Author Note: I would've posted this sooner, but I had an exam and was sick... anyway hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 4

Jack Harper

Classified Location

July 25, 2176

The Illusive man watched the video again and again. No matter how many times he watched it, he simply could not comprehend why this…Demaris Schahl…had done what he did.

First was the A.I. Even Cerberus had only just begun the E.D.I development. Yet this Emperor had flashed a fully sentient A.I. without revealing any sort of projection mechanism. Knowing full well that Demaris appeared to be from another universe, their technology must be vastly different, allowing him to showcase A.I. in such a manner.

Then there was his exit. Demaris, along with the Prime Minister and security escort, had literally teleported. Another unknown technology, but it gives some credence to his reports that the Schahl Empire used magic. Right before they vanished, a large glowing circle with runes The Illusive Man could not recognize. Perhaps he could get some agents onto Schahl colonies, planets, or ships.

This Demaris Schahl did not have an inherent duty or obligation to the Humanity of this universe. The Illusive man can't help but want to know the man's thought process. If only the Systems Alliance had this kind of backbone during the First Contact War. Against his better judgment, a momentary glimpse of his old comrades Ben and Eva appears in his mind.

Changing his focus, The Illusive Man considers the new concept of Human Variation. Early reports of the first appearance of the empire contained mention of an Orc Admiral named Ghoruk. Having long considered humanity superior, The Illusive Man was unsure of what to think of these new 'Humans' walking straight out of fantasy novels. Supposedly the Elves could live forever and there were reports that Gods themselves existed within the empire. What kind of half-baked being made such a civilization?

The Illusive man shakes his head, such thoughts will not lead to his goal. However, he can't help but feel this is what humanity needs to finally be set free to reign in its true place in the galaxy, at the top. Even if some are what you would conventionally think of humanity. Perhaps with genetic analysis, he could better accept these…Demi-Humans.

There is a single momentary blip in the displays surrounding the Illusive man, aboard his top-secret station in the Horsehead Nebula. Most wouldn't be capable of spotting something lasting barely a microsecond, but with his 'illegal' cybernetics, it was child's play.

Quickly tapping his commands to run a system diagnostic on his chair, wondering aloud, "What could that be?"

Suddenly the avatar of the Sorceress appears on his screen, the same sorceress from the video he had watched an incomputable number of times., "greetings TIM."

The Illusive Man raises an eyebrow, "TIM?"

The display on the screen shows 'The Illusive Man' with the first of each letter glowing blue, "or would you rather I call you Jack Harper?" Sorceress smirks devilishly while The Illusive Man lowers his eyebrow and takes a long drag of his newly lit cigarette, a lighter vanishing into his pocket.

"The Illusive Man will suffice," The Illusive man speaks through a cloud of exhaled smoke. Shadows cast by the smoke slightly distort the man's glowing blue eyes, beneath concise coffee hair. The room itself became slightly brighter with the appearance of Sorceress, competing with the light of the star just beyond a mountainous window.

"Well The Illusive Man, I have been sent to give you a message," Sorceress seems unamused by the deference to her well thought out nickname for the Cerberus leader, "Myung Oh and a one Admiral Parangosky would like to open a dialogue with you as heads of Imperial Intelligence and the Office of Naval Intelligence. They wish to coordinate with what amounts to the true Systems Alliance Intelligence. After all, humanity needs to be united to face the threats this galaxy hides and flaunts freely. Interested?"

Taking another long drag gives The Illusive Man time to consider this offer. On one hand, he would be brought back into humanity's fold, but he would lose full autonomy of operations and be accountable to someone other than himself. There is also the tempting technology these new humans provide, the new ideas, and the new genomes. After his lungs fill with nicotine-laced smoke, his decision is made. Smoke wisps from The Illusive Man's mouth, "Call me Jack Harper. Additionally, I have one request, the Systems Alliance must recognize Cerberus as a ruling body and be given a seat in parliament to prevent any attempts at our destruction."

"Excellent, I will notify them at once," Sorceress winks, then vanishes. The previous amount of light is restored to his room, given by a star and several displays.

Tevos Araeus

Citadel, Council Meeting Room

July 25, 2176

"This is an outrage!" Sparatus thunders in anger, much to the displeasure of the other councilors, "those uppity humans think they can contend with us! We bloodied their noses once and we're not afraid to do it again."

Tevos can't help but agree with Sparatus for once, "Indeed. Their disregard for Citadel law and the Treaty of Farixen needs to be punished."

"Oh and I suppose you Asari are gonna be the ones to do it?" Sparatus lashes out at the person agreeing with him.

Quickly erasing the sneer that appears on her human-like face, Tevos says, "Naturally these humans will need to learn respect, Asari hold respect in high esteem Sparatus. However, aren't you forgetting the Turians are the Military arm of the council? Your people are proud warriors are they not."

Sparatus glares hatefully at Tevos, "I don't think I enjoy your condescension Tevos. We both know your race must have some secret Prothean ruins that allow your technology to remain just ahead of ours."

"While it does entertain me," Dalatrass speaks quickly and bluntly, characteristically of her race, "We cannot allow these humans to act further along this path of rebellion, lest we need another Genophage. Tevos was correct when she said the Turians are our military arm, seeing as you protected us during the Krogan rebellions and even now against pirates. Surely, as the human expression goes, 'curb stomp' these humans into submission."

Taking several deep breaths seems to calm Sparatus, "I see I have let my emotions get the better of me. The Turian Primarch has told be that the Hierarchy will not allow the humans to bully the Batarians. He will send with our approval several fleets to protect Kar'shan."

Dalatrass nods in agreement, "That will be our best option. Humans have disabled all their relays, forcing us to react to their advances. STG has not been able to ascertain the true nature of the War ship that just left council space, but after running the numbers it will have taken all of the System Alliance's materials just to build it."

Tevos is amazed by the brains these Salerians possess, "Which means they have just that and whatever fleets they had before."

"Indeed. The preposterous story of new universes, new humanities, and new governments must be an intricate lie to have us lower our guard," Dalatrass adds.

"You mean to say that we should have no problem getting the humans under control?" Sparatus cuts to the end of the conversation, earning a look from the Dalatrass.

"Indeed. The 'war', should it be called one, will barely last a week." The Dalatrass says before suddenly pulling up her omni tool, "I need to go if you'll excuse me."

"One more thing," Sparatus says to the Salerians back, "can we count on the STG for capturing human vessels for research?"

Tevos swears she can hear disguised arrogance in the Dalatrass's clipped words, "What else would the STG do?"

Only Tevos and Sparatus remain in the room, "Well Sparatus, contact the Primarch and tell him the council will leave this 'curb stomp' to the Hierarchy. Asari Commandos and the STG will offer some assistance."

Sparatus appears to be sporting the expression equivalent to a sinister smile for his race, "Thank you Tevos."

Tevos watches silently while Sparatus and the Primarch converse. Somehow she can't help but feel a slight nagging at the back of her mind, that trying to subjugate the Humans is a mistake. Such thoughts are immediately banished.

There is a knock at their door just as the Conversation between Sparatus and the Primarch ends, "Councilors, I would like a word with you if possible." The easily recognizable warbled voice of a Batarian resonates through the door. Tevos can surmise only the Ambassador would be trying to speak with them.

"Enter," Tevos says after watching Sparatus nod.

The door to the room slides open and in walks the Batarian Ambassador. His expression is one of anger and malice. Tevos, after all her years of experience with the Batarians, is still unsure what eye to look at. Batarians have four, so Tevos settles on looking between the top two eyes.

"What is the council going to do in response to these threats on my people?" The Batarian demands.

"Jath'Amon, we have indeed concluded," Sparatus informs the distraught Batarian, "So cool that anger and listen well. The Hierarchy will be sending its fleets to protect Kar'Shan and its interests with Salerian and Asari support."

Jath'Amon lets his mouth gape before nodding, "I see. Thank you councilors, I will leave to meet your fleets around Kar'Shan."

As soon as the Batarian leaves, Sparatus snorts, "maybe it wouldn't be too bad, after all, to have the Batarians knocked down a peg."

Tevos sighs, "Don't be like that sparatus. Just because one Batarian is a slaving pirate, it doesn't mean they all are." Tevos turns to look at Sparatus in the eyes, "I think sending a SPECTRE or two will help the STG in their efforts."

Sparatus has a predatory look, "I know just the SPECTRE."

Capt. Jacob Keyes

Pillar of Autumn, Orbit Over UEG Earth

July 25, 2552

Jacob cuts the connection with his daughter. While she was doing well, she still wasn't on speaking terms with her mother. With any luck, military service will mellow her out or give her a wake-up call. Honestly, he couldn't blame his daughter, Halsey was rather difficult to handle. Being honest with himself, now that he needed to work with her.

With personal matters complete, Jacob turns his attention to the new orders waiting on his terminal in his quarters. Classified ONI Section III, is the first thing he reads. One quick Authentication later and all its contents laid bare for the Captain.

His new orders it seems are to assist the Schahl empire with their Campaign against the Batarians. He was going to be housing, not one, but all thirty-three remaining Spartan IIs and a team of Spartan IIIs. Worst yet in his opinion, Halsey would be aboard his ship for longer it would seem.

Jacob can't help but let a small sigh escape his lips, but continues reading. Mission Parameters is to secure all Batarian Government leaders and extradite them to Human Space. Spartans have the additional task of retrieving any ships or technology from the Batarian home world of Kar'Shan. Spartan Blue Team will be reworked for John-117, Kelly-087, Linda-058, and Fred-104 to lead Dr. Halsey down to examine Prothean Ruins on Kar'Shan. Additionally, the Alpha-Nine squad of ODSTs will accompany the excursion pending approval for a new program. Captain Keyes must include how effective the Spartans are, as well as evaluations on the ODSTs in conjecture with the Spartan Commandos.

Keyes closes the orders and rubs his face. Slight bristling scratches his hand, prompting a quick shave in his restroom before donning his uniform. Today is going to be a busy day for the UNSC Captain.

Finding his way to the science labs, Keyes doesn't head straight for the bridge. The lab is dark, lit only by pale blue lights from monitors. When Keyes enters he can see the same video that has been circulating for the past several hours. The video is of Emperor Demaris Schahl delivering an ultimatum to the Xeno government. Keyes can't help but wonder what would happen if the Schahl empire were to be the ones facing the Covenant.

"Jacob, I see you still haven't learned to knock," Halsey doesn't even turn to look at him when she speaks. Her grey hair looks silver in the blue light, soon it may even be white.

"What would I knock on, the wall? Doors slide open automatically for the captain barring crew quarters naturally," Keyes deadpans to the older woman, "I came to speak with you in regards to our mission, well your mission rather. Will four Spartans and one squad of ODSTs be enough for the most heavily guarded location on Kar'Shan?"

Halsey's chair spins around as the video stops on a frame with the A.I. Sorceress dead center, "Is that worry I'm detecting in your aged voice?" Halsey has a comical look adorning her face, "The Spartans would have been enough, but ONI wants to see if ODSTs can still operate around Spartans considering the new program they have in mind."

Keyes gives Halsey a wary look, "Should you be telling me that?"

Halsey snorts, "Please if you couldn't keep a secret you'd be dead by now. Besides couldn't let you sit in the dark when our daughter will be a commanding officer in the new program." Halsey mumbles under her breath, but Keyes can still hear it, "Not that they will be real Spartans."

Walking towards the desk where Halsey is watching the video, "What do you make of the Spartans in the Schahl Empire?"

The chair Halsey is sitting in whirls back around, her hand quickly starting the video again. The video seems to have been looped already and the sound removed. "Without the ability to study their armor, weapons, or training, I cannot be sure how they would fare against my Spartans. One thing is for sure, the information we were given shows they might have equal training and experience, given that our Spartans were trained from childhood like the Schahl Empire's Spartans. The real defining factor is the 'Magic' they use."

Keyes can't help but notice the way Halsey says the word magic. She says it like it's an insult to her very being.

"I want to say 'magic' is just a name for energy, but right here in the video, Demaris puts his hand out and his A.I. just appears. I can find no visible technology that is projecting her. Then there is the fact his A.I. shows true emotion and can accurately show emotions through the use of specific body language and facial expressions. The only thing I know for sure is their A.I. doesn't experience rampancy, becoming more advanced than even Cortana," Halsey is sounding very put out.

Keyes can only find two words in response, "I see."

Halsey turns and looks up at Keyes, "Well, I appreciate your concern. I need to get back to work."

Keyes turns to leave, "watching the same video." Keyes doesn't need to turn around to know Halsey is glaring at him and she won't ever see the smile on his face. Keyes leaves the Science Lab.

Lt. Stanton Shepard

Pillar of Autumn, Orbit over UEG Earth

July 25, 2552

If there was a word to describe Stanton Shepard, it would be annoyed. He was tasked by the Systems Alliance to a classified assignment he won't be briefed on until it begins. But that isn't the reason he is annoyed, rather it was because his twin sister Jane Shepard is also on this assignment. Normally that couldn't be considered bad, but she was telling stories of their childhood like a sadistic demon of hate. Members of the famed ODSTs were present and he wanted to crawl in a hole and die. There are also Spartans present, literal and namesake, though the taller ones look more dangerous. Regular marines like those from the Systems Alliance and the Schahl Empire looked out of place amongst what are essentially special forces.

"PFC. John Campos," A hand is extended towards Stanton, "you seem like me, a little out of place here."

Stanton eyes the Schahl Empire Marine Wearily, "Ouch."

Campos' eyes suddenly widen, "Ah no disrespect of course! It's just…"

Suddenly all sounds cut off abruptly. Every single soldier in the room abruptly stands and salutes, Shepard and Campos included.

"At ease," the captain puts an old pipe from his mouth into his uniform, "Take your seats and this briefing can begin." there is a cacophony of creaks when the large Spartans sit on chairs, likely barely able to contain their weight, "I am Captain Jacob Keyes and I will be your commanding officer for this operation. As I'm sure you are aware, the Batarians were ordered to return all human slaves within twenty-four hours. Whether or not they do so does not matter. You will be doing this operation regardless. Therefore speak now and you will be removed from this operation."

Shepard looks around and doesn't see anyone standing up, not that Shepard would ever think of it. He looks at Jane and she has a determined look on her face. The fiery red hair the Shepard twins sport, make her expression far more intense. Campos at his side also has a stoic expression.

"Very good, moving on, You were all selected because you carry unique skills relevant to this mission," Captain Keyes turns to indicate the screen behind him, "your task will be to capture enemy leaders, technology, and ships. Blue team and Alpha-Nine will accompany Dr. Halsey to the surface. The rest will be divided into teams and sent to key locations."

A UNSC ensign quickly moves about the room and hands each soldier a crystal data pad. Stanton picks his data pad up and squad details are quickly shown. He will be on Hawk Squad with Campos, Jerome-092, and Alice-130. Their task is to capture the Prime Administrator Sam'na Crenless of the Batarian Hegemony. Shepard is being sent to be a liaison for mass technology and biotics, Campos will be the resident Magic user of the squad, and the Spartans will be the team's muscle.

"Each team will have at minimum one member of each Earth Military," Captain Keyes continues the briefing, "John Campos, come forward."

Stanton watches Campos walk up to the front as an ensign walks into the room with a weird-looking rifle.

"PFC. Campos had the opportunity to test this weapon and will now explain its functionality," Captain Keyes hands the floor over the magic-wielding marine.

Campos extends the rifle out showing the left side of the rifle. The rifle is silver and streamlined, resembling two swords laid over a rectangular prism three inches wide by one inch tall to form a triangle, and has a barrel 28.6 inches long down the middle. Three mounting rails across the bottom, top, and the left side of the bottom. There are what appears to be two magazines in the rifle, one where it would be in an ancient M4 and the second in the stock like a bullpup, and a pistol grip with a trigger mechanism. Just over the trigger mechanism is a small screen that appears to allow for customization.

"Alright, this is the new Falcon Rifle Series X5," Campos pulls the front mag out, "This is the new Ether Unit, a self-contained Ether Generator, so keep each one as they will refill over the space of thirty minutes. Each one is hand-made by the Emperor himself and not yet mass-producible." Campos reinserts the Ether Unit, then removes the rear mag, "this is your ammunition, a 14.7 mm caseless full metal jacket round that will be propelled by the barrel at a speed of six Kilometers per second, housed in a sixty round magazine. The barrel utilizes lightning magic to turn the rifle into a railgun." The boxy magazine is put back into the rifle.

Meanwhile, Stanton finds a shocked expression on his face, these rifles were triple what most mass effect technology can do and with a larger round. Somehow he knew this rifle was more than likely not using any mass effect technology.

"The rifle can fire six hundred rounds per minute and spells can fire every four seconds depending on the spell," Campos shows the indicator on the side of the rifle, "and this little screen is how you switch spells. Simple navigate the menu and select what you need for your situation. However, please note Falcons are designed primarily with fast attack spells. Now, any questions?"

One of the ODSTs raises his hand, "Gunnery Seargent Buck, Do we need to be able to use magic to use this rifle?"

"No. by using a Magic Storage Device, specifically the new Ether Unit, anyone can fire spells until the Ether Unit is drained," Campos efficiently answers the question.

Stanton raises his hand, "What powers the lightning magic? Will the Ether Unit need to also be replaced to fire the rifle longer?"

Campos nods at Stanton, "No. The lightning magic is what you call an enchantment. Due to the nature of the magic circle used to enchant it, it can draw ambient Ethers in the air to power the Magic circle. That is also why his majesty's new Ether Unit is so revolutionary, it draws ambient Ethers into storage rather than a magic-user refill every Magic Storage Device or MSD. Currently, the only person with enough skill to enchant the MSD Ether Units is Emperor Schahl." Campos then hands the rifle back to the ensign who provided it after no one else asks a question.

"Thank you, PFC. Campos," Keyes takes position in front of the screen facing the gathered soldiers, "You will now be sent the field manuals for the rifles and this is considered Top Level Security Clearance in the system your military uses. Should someone leak the manual, that person will be court-martialed, and then thrown in a cell with the key thrown away. Do I make myself clear?"

"Sir, Yes Sir!" the room is filled with roared compliance.

"Good," Captain Keyes pulls his pipe from his uniform and places it in his mouth, "Get down to the rifle range and learn your new weapons. Then report to hanger two at 0600 hours, Dismissed!"

Stanton stands and salutes with the rest of the room as Captain Keyes leaves. The ensign who was assisting Captain Keyes Speaks up, "The rifle Range is on deck six."