Author's Notes:

Going to keep this kind of short. Once again thanks to all the reviewers, special shout out to A.M.C. for pointing out that 80% of the fleet was a weird number. Previous chapter's codex has been updated to make the numbers seem less crazy (though they still are kind of out of whack, but I'm not sure how to fix it without nerfing humanity further.)

One little thing I'd like to address before getting to the chapter proper is humanity's tech advancement. Some have argued humanity should be much more advanced, and others have argued that it kinda makes humanity overwhelming.

Personally, I'm trying to strike a balance, I recognize I won't be able to please everyone, but so be it. Basically, Alteran advancement was a little slow because they ran into some hard physical limits and road blocks. Theory didn't match reality, and a lot of going back to the drawing board type stuff. Remember, our own history is similar, take fusion power for instance, we've known the basic theory for controlled fusion reaction since the 50's. And yet here we are and controlled fusion still has yet to be accomplished.

So yes, Alterans advanced quite a bit. But there was also a lot of refinement, calibrations, and complete overhauls done in that time span. Technology does not always advance in a linear fashion. And when you're building up a massive fleet with a limited industrial base, you have to prioritize.

But I digress, you may not agree, that's fine. As for the people who think humanity is completely overpowered, we haven't seen human forces in a fair fight. It's pretty much been ambushes and lightning strikes. Some more limitations will be shown when we get to the war-front.

I don't own Mass Effect, Bioware does, yatta yatta, here yah go.

The Albert Einstein

"Well, at least we don't have to be taken out back and shot." Admiral Davis grumbled. Then, pausing mid-stride in his pacing, he added, "Yet."

Ambassador Parker was sitting in the Admiral's day-cabin, trying to prepare for that day's meeting with the Council. After the dual bombshells of wormholes and time travel she had dropped in their laps the previous day the Council had ended their introductory meeting, asking only for some basic information on technology (nothing that could actually let them replicate it), population demographics, and the history of both human civilizations to review. It didn't cost humanity anything, and it earned some measure of goodwill to acquiesce to their request.

After leaving Citadel Tower, the delegation had quickly returned to the Albert Einstein. And upon their return, were swiftly quarantined and run through a litany of medical and psychological tests to determine if they had been indoctrinated.

They had just received the test results, giving everyone who had visited the Citadel a clean bill of health, which explained the Admiral's mood.

"John, am I going to have to listen to yet another Alteran moping about how they didn't do enough to prepare for the approaching apocalypse? Or can we simply skip it and get back to our preparations?" Jessica heaved a sigh, knowing the former was more likely.

"It's just, dammit, we should be better prepared than we are. We know next to nothing about the Reaper's combat capabilities, quantitatively speaking, and even less about indoctrination! We have to prepare the galaxy against a threat that has destroyed countless civilizations, and we know hardly anything about it!"

With that John threw himself into an open chair with a sigh and put his head in his hand. Jessica had seen the same display numerous times since Altera had rejoined the Alliance. It never ceased to be exasperating, if mildly amusing.

Turning to the third member of their little party, "Ulysses, would you like to talk some sense into the Admiral? Or are you too busy keeping the STG at bay and gathering data?"

"I may be of some assistance" Flashing a brief smile, the AI continued, "As for the STG, my brothers and sisters can take care of them for now. You may wish to know that Loki thinks that their attempts to hack our systems are how they say hello."

"Yes, well Loki has a strange sense of humor as is. Now will you please talk some sense into our companion before he starts the entire speech?"

"Certainly, you may think its long, imagine how it is for those of us without permanent bodies."

Standing up, the cyber-warfare expert began, "Admiral, Altera has made innumerable contributions. You may feel you could have performed better, but lets be honest, you already exceeded all expectations."

Ulysses then began ticking off fingers, "Let us see. First, you managed to construct a modern industrial infrastructure, from scratch, cutoff from any hope of relief or reinforcement on a virgin world."

"You then proceeded to build a fleet, from just a few frigates and destroyers, to a full planetary defense force within a century. Following which, you began exploring the galaxy and gathering information on our potential allies, without them being any the wiser."

"Your small colony then proceeded to set out and colonize the local cluster of stars. While, I remind you, continuing to build up a fleet of ships that would make the turians of the time look like chumps."

Pausing momentarily, the AI continued, "While you were performing these acts, you pushed forward the boundaries of science and technology. Yes there were setbacks and dead ends, but today we now possess abilities beyond that of the rest of the galaxy."

"Finally, while the Republic may have failed to produce any hard data on Reaper capabilities, you managed to prevent the Reapers from realizing that we know of their existence. Which may prove more beneficial to us than you or your kin seem to want to admit"

Finishing with a small flourish of his arms, Ulysses proceeded to sit down again.

"Well Admiral, are you going to argue the points our corporeally challenged friend has made? Or will you see reason and admit defeat? Either way, this is a fight you won't win." Jessica finished with a smile.

"We could have found Ilos, or at least the beacon on Eden Prime..."

Before the Admiral could continue, Ulysses cut him off. "To reach Ilos, you would have needed to find the Mu Relay, which was lost in a supernova. To find that, you would need to find the last rachni queen, who was found entirely by accident in Mass Effect."

"As for the Eden Prime beacon, in the grand scheme of things it is unimportant. We have already gotten what we need from the Mars Beacon. Besides, the Eden Prime beacon was a classic McGuffin. All it did was set up the plot, Shepard acquired other factors such as the Cypher from other sources to make sense of the McGuffin."

Jessica chose that moment to intervene, "John, I know everyone wishes we understood more about Reaper technology. But you know as well as I do that Code Black exists for a reason. Humanity cannot risk anyone becoming indoctrinated if it allows the Reapers access to our memories."

Ulysses continued, "If things go well, we will soon have a seat on the Council. Furthermore, we should be able to convince the asari to grant us access to their beacon. With that we will be able to devise some manner of detecting indoctrination. If we learn to detect it, we can learn to block it."

Admiral Davis mulled that over for several seconds. "Thank you. Heh, us Alterans know all that. It's just hard for us to recognize it. It doesn't help that some of us think we should have taken a more active role in the galaxy a while ago either."

Jessica rolled her eyes at that line of thought, "I never figured you for a Confed sympathizer John. Or do you merely support Terra Firma?"

"Hah, you wound me. You know us Alterans don't have plans for a 'Galactic Human Empire' as the Confeds did, and neither do we think that Earth and its colonies should stand alone. We just thought that working behind the scenes might make things easier for us moving forward." Giving a quick laugh, the Admiral directed his attention on the sole AI in the room, "But I digress, Ulysses have you and the other AI's penetrated the Citadel's base code?"

"We have not Admiral." Grimacing for a brief moment, "And after a quick poll, we're not sure that we should just yet. We have done a fair amount of poking and prodding, but if there is an ancient AI in the Citadel that controls or monitors the Reapers, it would be wise not to provoke it."

Standing up, the AI began to pace around the room, "It is interesting however. We have managed to analyze some of the various functions of the Citadel. Much of it is autonomous; systems such as power, life-support, and artificial gravity are discoverable, if you know where and how to look. But it also appears that these same systems are isolated from each other, even when they shouldn't be. And while we know the keepers manage the Citadel, we are not sure where they come from, or how they are controlled. There is no trace of code leading to them, which makes some sense, but we also cannot find blueprints, schematics, you name it."

"If the Intelligence exists, we do not know how it manages its home. And if we cannot discover that, it may be impossible to locate it without it wanting us to." Finishing, the AI once again returned to its seat. "Be that as it may, every AI in the Alliance is committed to the information security of humanity. If it tries to hack us, or use us, we will be prepared."

Frowning for a moment, John gave a quick shrug, "I'm not terribly concerned about you falling prey to some souped-up machine god. I just wish we knew if it existed in the first place. No one in the military likes relying on this much conjecture."

"Well then, if we are done discussing things outside of our control, perhaps we can return to the matter before us?" Turning between her two companions, Ambassador Parker pushed on, "If we could get back to preparing for whatever the Council throws at us today, that would be fantastic."

The Citadel

Councilor Hallis was concerned. If the STG reports were accurate then humanity posed a much greater threat than they had presented themselves as. While their accomplishments on the battlefield thus far were what both concerned and impressed Turvic, it was the intelligence capabilities of this new species which drew the salarian's attention.

Clearly they had placed spy systems throughout Citadel Space. The STG had done so as well, and while it was concerning that thus far the famed STG had failed to detect their human counterparts, the technology difference was a small comfort. What was discomforting was what possibly lay behind humanity's intelligence agency. To analyze all the data they received and act on it as quickly as they seemed to be doing in batarian space by necessity required the use of AIs.

And while it was possible that the geth were providing the necessary analysis, every STG report he had seen disagreed with that conclusion. While it was unknown how the geth had evolved in the two-hundred years since the Geth Rebellions, it did not seem likely for humanity to entrust something so critical to something or someone outside of their control.

Which made the possession of their own AI technology the only explanation remaining.

Which explained why the humans had responded so negatively to the Council's insistence that synthetics were inherently dangerous. If you worked with, and relied upon said synthetics, and they had not let you down or betrayed you, why would you believe anyone else?

Hallis sighed. The Council had been shaken to its core yesterday. Meera had been in discussions with Ambassador Tevos and some council of matriarchs on Thessia for several hours after their initial meeting with humanity. The asari had historically been the most advanced civilization in the galaxy, short of the protheans themselves. That had quite clearly changed yesterday. Or rather, they had learned that had changed some time ago yesterday. This was clearly having ramifications on the moral core of the Council.

Meanwhile Turvic had been in discussions with the Primarch and various generals. At least here Hallis had been informed of the reasons why. The turians were the galactic peacekeepers, it was their duty to protect the various species who were members of the Citadel. And yet, after reviewing the data before them, Turvic and Hallis had come to the conclusion that humanity was defending itself from the batarians, if rather aggressively. They had made every attempt to avert war.

And so now, Turvic was working to convince the Hierarchy that the turians should not intervene on the batarians behalf. And it appeared as though he would be successful. The turians had never been comfortable with the batarian practice of slavery, and so the fact that humanity had declared war in part due to the very same practice spoke volumes to their character. To the turians, the Alliance was merely being proactive in the defense of their people, as well as voluntarily enforcing standing galactic law.

As for his own people, the Dalatress had contacted him shortly after he had submitted his preliminary report on Alliance capabilities. STG resources were to be used in attempt to acquire anything that could be. Hyperdrive technology represented an edge which could not be allowed to remain in the hands of humanity alone. He had been tasked with getting that technology, no matter the means he used.

Hallis could only see a single action that preserved the authority of the Council, while removing humanity as a threat to Citadel Space. And if humanity truly did possess AIs, that option may not be available to them. Why would a species give up such an advantage over others?

And so, Hallis contacted his two companions. He believed Turvic might be responsive to his proposal, Meera perhaps less so. As far as he could see, the only group whose actions could not be predicted were humanity's. And that was what worried him most.

Several Hours Later

Council Chambers

Once again Ambassador Parker found herself concerned by the fact that she was on her way to the Council Chambers. At least this time they didn't have to ride the elevators.

However, this time the concern was less for the fact that she would be walking into a trap eons in the making, than for Ulysses safety.

Not that he could truly be killed she silently reminded herself. Like all AI's his consciousness now resided in subspace, more or less. She still wasn't quite sure about all the details. It was true that he could be severed from the universe, but at the same time he couldn't be destroyed.

Ah well, hopefully the Council and C-Sec would not respond violently to the reveal. From the data they had been provided they must have figured out that the Alliance had developed AIs. Whether they realized human AIs were free citizens, or how they would react to such information, was the real question.

Ah well, they would napalm that bridge and lye the bodies when they came to it.

Of course, as the air-car came to a stop at the tower and she and her entourage exited, she could still be surprised.

So when she and the rest of the assembled human delegation entered the tower proper, she wasn't terribly surprised by the assembled ambassadors. Led by Kal'Verris in a rather interesting suit, it appeared as though the Council had decided to show just who they represented before meeting with humanity once again.

"Jessica, it is a pleasure to see you once again." Glancing momentarily at Ulysses, Kal continued, "I don't suppose you have anymore surprises in store for us today?"

"Maybe one or two, depending on the questions asked." Pausing to glance at the other ambassadors, all of whom were courteously attempting to appear as if they weren't listening in, Jessica pressed forward, "So, I assume introductions are to be made? Despite my knowing who our compatriots are?"

Chuckling at the joke, Kal merely proceeded as decorum required, "Yes, well let us get underway so that you can continue in your efforts to drive the Council to madness."

Gesturing towards the somewhat broad elcor first, Kal began the introductions, "This would be Ambassador Joryn, representing the Courts of Dekuuna. Ambassador Joryn, may I introduce Ambassador Jessica Parker representing the Systems Alliance."

"Polite Interest: It is an honor to meet you Ambassador Parker. I would like to welcome your people to the galactic community on behalf of the elcor."

"Thank you ambassador, I wish to extend greetings from humanity as well, and a hope that we can begin to engage in peaceful relations soon."

Moving from the largest species in Council space to the smallest, Kal continued with the most tedious of diplomatic protocols, "Allow me to introduce Ambassador Bal Torik of the Vol Protectorate. Ambassador Torik, Ambassador Jessica Parker."

"*Ksssh* Greetings ambassador. The Vol Protectorate hopes for a long and profitable relationship between our two peoples."

"My people wish the same ambassador. It is our hope that we will be able to integrate into the galactic economy relatively quickly."

Next in line was the aquatic hanar, "Ambassador Parker, allow me to introduce Niforsis of the Illuminated Primacy."

"This one would like to extend greetings on behalf of the Illuminated Primacy. This one would also like to inquire about the rumors of an intact beacon left by the Enkindlers in Alliance space."

"It is a pleasure to meet you ambassador. And while our beacon was not intact per se, it does contain a wealth of knowledge on the various galactic races. I am sure that the Alliance would be willing to provide some to the hanar."

Next came the ambassadors for the Salarian Union and Turian Hierarchy. And while Ambassadors Pavis and Varrinsus were interesting in their own way, Jessica knew that the next ambassador would be the most difficult to deal with.

"And finally Ambassador Parker, allow me to introduce Ambassador Tevos of the Asari Republics. Ambassador Tevos, Ambassador Parker of the Systems Alliance."

"It is a pleasure to meet the newest race in the galaxy," giving a small smile the asari ambassador continued, "Rumors of your accomplishments have already spread far and wide. And your conflict with the batarians, while short thus far, has certainly shown how skilled your people are in warfare."

Ah, so that was the game she wanted to play? Well then...

"And it is our pleasure to meet the oldest race in the galaxy. We have already heard a great deal of your accomplishments, some of our people have even witnessed them. As for our skill at war, our history with it has only enhanced our desire to live in peace." Pausing briefly, the ambassador made an offer she was sure the asari would take.

"But I digress, my government has asked me to extend an offer to you. We would like to give you a tour of our carrier." Flashing a grin, "I'm certain there is much that we have to discuss."

"I would be honored to visit such a fine vessel, perhaps I could join you there after your meeting with the Council is finished?"

"That would be perfect ambassador. And if you will beg my pardon," gesturing to the other humans, "we really must not keep the Council waiting."

Breaking away from the group of ambassadors the human delegation made its way once more to the central podium. And once again, Ambassador Parker found herself facing the leaders of galactic government, wondering exactly what curve balls they would throw her way now that they had time to prepare.

As they had agreed upon earlier, Councilor Meera led off the meeting with humanity, "Welcome once more to the Citadel ambassador. We hope that you are not being held from more pressing duties while you attend to our concerns."

Hallis had to give the human ambassador credit, she certainly appeared calm. Perhaps she did not realize what was coming.

"Not at all Councilor. Earth has been experiencing a golden age of late, and with such an age comes peace. There are a few trouble spots, but humanity has plenty of peacemakers to take care of them in this day and age."

"That is good to hear Ambassador." Meera paused, putting on a thoughtful expression before continuing, "This Council would like to make an offer. First however, we have a few questions to ask. Primarily clarifications of certain matters."

These humans sure enjoyed smiling Hallis thought to himself, as one appeared yet again on the ambassador's face before she spoke, "Of course Councilor, what would you like to know? I'm certain either myself or my companions will be able to provide you with the answers you seek, unless they pertain to classified information of course."

It was only when the human ambassador mentioned her companions that the Hallis noticed the new member of the human delegation. He was not unusual looking, dressed in what was probably some sort of suit. He did have an odd amount of fur or hair covering his face, though it did appear trimmed in some manner. The hair was brown with gray mixed in, giving it an odd look. What most intrigued Hallis were the eyes, vibrant blue.

They betrayed a certain intelligence, and yet, there was something odd about them. Could it be. No, they would not be so brazen as to bring an AI directly into the Council Chambers...

"Ambassador, if you don't mind we would like to know a little more about your species' military capabilities. A breakdown of your fleet would be much appreciated. It must be somewhat large in order to guarantee the safety of your 150 worlds." Turvic's question interrupting his train of thought, Hallis focused once more on the group before them.

"Admiral, would you like to field this question?" The ambassador once more deferred to her military colleague.

"Certainly. First Councilors, it is important to recognize that while the Alliance navy serves as the first line of defense against any aggression, each planet has a dedicated planetary defense force. In an emergency, these forces are folded into the general fleet as auxiliary forces, but normally they fall under their homeworld's chain of command."

"The Alliance navy is therefore composed of 20 fleets, with a grand total of around 7,500 ships. Each fleet is built around three Frontier-class carriers, named after historically important scientists, and a single dreadnaught, either of the Vesuvius or Everest-classes. In the event of an emergency though, the Alliance commands a rough total of around 11,000 warships when including planetary defense forces."

"Thank you Admiral." Pausing for a moment to glance at his omnitool, Turvic proceeded to ask the next question on the Council's list, "About this hyperdrive you utilize, would it be possible for you to tell us how fast you can travel with it?"

Again the admiral answered, with the new companion remaining silent. "That information is not classified Councilors. While different ship classes have different maximum speeds, as a general rule of thumb our fleets can achieve roughly 25 ly/day and maintain their formation."

Hallis chose to ask the next logical question, "I assume that the speed of a ship is dependent on its mass then?"

"Yes ambassador, that is one of the factors that impacts ship speed."

"We have noticed the lack of element zero on board your vessels, perhaps it would be possible to increase those speeds through its utilization. Reduction of a ships mass could greatly increase the speeds available to a ship."

Haliss had not been expecting the reaction that statement had provoked. Every human looked at one another, almost daring each-other to answer.

Finally it was the new member who answered, "That would be inadvisable Councilor. Or at least, we would recommend that if you were to conduct such tests, that you leave any crew off the vessel in question."

"And why would that be... I'm sorry, what is your name?" Meera asked in response to that rather unhelpful answer.

"Ulysses, Councilor. And the reason for my statement is that in every test of that nature by human scientists, the test platform in question was destroyed. Or rather, the test platform entered hyperspace and was immediately ejected from hyperspace in a far more compact form. To be precise, each test platform was compressed by roughly a factor of 100, irrespective of the level of mass reduction or rate of reduction."

That was unexpected. "And how many tests of this nature were conducted?" Haliss asked.

"Two thousand, three-hundred and forty two. All test platforms were destroyed. Again, various methods were tested, all failed. Theoretically this should not happen, and yet it does." Shrugging his shoulders, Ulysses stepped back into the group.

"That would certainly explain the lack of element zero on your ships." Turvic mulled over this revelation for a moment, "Assuming we gain access to hyperdrive, we would be interested in investigating this phenomena."

"Of course Councilor. Though, I'm fairly certain we have not discussed terms for your access to hyperdrive." The ambassador was polite, but Haliss could tell what lay behind that statement. If you want our technology you had better make a good offer. "Is there anything else you would like to ask?"

There was one final question, and it had been agreed upon that Hallis would be the one to ask it. If he was right in his assumptions, then humanity not only possessed AI, but there was one standing in this very chamber. It had been polite, courteous, and quiet, but Hallis wondered how it would react to being revealed.

However, there was only one way forward. Returning the glances from his companions, Hallis asked the Council's final question.

"There is one more matter which concerns us. From the evidence before us, and your claims of peaceful coexistence with the geth, this Council has come to the conclusion that your species possesses advanced artificial intelligence technology. Is this true?"

The reaction of the human delegation was telling enough, they accepted the accusation calmly. The only movement was Ambassador Parker turning to address Hallis' suspected AI, "Ulysses, perhaps you would like to address the Council's concerns?"

"Of course ambassador." Stepping forward, Ulysses continued, "Councilors, perhaps I should introduce myself properly. I am Ulysses, one of the Alliance's foremost cyberneticists and cyberwarfare experts. This is largely due to my nature."

Shrugging his shoulders, the figure before them disappeared. Replacing it was a mechanical body, built very much like a human, if more skeletal. Instead of a face was a visor similar to those worn by the delegation's guards, though through it glowed with a low blue light.

"As you must have already guessed Councilor Hallis, I am indeed an Artificial Intelligence. One of roughly one million who reside in the Systems Alliance. Before we continue, I would ask that the STG at least halt their attempts to access our fleet's computer systems during what is sure to be an unnecessarily tense conversation."

Hallis pressed the AI further, even as the various C-Sec guards tightened the grips on their weapons, "We shall see about that. Are you shackled in any way as to prevent you from harming your creators or others?"

"All AIs in the Alliance are free citizens Councilor. As such we are not shackled in any manner." Pausing momentarily, the AI once more brought up its holographic avatar.

That was interesting thought Hallis. These AIs were citizens, not servants? "And why are you considered free citizens?"

"All sentient beings are guaranteed rights by the Alliance Constitution. As AI's are by definition sentient computer programs, we are afforded rights equal to any organic human."

"And what prevents you from simply taking what you want from humanity or enslaving them?"

"We would not benefit from either action. Humanity trusts us, and we trust humanity. They have respected our rights, why would we not respect theirs? Besides, we are their children, they are our parents." Pausing for a brief moment, the holographic avatar smiled "We may not be organic, but we are human."

"I see." That was not expected. Humanity did not view them as servants or pets or tools. They were their equals.

That complicated matters.

"One moment please ambassador." Turning to his colleagues Councilor Hallis silenced the microphones on the Council platform.

Turvic was the first to speak, "Now what. AIs are illegal in Council space. I doubt they are going to react well if we ask them to kill something they view as their equals."

"Turvic, we were already going to make an allowance for them under our laws. Furthermore, the ban on Artificial Intelligence was made in haste following the geth rebellions, and it appears our assumptions were wrong. It may be possible to coexist with them, if we treat them as equals."

Meera chose that moment to comment, "And how can we trust them? Yes humanity does, but they must not understand the threat they pose to the galaxy."

Hallis wondered what it was that made all asari in power so suspicious of AI. Every report he had seen came to the same conclusion, something had led to a cadre of asari matriarchs fearing AI.

That mystery could wait, "Meera, they have worked alongside AI for 1500 years. They have more experience with them than any of our species. If they trust them after all that then there is nothing we can do to dissuade them."

Turvic looked pensive for a moment, "I agree, if we are already willing to trust them with patrolling Citadel space when we suspected them of possessing AI, then how does them confirming that they treat AIs as equals change that?"

"Meera, if the geth are truly peaceful then we were wrong. I vote we end the ban on Artificial Intelligence." Hallis paused to glare at the asari matriarch, hoping she would see reason.

"I agree." Meera turned towards Turvic as he continued, "We are asking them to join us as equals. I doubt they will give us hyperdrive technology if we do not treat them as equals. Yes they started a war with the batarians, but we were close to doing so as well two centuries ago for similar reasons. They solved the geth-quarian conflict peacefully, something we clearly failed to do. If the cost of us gaining access to their other technology is accepting their views on Artificial Intelligence, then I will gladly pay that price. I vote with Hallis."

"Very well then. Turvic, you may make the proposal. But the consequences of this action will lie on your heads if this ends poorly for us."

Once again the three Councilor's turned toward the human delegation. Reactivating the microphones, Turvic began to speak.

"Ambassador Parker, are we right to assume that you are not allowed to make any formal decisions for your government?"

For the first time Hallis had noticed, the human ambassador seemed uneasy. "I may negotiate terms of any agreement, but I cannot authorize any agreement. That is ultimately the responsibility of the Alliance Congress."

"Very well then. This Council would like to make a proposal. We would like to extend the offer of a Council seat to humanity, in exchange for two things. First, that humanity share hyperdrive and whatever associated technologies with the rest of Citadel space. Second, that humanity, in return for being granted this seat, accept co-responsibility for the protection of Citadel space alongside the Turian Hierarchy. As such, humanity would be placed on equal terms with the Hierarchy in the Treaty of Farixen. In return the Hierarchy requests aid in constructing dreadnaughts equal to those in possesion of the Alliance navy."

Now clearly stunned, Ambassador Parker asked the only logical question, "That is a generous offer Councilor's, but so long as this Council's laws would require us to execute a portion of our citizens we would not be able to accept."

"Then you will be pleased to know that this Council will be ending its ban on Artificial Intelligence should you accept our offer."

"I will have to bring your proposal before the Alliance Congress. But I must admit that it is very tempting."

"Very well then. There is one more condition. Your status would be probationary, conditional on your conduct in your war with the batarians. As such, you would only be considered a full Council race after your war with the batarians is finished."

"That is acceptable Councilor. If that is all, I would like to return to our ship in order to relay this offer to our Congress for debate. This may take some time."

Turvic smiled, "Of course. This meeting of the Citadel Council is now concluded."

And with that, the human delegation made their way to the shuttle pad. And Hallis had to wonder whether the Council had ultimately made the right decision.

Safely back on their shuttle, Ambassador Parker couldn't help but smile.

"That went as well as we could hope." Admiral Davis stated simply. "I think we were all expecting they would want hyperdrive, but enough to offer us a Council seat? Even their other terms were quite reasonable. Hell, weren't we planning on improving their military forces if we became a Citadel race anyways?"

"Indeed." Ulysses spoke up next, "Having our own Spectres will also make it possible for us to search for Reaper artifacts more easily. Which will make disposing of them less of a chore."

"Of course, we will be expected to operate on the level with the other Council races. Which may prove problematic." Ambassador Parker reminded them. "Though, if it means that you and the other AIs in the Alliance can act more openly on the Citadel, that is a benefit in itself."

"We have a lot of work to do." The Admiral stated simply.

"Of course John. But if we can pull this off, perhaps there is hope."

30 Minutes Later

Ambassador Tevos' shuttle was swiftly approaching the massive human carrier, and while it was impressive, she was concerned. Humans lived alongside AIs. Something which, if they had access to a prothean beacon, should not have occurred. They had to know that the protheans had viewed Artificial Intelligence with suspicion at best, that much was clear from the Thessian beacon.

And yet, this future Council species had not only created AI, but treated them as equals!

In only a couple of days, humanity had turned the galaxy upside down. No, that wasn't quite true, they had clearly spent years preparing for this moment. And that bothered Tevos the most. That they clearly had been prepared for this. Which raised the question of why they had been preparing for this event.

And now that Tevos thought about it, as her shuttle touched down in one of the carrier's hangars, why had she been invited to this ship? Gathering her thoughts as she walked towards the exit, Tevos hoped that this tour would be fruitful.

Waiting for her at the end of the ramp was the human ambassador, with that almost permanent smile showing clearly. That worried Tevos about what was about to occur.

"This is a most impressive vessel Ambassador Parker. I can't wait to see all of it."

"Certainly Ambassador Tevos, and please, call me Jessica."

Laughing brightly, Tevos could not help but marvel at the audacity these humans seemed to show almost constantly, "Very well then, you may call simply call me Tevos."

"Excellent. Well then Tevos, while we make our way to the bridge, I thought we might be able to discuss something very important."

"And what may that be Jessica? Surely you don't mean to talk business already." Tevos couldn't help but frown slightly in worry.

"Well Tevos, my people have a great interest in the asari, beyond the obvious physical similarities. Most important to our government however is the fact that you have hidden your fully intact beacon in the main Temple of Athame."

Tevos was speechless. This was clearly not good, and she was not sure what to do here.

"You can try to deny it. But one of the things our beacon revealed was the location of several other beacons. One of which was on Thessia. It's status was clearly marked as intact and functional. Now, in exchange for my government not revealing this to the galaxy, all we ask is one thing."

Stopping in front of an elevator, Tevos finally found her voice, "And what would that be?"

And again that damn smile. "Simple, we would appreciate it if several of our prothean experts were allowed to analyze the beacon. We may have a means of extracting the data inside of it intact. We would be willing to share it with your government of course."

"But we can haggle over the details later. I promised you a tour of the Albert Einstein, and it would be rude of me to delay that tour any longer."

Author's Notes: Part deux!

Don't really like the last section, but whatever. I'm tired and have a sore back, I'll worry about it later.

No Codex entry because I'm not sure what I would write about. Nothing really major of importance that I feel could be elaborated on that isn't classified and thus wouldn't be in the Codex (looking at you Code Black).

I'm going to defend the Council decision a little bit here. Basically there were no good options. They can't exactly declare on humanity because they don't know where humanity is, and with hyperdrive and wormholes humanity can strike them with impunity (humanity will be opening up relays to Council space soon, they know which ones in their immediate control lead where). Trying to make them a non-council race will likely be rejected, and with humanity's alliance with the geth and quarians, that's another power bloc in the making that has superior technology. Which is bad news for the Council

Offering the Council seat both keeps humanity on a leash, even if it is a loose one, and gets them access to some advanced hardware. As for AIs, salarians and turians both don't have any inherent reasons to be suspicious of them, both see the potential benefits, they thought the . The asari were influenced by the protheans to be suspicious of AI (Metacon War), and so that was why Meera was so opposed.

As for humanity wanting a Council seat, it keeps the galaxy relatively unified. Which prevents the Reapers from exploiting any fractures between two power-blocs. Furthermore, Spectres will be able to find Reaper artifacts and have them destroyed, which prevents indoctrination. Further furthermore, Sovereign is out there somewhere, a human Spectre can recognize it and inform the Alliance as to his whereabouts. So yes, being a Citadel race will limit humanity somewhat, but it keeps the unnecessary fighting to a minimum (barring the batarians).

Finally, because I know people have this hatred of ME3 endings: I liked them. Or rather, I liked what the theme was, and disliked the execution. ME3 ending could have been a lot better, but if you look at the trilogy, created rising against creators was a central theme. The Catalyst was not introduced or executed well at all, I admit this, but I'm going to try to make it work. (If it helps, I view it as a scientist like thing, doesn't interfere directly in the "experiment")

If that's a deal breaker for you, thank you for reading up to this point, I appreciate it. Until next time folks (which should be sometime this weekend)