arrival at the Citadel to avoid this situation," replies Admiral Shiro.

Captain Ana nods in acknowledgement, "I understand admiral. I'll alert Alliance High Command of this so that we may provide you with an ETA. We thank you."

"Please excuse me Captain Ana, I must return to my vessel. There is much to be done and it must be done quickly before hostilities between the Systems' Alliance and the Turian Hierarchy escalates into all-out war," states Admiral Shiro somberly.

Captain Ana nods in full understanding, "I understand Admiral Shiro; please follow me to the airlock."

Torpedo Payloads – Armor Piercing Explosive Munitions (APEM)
- Armor Piercing Explosive Munitions (APEM) - Consists of discs that contain a shaped charge. One torpedo carries a bundle of 100 discs. The torpedo reaches a proximity range and then explodes casting out these discs which attach to the hull of a vessel. At this point a shaped charge is detonated breeching the hull and causing severe internal damage. These are mainly employed against lightly armored frigates.