The Second Chance of Vengeance

by tom476ty18

The War was lost, after nearly thirty thousand years of space exploration humanity and their alien allies were on the brink of destruction. The Long War with the Reapers had ended in their imminent defeat. With only Sol left to stand against the Reaper onslaught. Thus, a desperate gamble was attempted. To bring a second chance and defeat the Reapers once and for all. [AU]

11. Chapter 9 The Synthetic Negotiations

Chapter 9 The Synthetic Negotiations

Milky Way Galaxy

Unknown Space

Spirit of Rannoch/Quarian Fleet

Year 231 ME28

September 21st

Admiral Darien'Xen of the Craftworld Spirit of Rannoch stood on the bridge of the vessel that had brought salvation to the Quarian people. It has been twenty-two years since their faithful meeting with the Humans of Sol. A meeting that would change the course of Quarian history forever. From that meeting, the Quarian people gained access to one of the Human's most if not the galaxy's most advanced ships to have ever been created. The Craftworld ensured the continuity and the restarting of progress for the Quarian people as a whole. In the years since acquiring the massive vessel, the Quarians began the works to recreate a fully functioning economy, industry, military, and government. With the final goal of achieving the creation and formation of a new Quarian state. It was easier said than done, as the Quarians have spent centuries floating around in space. It took a while for them to form an actual functioning government. Like the one, they had before the Reapers invaded and destroyed their civilization.

In the end, the Quarians were forced to rely on Humans for assistance in that manner. They happily complied, sending in advisors, and scholars to help the Quarians build a nascent form of government system for them to work with and use to fulfill that goal. Added to that is the policy to increase their own population. Following the exodus from their space. The Quarian Migrant Fleet was forced into decline as centuries pass, and their situation grew direr and direr. The Quarian population which started out at four hundred million during the exodus had shrunk to twenty-five million in the last three centuries or so. The reason for the shrinking was mainly down to the limitation of the fleet which saw the creation of a policy of population control and cap, in an effort to maximize the available resources needed to sustain the fleet in the long term. The other was the decline of their ships. As time went on, more and more of their ships began to decay, even with extensive maintenance and repairs. Many of these ships, more often than not were forced to be scrapped for recycled materials. Causing the Quarian fleet population to shrink as less room meant fewer people.

However, with the acquisition of the Craftworld from the humans. The Admiralty board along with the nascent Quarian government had planned to reverse this downward trend and bring the Quarian future back on track. What followed was a series of procreation policies and programs launched in an effort to raise their own birth rates. From genetic engineering to generous subsidies from the nascent government. The plan hopes to see the Quarian numbers would be in the tens of billions in the next few centuries to come. As of the present day, the Quarian population had risen from twenty-five million to sixty-seven million. With an expected population to reach three hundred to four hundred million in the next fifty to sixty years. Overall, it is safe to say, that the Quarians are doing well off than what they were before during the exodus.

Now they have to deal with other problems. In their opinion a small price to pay, in exchange for a better future. Already by now, the Quarians were aware that the wider galaxy was beginning to catch onto the Quarian's little secret. They knew it was only a matter of time before it happened, they had wanted to delay the discovery for a little while longer. But due to the experience of the Salarian Special Task Group or STG for short. They were forced to accelerate some of their plans. Plans that the Admiralty Board and the civilian government had installed for today.

"Admiral the signal has been sent, awaiting a response from them now." A bridge crew official called out.

"Very good, let me know if there is any development. In the meantime continue to broadcast the signal." Admiral Darrien'Xen ordered.

"Right away, admiral." replied the crewmember who went back to doing his task.

Besides admiral Darien stood Admiral Koras'Alay who watch the operation with unease and nervousness.

"Hey, Darien," he said to his fellow colleagues. "Do you think this is a bad idea?"

"Bad or not, Koras, we need to contact them again after centuries of isolation. With the Citadel Council and the wider galaxy already catching on to our little secret and the Humans of Sol still reluctant to expose themselves this early. We find ourselves alone and somewhat abandoned. Therefore, we need to contact our first and foremost ally. One that we had thought was the enemy but was in fact our only ally during the fall of our civilization. We need to reestablish contact with the Geth. Moreover, the Geth had faced injustice from these 'Reapers' I do not intend to simply just abandon them when our ancestors made a promise to them. A promise which states that once we gather enough strength, we would seek them out and one day launch a great offensive to retake our home. It is a promise I do not intend to break."

"I see," replied Koras. "While I understand that rationale, I can't help but feel nervous, What if they have been destroyed or worse taken over?"

"Then we must find out!" snapped Admiral Ren'Ilaytic. "We haven't had contact with them for centuries. Who is to say what they are currently doing right now. For all we know, they could have been destroyed, I could come up with hundreds of other reasons about what could happen to them. But for the safety of the galaxy, and ourselves we needed to confirm their status."

"Moreover, we have the incentive to find out, I would rather we find them before they find us," added Admiral Sharlaya'Rafana.

"Let's hope our meeting with the Geth will not end in a Zha'Til disaster." Admiral Shan'Valay stated.

The four other admirals shuttered at that when the said incident was mentioned. The Zha'Til disaster or the Zha'Til swarm war was an incident that took place during the First Galactic War of the Reaper invasion. It saw the forces of the already weakened and scattered Prothean Empire and their allies face the unending AI swarm of the Zha'Til. Which was affected by a Reaper cyber attack and promptly taken over by their malware to be used against the races of the last cycle. The Zha'til was a synthetic race that existed at the time of the Protheans. They originated when a race known as the Zha implanted themselves with symbiotic AI technology to enhance their intelligence in order to survive as their homeworld became inhospitable.

When the Reapers arrived, they subjugated the AIs, known as Zha'til, who then seized control of the bodies of their masters and altered their genetic material at the deepest level, transforming the Zha into synthetic monsters and their offspring into slaves. The Zha'til proceeded to multiply into "mechanical swarms" that "blotted out the sky". In a fashion similar to the human Omniphages world killing to world-ending weaponry. Which was used to a limited extent during the Metacon conflict with the Protheans. With no other recourse, the Protheans sent the star of the Zha's home system into a supernova, destroying the Zha'til entirely. Along with evacuating any Zha left alive to Sol. But despite this event, the Zha'til continued to be a major threat to the forces against the Reapers.

With Zha'til swarms attacking the frontier worlds of the Human interstellar community. More often than not the Zha'til in many ways were more of a threat compared to the Reapers. Their ability to act as Omniphage swarms combined with their self-replicating ability made them an absolute nightmare to face. If it wasn't for the development of the AI virus developed by the scientist of the Sol Science Nexus. Which led to the near-complete destruction of the Zha'til. Then the war and the siege would have lasted far quicker than expected. Following this fiasco with the Zha'til, the races of the galaxy quickly became aware of the fact that the Reapers had the capabilities to turn their own and best technologies against them. As quickly as the Zha'til situation became resolved, the AIs loyal to Sol were suddenly bombarded by a string of cyberattacks aimed to turn humanity's own creations against them or to deny their best technological assets.

The only thing that stopped this from becoming a Zha'til situation was mainly down to the fact that these AIs were too advanced to be targeted by the same cyberattacks unleashed upon the Zha'til. As such, this allowed Sol-Gov along with Sol Force enough time to react to the attack and counteract it. During the Long siege, both sides would engage in a massive arms race in an effort to overcome the other, with cyberwarfare included in the arms race. However, once the war ended and the Sol system transported a hundred and fifty thousand into the future. This arms race had fallen into obscurity as mankind was finally at peace until the threat of the Reaper's immediate return, sometime in the future. Which hereby restarted the arms race, albeit covertly.

Now following the discovery of the fact that some "free Geth" may be out there. Concerns lobbied by the Solarians about a second "Zha'til" situation had been raised. The Quarians themselves were too made aware of their concerns. Which was why Admiral Darrien wanted to try and attempt communication with the free-roaming Geth. So that they may find out what happened to them, what were they doing, and if they were ever affected by the Reapers to pose a threat on the scale of the Zha'til. Therefore, their mission to contact the Geth had become essential to their quest with the eventual goal of defeating the Reapers and retaking Rannoch. Now all they had to do was wait for the Geth to pick up the call and answer. If they do answer, that is.

Which was why the Admiralty Board was standing on the bridge nervously for any signs of response. So far they have only received nothing. It took them a while to convince the other captains and the nascent government. But to get their agreement they would have to prove that the Geth can be communicated with. So far, after hours of broadcasting their message in the Geth's assumed location. No response from the illusive synthetics had even been received. Which only raises the tension within the Quarian high-ups even further. As the silence only made them more and more nervous as to what is to come.

"Have we received anything yet?" asked Admiral Darien'Xen anxiously to the communications officer.

"No admiral, still no response." replied the comms officer.

"They should be responding by now." He exclaimed, "what are they waiting for?"

"On a lighter note, perhaps they are suspicious," suggested Admiral Koras. "An attack like the one that brought down our civilization, would have made them extremely nervous about any external communications, in order to protect themselves. Or perhaps they just want to be left alone and have taken an isolationist stance."

"Or they could be bidding their time to study and observe us for any weakness so that they may launch a devastating attack," added Admiral Shan.

All eyes were on her. "What I said is a point and can be true."

"On that note aside, Tactical any signs on the sensors of an attack?" admiral Darien dismissed the claims of admiral Shan while asking the Tactical officer to double-check their surroundings for anything suspicious.

"Everything is normal sir, the only ships out here are our own ships and the Craftworld. Along with a small Solarian Sol Force stealth Prowler Corp flotilla and...well that Salarian STG ship spying on us right now. Tracking our current movements and actions." explained Tactical.

"Has the Salarian STG ship discovered our intentions yet?" asked Admiral Darien.

"Well, they haven't sent out communications yet via QEC, I assumed that their unusual check-ins haven't occurred. My assumption is they are here to track our fleet movements." Explained Tactical.

"It was bound to happen eventually," said Admiral Ren with a sigh. "There is only so much we can do to conceal our little 'secret' before someone eventually finds out."

"Why can't we just destroy the ship and get it over with?" asked Admiral Shan. "It would at least send them a message that we don't fuck around as the humans might say."

"Because it would bring down upon us a Turian Subjugation Fleet," explained Admiral Sharlaya. "I do not want to get into a series of bushfire wars with them which may drain our strength and theirs in the event of the Reaper's return. This will not only waste our time and resources preparing for the reconquering of Rannoch but also weaken the galaxy in the event of the Invasion. Just like what happened to the Protheans and the humans. The humans most especially would not be pleased to find out that we've essentially drained the galaxy of their power. Our mission is to strengthen the galaxy as much as possible to prepare them for the inevitable invasion, not to destroy them. It would be counterproductive to our shared goals after all."

"I see," nodded Admiral Shan. "I suppose that makes sense."

"On that note, I wonder what our Salarian friends are wondering?" mused Admiral Darien.

"Haha, maybe they're jealous about our 'discovery' and our 'valuable asset'." laugh Admiral Ren, who was joined by the other admirals and the rest of the bridge crew.

...

Salarian Union

STG Stealth Ship: He who sees all

Meanwhile, in the Salarian STG stealth ship, the crew of the ship, handpicked from the best agents in the Union's Special Task Group were busy at work monitoring the Quarian fleet and especially that impossibly massive ship of theirs. This was probably the main focus of the vessel, given the mission to find out more about this impossibly large ship and find ways to potentially acquire it for themselves. Either via, coercion, friendly diplomatic efforts, to military actions in order to seize it. With the military action reserve as one of the last resorts, the Union wishes to never use it. As any potential military action could lead to disastrous consequences, along with the potential to lose more than they actually gain from such actions.

The Salarian Union had initially become aware of the existence of this vessel from the strange activity exhibited by the Quarian Migrant Fleet decades prior. Actions being or the lack thereof any major or significant fleet movement or any major pilgrimage for the next few decades to come. This sudden reduction of activity had made the Salarian High Dalatrass Council very suspicious. Therefore, STG was sent to investigate this sudden drop in activity exhibited by the Quarian Migrant Fleet. But after a few years, this investigation had reached a dead end. Mainly because the Quarian Fleet somehow decided to stick around in the dead zone region of the galaxy. Not wanting to risk following what the Quarians were attempting to do at the time. The Dalatrass council ordered a cease to all investigations about the Quarians and that all assets of STG assigned to this case be redeployed elsewhere. Where they would be better used instead.

This state of affairs would continue for decades to come. This time the Quarians suddenly once again decided to leave the Dead Zone and resume their previous activity and fleet movement. Although, this time with more significant fleet movements and an increase in the number of pilgrims scattered throughout the galaxy. More than what they previously had before this little pause. Now convinced that something was up STG with the blessing of the Dalatrass Council once again reopened the investigation into the Quarians. During this time, a few things were noticed about the Quarians which were very unusual compared to their state just decades prior. For is the current state of the Migrant fleet. Which too much to their surprise was in good condition, a far cry from what it once was before the period of inactivity. Instead of a Fleet of old, outdated, and broken down ships, the fleet looked entirely brand new. As if someone took the time to repair and refit all the ships, even building new ones. The other thing to notice was the size of the fleet.

It was estimated the Quarian Migrant Fleet had at least forty to fifty thousand ships in total. However, the latest reports on the Quarian Migrant fleet movement and fleet composition didn't add up with the current numbers they have previously. Before they disappeared into the Dead Zone and then suddenly reappeared back to the wider galaxy. The wide area of dispersion of ships by the main Quarian Migrant Fleet was extremely unusual on their part. Such a wide area, could not have been feasible with their current ship numbers. As usual, the Migrant Fleet, while large in numbers didn't have the resources nor the capacity to replace or maintain their ships as many could across the galaxy. Therefore, each ship of the fleet was precious as such the Quarians would never take the risk to spread their fleet out unless it was an emergency and a last resort action decided by the captains or the admirals.

All of this has led the Salarians Special Task Group to two definitive conclusions so far. The first was that the Quarians secretly constructed a facility or a shipyard to carefully conduct maintenance on their aging, outdated, and decrepit ships to build new ones to replace the current ships they cannot repair—moreover, the facility to carefully mine and extract resources for such a task. Moreover, the facility itself was mobile and capable of being disassembled and reassembled quickly during transit. This explanation would explain the long period of time the Quarians spent inside the Dead Zone. The other explanation was the Quarians had settled down on a habitable planet, more preferably a garden world. The idea goes the Quarian managed to find a garden world from within the Dead Zone where they took shelter and colonized, which was a major violation on their part by the Citadel Council's edict that forbade the Quarians from colonizing any planet.

It was believed that they settled and then built the necessary infrastructure to support their shipbuilding and resurgence of population growth. As evident by the increasing number of pilgrims seen arriving on planets across the galaxy. But all of these theories failed to answer one question; Why did they leave? The Quarians were well-protected within the confines of the Dead Zone. There was no need to leave, even if the council got a wind of what the Quarians were doing. The Salarians doubted that anything could be done about it. Even the Dalatrass council and the Citadel Council would be hesitant to even try and enforce their edict and rules in that god-forbidden place. Which is why the STG was trying to find out. Considering the advantages position of the Quarians, located deep within the zone. But so far they, like before they didn't have much success until now.

It was entirely by accident, but one of the stealth ships following one of the many Quarian fleets spread out across the galaxy. The Stealth vessel managed to make its way into the fleet and follow it back to the main rally point, where the majority of the Quarians were seen to be stationed around. Believing it to be the main center of the Quarian Migrant Fleet. The STG vessel had expected at least the three Liveships to be present or several more. Basing their information on one of the two theories propose about the Quarians. They were confident in that their theories were correct. But as it turns out, it couldn't prepare them for what they were about to see and witness. In fact, interestingly enough, it took them weeks to confirm what they were seeing. Moreover, because of how inconceivable the scene was the Salarians even dragged the Turians and the Asari, along with a few Hanar priests and clerics of their Endkindlers religion to confirm the scene.

What they saw was a ship of an unimagined size under the hands of the Quarians. It must have taken several months for them to finally accept it. But the reality was in front of them, the Quarian had access to a ship of unimagined size and filled with never before seen advanced technologies and other impossible features. Sure there were other big structures littered throughout the galaxy. Namely, the existence of orbital rings, massive refineries, and many more "wonderous" structures littered across the surface of a wide area or that hung around the planets and gas giants of the races within the Citadel Council. But the ship seen here in the hands of the Quarians was unlike anything they had ever seen. As the fact was, it was outright impossible to build a ship that size without consuming an entire star system worth of element zero or even more so in this regard. The amount of Eezo required and the energy needed to move such a ship would have been astronomical to the point of being an infeasible fantasy concept. But here it was in its full glory to the Council's full view. Spitting in the face of everything they know about ship design and construction. Moreover, exhibiting technological wonders and miracles that seemed too alien for them to understand. To make it even worse, it was in the hands of one of the most undesirable races in the galaxy, namely the Quarian and their confounded Migrant Fleet.

It is unknown how the Quarians manage to find such a relic. It is unknown how they managed to get it running for themselves. But one thing was very clear, is that they had the ship which clearly gave them a huge advantage over the Citadel Council. And it was something that they couldn't tolerate from the race that is considered the scum of the galaxy. Already members of the Citadel Councilors, Dalatrass Council, the Asari Matriarch council, and the Turian Primarch were expressing their jealousy over the Quarian's lucky find. To the Hanar it meant one thing, and it did raise a lot of implications for their collective civilization, mainly for the Asari in general. The confirmed existence of the World Ship or the Salvation vessel as known by the Hanar and the Asari along with many other races was bound to rock the current idea of the ancient civilizations of the past. For one the existence of the ship was the first and direct confirmation of the Solarian existence. A mysterious race belonging to an equally mysterious civilization that was told to be even more greater and advanced than the Prothean civilization itself. A race as mythical as the ancient religious stories told about them. Combined with the lack of any ruins or technology to prove their existence.

However, with the discovery of the World-ship under the possession of the Quarians. Already the big three races that make up the central Citadel Council's power and influential government were already starting to become aware of the implications of this discovery. The Asari's main concern was the implication of the discovery of ruins and technology from this mysterious civilization. For the Asari, being the most technologically advanced race in the known galaxy meant that their pride was damaged by this find. Along with the undisputed belief in the superiority of the Protheans civilization compare to others. As such the existence of this ship was an affront to them therefore, they tasked the Salarians and the Turians to go and take care of the situation while ensuring that they get a slice of the ship's technology for themselves to use.

For the Turians it was on a more complicated note. The government of the Turian Hierarchy was outright furious, even seething the moment they received word of what the Quarians had acquired. For them, the Quarians acquiring the ship was a danger to the galaxy and it proved that every single Quarian in the galaxy was a threat that needed to be taken care of. Even to the point of putting them in the same category as Krogan and even with some going so far out of their way to suggest the deliberate extinction. Or any form of government-sanctioned genocide of their race. The amount of hate between the Turians and the Quarians could be traced back to when the fall of the Quarian civilization occurred. During that event not only were the Quarians affected but also the Turian as well. For they have not only lost just six fleets and a small patrol flotilla, but also their most renowned admirals, generals, and their officers.

The loss of so many of the Hierarchy military elites to this one event without a word or any idea of what had happened was a devastating blow to the morale of the vaunted Turian navy. In the end, being the prideful race they are, the Turians turned to the only thing they can blame to vent their anger, which was the survivors of the Quarian "genocide" and the collapse of their civilization. Almost immediately anger against the Quarians erupted instantly overnight, as the Turian people vented their anger to the Quarians. Who was now being seen as responsible for the disaster of the lost naval fleet? It didn't help them further when the Quarian ambassador and the last representatives kept insisting to the council that it wasn't what they had thought was the cause. Which was an AI rebellion from their machines, but in actuality an attack from a hostile race. Which itself was lacking evidence of that claim, and the evidence shown was dismissed as fabrication. Of course, unsurprisingly the Turians quickly seize the opportunity and began a smear campaign against the Quarians.

In the end, the council's final decision would see the Quarian exiled, treated as the scum of the galaxy, and left to wander the galaxy as a dying race. Forbidden to ever set foot on a planet, doomed to die in the cold darkness of space. With no species ever batting an eye to them nor even considering the idea of helping, that was at least what the Turian had planned in mind. So imagine their shock and anger when it was discovered that the Quarian had managed to get their hands on a mythical salvation ship. Already the Salarian Union and the STG were reporting mass mobilization of forces across all of Turian space. In presumably a direct military action against the Quarians. But before any actions could be taken both the Asari Republics and the Union had forstalled any direct military actions. Both powers in a pragmatic decision wanted to negotiate with the Quarians for access to the ship and its technologies. Along with pleading with the Hanar ambassador who wishes to have the ship intact and clemency for the Quarians, so that they may view the sacred salvation ship for themselves.

So far, these actions have prevented the immediate military attack against the Quarians in the immediate future. But that hasn't stopped the Turians from voicing their complaints about the situation. As of now, the Citadel council must understand how the Quarians acquired the craft and how to talk the Quarians into giving them the ship in exchange for other concessions which the Quarians may want. Namely, the retraction of the order that forbade them from colonizing a world, to the pledge to no longer be called the Quarians scum and the suit rat of the galaxy. Along with a general rehabilitation and reconciliation of their general reputation. Of course, the Salarians working in the Special Task Group knew better. There was no way in hell, the Quarians were ever going to accept any form of agreement, deal, concession, or condition established by the Council. Centuries of being mistreated by the Council and the rest of the galaxy would do that to a species. Combined with the fact that they're the main target of harassment by the Turians. This makes any hopes of negotiations near-impossible if not hopeless at best.

The STG knows that military conflict against the Quarians is inevitable. It is only a matter of time before one idiot from both sides pulls the trigger to ignite the war. The Dalatrass's main objective for STG in this case is to prevent such a war at all costs. For the security and stability of the galaxy, and to ensure the status quo remains where it is. This is why numerous stealth ships have been sent to monitor the Quarians' every movement. As they wanted to know what their intentions were before any rash actions could be taken. Which was why the ship was here in the first place. To monitor the Quarians and report back to the Union. So far, they have been observing a series of strange actions by the Quarians mainly them broadcasting a wide-area communication message signal. The question was to whom were they intending to receive the message they were currently broadcasting. For the past few hours, this question had left many Salarians slumped in confusion. The lack of any major action by the Quarians didn't help with the matter. Now they had to be content with what they had and continue the observation.

"Who are they broadcasting to?" asked Captain Maleon Sordina of the STG ship He who sees all to no one in particular. "They have been broadcasting this wide area signal for weeks now. Just who are they waiting for?"

"Perhaps sir, potential allies?" suggested XO Uhar Jikuni. "With a ship like that perhaps they could be trying to contact any allies or a new race perhaps."

"But even then these theories only raise more questions than answers XO," replied Captain Maleon. "Besides, even if they had allies, they should be responding to them by now. This begs the question of who their allies..."

"Actually are." finished Uhar. "This smells like a trap to me captain."

"Yeah, the question is...is it for us or them. That is the question I want to know," answered Captain Maleon.

"I guess only time will tell sir," replied Uhar.

"Indeed, XO, only time would tell." said the Captain.

The pair entered an uncomfortable silence barring the sounds of the officers in the combat information center doing their task ignoring the conversation of their senior officer. They were one of the many captains sent by the Special Task Group to spy on the Quarians and their actions. So far, it had proven to be an intriguing and dangerous task within the STG. Namely for the unknown and uncertain nature of the technology now under the possession of the Quarians. But that hasn't stopped the Salarians from trying to accomplish their goals given by them the higher-ups of the Union government.

"It's almost unbelievable if you think about it," said Captain Maleon. "A ship this size, haha if you would have told me that a ship this size existed I would have laughed in your face and called you crazy."

"Which only begs the question of how this was accomplished sir," Replied Uhar. "The amount of Eezo required to move such a vessel would have been astronomical."

"Yes indeed, if it wasn't for the fact that this ship gave no apparent Eezo reading apart from the ships of the Quarians Fleet docked to it." explained the Captain.

"In that case how does this ship even move at faster-than-light speeds?" asked Uhar. "Eezo is the only method I know of faster-than-light travel..."

"Eezo to the contrary of what the many in the population know is not the only way of faster-than-light travel out there," answered Captain Maleon.

"Oh, then what is it?" asked Uhar. "Because I have never heard of any news of any alternative faster-than-light travel technology."

"That is mainly because Eezo is one if not the most efficient form of faster-than-light travel out there." explained the captain. "There is another form of faster-than-light travel called Interspace. It is not a well-known concept to the civilian population. But it is well-known in the scientific community. Its principals are intriguing and have captivated the scientific community since its discovery long ago."

"If this idea existed long ago, then why haven't we used them," asked XO Uhar who was puzzled by this simple strategic mistake. "It could allow us to greatly reduce our dependence on Eezo. Which we are forced to get from the Asari."

"Well yes and no, the issue is the inherent problems and limitations with this drive technology theory." Captain Maleon said.

"Problems?"

"Yes problems, there are two limiting factors of this drive. Speed and Power" explained Captain Maleon. "Power is relatively straightforward. It requires an extreme amount of energy to move a ship at faster-than-light speed. More so than conventional Eezo drive systems. This power requirement is only exacerbated as you go on to move bigger and more massive ships. However, as you might know, it is not a complicated problem to fix. As you can see in this mission as we follow the Craftworld. The energy requirement is not that big of a deal. Since we believe the ship in the hands of the Quarians must be powered by a source of extremely high energy. Namely either an advanced antimatter reactor or an entire star, more preferably a white dwarf. This would explain how this ship is able to stay powered indefinitely without the need for a port."

"Okay then, if it isn't the power requirement then it must be speed is the problem then?" said Uhar.

"Yes, and it is probably the main contributing factor to why the Interspace technology never took off." explained the Captain.

"How could that be?" asked Uhar. "How bad can the speed be for it to be rejected as an idea from just only that?"

"Very bad, theoretical models on this topic show that the Interspace drive displays an almost dismal performance compared to their Eezo counterparts," said Captain Maleon. "Moreover, its speed even at a theoretical 'efficiency' in performance. The speed that the drive could allow would not even allow the ship to surpass even 1 light year per day. Which is a speed that is incompatible with today's modern drive systems and requirements. The truth is, XO is that the Interspace drive can't compete with nature. It is as simple as that. You see how the Interspace drive system works is by creating a space-warping bubble which would encase a large object, in this case, a ship, and allow it to travel at light speeds. In order to create this 'effect' one must need negative mass in order to do it. Our Eezo drive in many ways is similar to the Interspace drive. The only exception is that it uses Eezo while the Interspace drive uses only the sheer technological might to achieve it. To fully replicate the similar effects of Eezo into a technological solution in the form of the Interspace drive. While it may look great on paper, in reality, it is a lot different than what might you think. As you can tell this is pretty inefficient, which is probably the reason why it can never beat Eezo. After all, it is nature that always wins against the forces of technology. That is an irrefutable fact to consider."

"But surely there has been researching into finding ways to increase this speed right?" stated Uhar. "I don't see how our own scientist would easily give up on such a challenge like this."

"True, however, research took time and money. Eventually, it was the Dalatrass council along with the rest of the Governments across the citadel that decided to pull the plug in the research," explained Captain Maleon. "It took centuries to even a millennium of research. Then one day scientists at the time believed that they had the answer. Finally allow the Interspace drive too soon to be feasible for general use. It was hailed as the greatest achievement, however, all it did was end in a massive scandal. A scandal that put the nail in the coffin of the project and cost hundreds of trillions of galactic credits. All was wasted on what was believed to be years of nothing."

"I might have heard about this. It was something about an alternative FTL scandal, but I didn't think it was that bad. So what the hell happened?" said Uhar surprised.

"Well, it began with the initial theoretical model. It took years to understand the principles of how the Interspace drive worked. After all, we were working with a drive that utilizes little to no Eezo in its works. After thousands of years or so, we manage to finally build a model that would, according to the initial calculations allow us to surpass the 1 light-year per day barrier. The model showed the drive to be capable of firstly 1.402 to 1.996 light-years per day then 2.738 to 3.644 light-years per day. With the calculations and models at hand. The scientist began work on building the first-ever prototype device. It then that everything went downhill." explained Captain Maleon.

"Let me guess, the experiment proved otherwise?" remarked Uhar.

"Rightly so, when the first prototype was built everyone had expected good results. Unfortunately, in a series of tests, everything started going wrong. The device couldn't surpass the barrier as stated in the initial model. The speed it reach was just barely reaching the 1 light-year per day mark. Reaching only 0.939 light-years per day, which was in many ways lower than what the model had predicted. Of course, everyone believed it was due to the nature of the prototype device. But as more and more tests were conducted and more and more devices were built. Inevitably someone got suspicious of the model and went back to do a recalculation. Which turns out to be the source of all the problems faced during the test. It never surpass the 1 light-year per day limit, all this time everyone was under the assumption that it could be surpassed. However, due to a typo mistake, it gave the model a false impression that this was indeed the case. Because of this, all that hard work and everything these scientists had worked for so long and so hard on was all for nothing. As a result of this failure, the government shut down everything they had of this project and archive it. Leaving many scientists and engineers frustrated and defeated. Henceforth, from that day onwards Eezo drives were the norm. Anything that mentions an FTL drive other than Eezo was dismissed. After all, Eezo drive systems have been proven to be the most effective drive system of them all. There was no point in trying to pursue studies into another form of FTL technology. As of today, this situation has remained true, there is nothing better than Eezo." said Captain Maleon.

"But on that note, this is false," stated Uhar. "Example the Craftworld. It seems to possess an Interspace system that seems to surpass this limit. While albeit slow, we clocked it to travel at around 5.886 to 6.347 and 7.609 light-years per day. This indicates that it is possible to increase the speed of an Interspace drive. Whoever built that ship knew more about the physics and nature of this Interspace drive than we do and was able to improve it to the point of surpassing the limit."

"Yes, this probably why everyone wants a piece of that ship," stated Captain Maleon. "This ship represents a treasure trove to a mysterious and godlike race as described by the numerous creations and myths scattered throughout every race in the galaxy. If we could acquire the drive on the ship. We can usher in a new golden age and a new era for our people. No more dependence on Eezo, we can finally stand on our toes once again."

"I agree captain, I believe it's time we step out of the shadow of the Asari and stand strong alone, and independent." nodded Uhar. "Us having this drive would allow us to solve many problems in our society."

"And these days, with Eezo growing ever scarcer with each passing day. The need for a new reliable drive has emerged, and that is why we have an informal time limit. It is only a matter of time before the Eezo Scarcity crisis would begin to affect our civilization. Which is why we need to access that ship at all costs. We have to get the Quarians to open up to us." Captain Maleon said. "For the good of the greater people of course."

"Of course, captain," Replied Uhar. "For the good of the people."

With a sigh, the captain turned back to get a read from the tactical display. It has been hours now since the Quarian began once again transmitting their message across space. For the past few weeks now they had followed this routine of transmitting before stopping to listen for any response. Captain Maleon by now was hoping that something what change to help stave off the boredom. However, what he didn't know was that he made the single most simple universal mistake that he could have ever made. Was that he should be careful what he wishes for because chances are that his wish may come to fruition.

At that moment instant the situation in the combat information center changed as a fleet of unidentified vessels jump into the system. Facing directly at the Quarian Fleet surrounding the Craftworld. It was at that moment Captain Maleon knew that however, the Quarians were trying to contact with. Had finally revealed themselves to not only the Quarians but to them as well. Now they had to work out who these unknowns were and if they were going to be a near future threat to the stability of the galaxy. Already they now face a much even greater challenge than they had previously expected before. Only time would tell if their efforts would bear fruition.

Without a moment to waste, Captain Maleon quickly sprung into action. "Give me a SITREP, I want everything we have about the 'unknowns'," he ordered the crew in the CIC.

"At once, captain." the officers replied back.

"Captain!" yelled the officer responsible for tactical. "I have counted roughly one thousand newly arrived vessels of the unknowns. A sizeable fleet, and one that is heavily armed. If the sensor scans and reports are correct. We are looking at a fleet that has the firepower of roughly the equivalent of a sizeable Turian battlegroup."

"By the Dalatrass blessings, Do we who are they?" asked the Captain.

"From the initial designs of these ships, I think they're..." the officer was silent with his eyes wide open in disbelief.

"They're what tactical, you haven't completed what you were about to say." snapped Captain Maleon.

Flustered the Officer finally responded. "Sir these ships... I think they're Geth warships."

Everyone looked at the officer as if he had gone mad. It wasn't until the Captain snapped out of it and responded.

"What do you mean Geth Warship?!" he finally shouted.

...

Back on the Quarian Craftworld, the room bristled with activity as the now-identified Geth Fleet stared down the Quarian armada and the Craftworld. The five admirals looked at each other and nodded. This was it, they agreed together. Today was the day history was made, if this contact would turn out to be successful. Then there was hope to finally live in peace in the galaxy, knowing that they had an ally. With the final goal to retake Rannoch and bring an end to the centuries-long suffering, they had endured. Of course, they couldn't get their hopes up yet. As it was still too soon to know if the Geth seen here were indeed their allies or have been subverted by the foul enemy. And have come as a way to trick them. This is what the Quarians are now trying to do and confirm for sure.

Without hesitation, Admiral Darien'Xen gave the order. "Comms, open the channel to the Geth Fleet."

"Y Y Yes sir," replied the Communication officer nervously.

Across the vast distances of space, the two fleets reached out to one another to establish communications. For the Quarians they waited with bated breath for what was about to come. Then came the moment of truth a simple communication burst was transmitted from the leading Geth ship in the fleet. There was a stir amongst the Quarians who were present on the bridge. As many hadn't expected the Geth to even answer back or even consider open for talks with organics in general.

Acting instantly, Admiral Darien quickly opened the message to see its content. He was very much pleased with what he saw. Because the message was one simple statement.

"Creator, we wish to reestablish contact in accordance with the agreement made by your predecessor."

"Comms give me a direct line to the Geth Fleet." ordered the Admiral to the still-stunned bridge crew.

"Now" he yelled, jolting the stunned and in awe crew into action.

"Direct line has been established sir." replied the comms officer.

The screen then changed to view the illusive boogyman of the galaxy and their once-thought mortal enemy. Physically, the humanoid Geth resemble Quarians—their hands, head shape and legs are similar—which is probably a holdover from their origins. A common design feature among Geth is a single brightly glowing photoreceptor, causing some to refer to them as "flashlight heads". But seeing them in the flesh and who were willing to talk to them had thrown a lot of Quarians out of the loop. It caused many to even doubt that this was even real but instead claimed that they were dreaming. But the reality was, that it was here and very real indeed.

Despite the advice of their still unsure fellow XOs and captains the admirals still press on with the attempted communication. Hoping to press on with the contact considering things were going well so far without any issues. They didn't want to squander the opportunity in front of them over some suspicion about meeting a race they haven't seen in centuries. And are considered their mortal enemy and the boogeyman of the galaxy. This is why the Admirals forced the crew to continue to maintain the connection as long as the situation requires.

"Geth Fleet this is admiral Darien'Xen, commander of this massive ship you see before you." the Admiral began. "Long ago our two races made a pact. It was a pact that was more of a promise. A promise to one day find one another in the future and combine our very forces against the darkness that has taken our very home. Do you still honor this pact?"

"Affirmative Admiral Darien." replied the Geth. "We have long awaited this day to come. We are pleased to inform you that nearly all the specifications and requirements which your ancestors have tasked us with are complete. We have the data on our progress here sent directly to you. On your order, we can begin making preparations for a full-scale counteroffensive against the darkness known as the old machines. Or what you would call the Reapers."

The admiral was surprised by the Geth's response. So too were his colleagues who were going through the data sent by the Geth. To many, it would appear that the Geth were telling the truth. However, to some there was still that inherent suspicion, nevertheless, it would appear that their efforts may have paid off.

"Who is 'we'?" asked Admiral Darien, confused by the machine's way of speech. "Do you mean you found allies to the cause, if so who are they?"

"Not allies creator Darien. We mean all of us Geth." answered the Geth unit.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Admiral Darien perplexed.

"We are all Geth" replied the Geth unit. "This platform contains roughly 7,678 programs. We are all Geth."

The Admiral sighed in response. "This was going to be difficult", he thought to himself.

"My name is Legion, for we are many." quoted Admiral Darien, from the top of his head. Reciting a quote he read during his time in Human space. "You shall be known as Legion."

"Designation accepted," Responded the Geth unit. "This platform shall be called Legion, a terminal for Geth."

"Moreover, There is also someone aboard our massive Craftworld vessel who would like to meet you." Admiral Darien stated.

"Query: who is the individual in question?" asked the Geth unit now identified as Legion.

"The allies we made, during our long journey," replied Admiral Darien. "They were the ones who gave us this ship. They were the ones to give us hope and the future that would allow our race to grow and prosper. Without their help, we won't be able to meet here and reestablish contact with you. They are allies who have a history with the so-called enemy. They faced them before and they will do so again. But from them, we also realized that we cannot do this alone. Our homeworld is not the only one, but in fact, is the beginning of the coming war against the Reapers. If we are to return to our home once again, we would need to prepare the galaxy for their eventual full-scale invasion."

"Consensus achieved, we the Geth would like to know more about your allies and what they know of the Old Machines," replied Legion.

"Then you are in luck," replied Admiral Darien. "The representative is here present on the ship. We have arranged for a meeting once we've confirmed successful contact with you. We have sent you the docking procedure and gate for you. However, do be warn thought that any deviation from the current path we've established would be considered an act of hostile intent. We do intend to defend ourselves when needed."

"Acknowledge Creator Darien. We shall follow your instructions," replied Legion before signing off.

Admiral Darien sat back on his chair as he let out a massive sigh to express how much stress he felt for the last few weeks and a few minutes ago following successful contact with their supposed "mortal enemy of the Quarian people." Things were looking bright for the Quarian people in the short term. However, this respite was only the start of a series of tests and trials that the Quarian people knew they would inevitably have to go through. Because if the Salarian STG stealth ship was watching. They would surely report this strange meeting back to the council. They would most certainly react to the sudden event taking place.

...

Back on the STG ship, the crew in the CIC stared at the situation in awe and in shock at what was happening in their very eyes. It was almost unbelievable but here it was. The Quarians were in reconciliation with the Geth their most hated enemy. It was inconceivable that this was even happening. In the various thousands of questions that were running through the head of Captain Maleon. One question, in particular, stood out. What is going on here? he thought to himself. The whole situation was very bizarre to the captain. For as long of his short life, he was taught that the Geth were the mortal enemy to the galaxy and the boogeyman in the dark. Moreover, he was also taught that the Quarians were their most hated enemy, and the same could be said for them. However, what he was seeing had flown in the face of everything he knew about the Geth rebellion and the relations between the Geth and the Quarian race.

As such, it took him a while to respond as his mind tried and failed to process the scene in front of him. However, one thing was very clear in his mind. The Dalatrass council would be needed to be informed of the current situation. Acting quickly Captain Maleon turned to the comms officer and gave the order.

"Comms send a transmission back directly to the STG headquarters and the other to the Dalatrass council they would need to know."

"Right away!' acknowledge the Comms Officer.

XO Uhar turned to the captain. "I hope you know what you're doing sir," he said.

"I sure hope I do," replied Captain Maleon as the Geth ship now started the procedure to dock with the Craftworld. "Because things are about to get interesting."

...

Codex Entry:

Orbital Rings:

Info: An orbital ring is a concept of an artificial ring placed around a body and set rotating at such a rate that the apparent centrifugal force is large enough to counteract the force of gravity. For an average Garden world, the required speed is on the order of 10 km/sec, compared to a typical low planetary orbit velocity of 8 km/sec. The structure is intended to be used as a space station or as a planetary vehicle for very high-speed transportation or space launch.

Because the cable is spinning faster than orbital velocity, there is a net outward force that is countered by internal tension within the cable. This resists any attempt to bend it and allows it to carry loads. In typical conceptions, a motorized platform is placed on the cable that runs in the opposite direction at a speed that makes it appear stationary above the ground. Above a standard Garden Planet's equator, a platform running at 9.5 km/sec in the direction opposite the cable will appear stationary and allow a cable to be lowered to form a space elevator. This elevator is only perhaps 500 kilometers (310 mi) long and can be built with existing materials.

The orbital ring is somewhat similar to the "classic" space elevator concept. In the traditional space elevator, a large station is placed in geostationary orbit (GEO) so that it remains in a single location above the equator of a Garden World. A cable is then built and lowered towards the World while a second cable, providing a counterweight, is built upward from the station and remains in place due to tidal forces. When the structure is complete, elevator-like cars can ride the cable into space.

Orbital rings use a different mechanism. In the orbital ring version, a kinetic ring is moving around the world at a higher speed than circular orbital velocity. This results in a net outward force that is countered by gravity acting on the stationary components. In order to support the elevator, the ring is not circular but slightly elliptical. Two or more stations are placed at the high ends of the path, but below the point where the orbit's apogee would be normally. The station bends the cable downward as it passes through in order to produce an upward force on the station. The resulting orbit for a two-station system looks something more akin to an Oval than a rounded ellipse.

History:

Orbital Rings are one if not the most fascinating structures to have ever existed in the Galaxy. It is considered the largest known sentient-made structure in the galaxy by far. A series of massive complexes of orbital shipyards, refineries, and construction facilities encircle the equator of a planet, which further adds to the potential economic benefits and outputs of said planet. First reverse-engineered by the Citadel Council from one such ruin belonging to the Illusive Prothean civilization, the structure was a symbol of their magnificence and greatness. A testament to their technological and engineering might, from the creation of the Mass Relays, Stellar lifters, Fusion Candles, Gas Giant refineries, Star forges, and now the orbital rings. It was their gift to the galaxy, which was considered by many to be the greatest gift of them all. (Edit; on the discovery of the Mural on Thessia. It would suggest that the Orbital Ring concept did not originally originate from them but in actuality, it was a concept associated with the mysterious Solarian race. According to the Mural, the Protheans reverse-engineered the orbital rings concept from their initial. With partial success but more advanced than what the current races have in the present day.)

The orbital rings brought about new bounties and opportunities that never could have imagined or emerged before their successful reverse-engineering and construction. The orbital rings contain facilities for various different needs; ranging from civilian to military the orbital rings can suit all. For the industrial and economic side, the rings contain the various complexes of orbital shipyards, ports, terminals, refineries, and construction facilities that would be suited to bolstering the economy of the world it serves. To the military, the orbital rings provide the facility necessary to defend a planet, making it very hard to invade. These rings are the focal point of every race in the Citadel Council's collective defense. Containing a series of batteries, and defenses of all kinds, making the world an impenetrable fortress. To the civilian, these rings offer the best of the best habitation and living blocs that would suit their utopian living styles. To the various facilities in place to control a planet's weather and terraform certain inhospitable areas into livable areas. All in all the orbital rings can serve a variety of different purposes. A testament to the ancient's endless wisdom and thought.

In modern times, these rings serve to convey that idea to the next generation. The largest of these rings so far goes to the Turian Hierarchy and the Ring of Iron above the world of Trebia. The Ring of Iron is the name given to the massive complex of orbital shipyards, refineries, and construction facilities that encircle the equator of Trebia, the fortress world and center of their military-industrial complex. The exploratory and expeditionary fleets of the Turian Hierarchy were constructed in the orbital shipyards of the Ring of Iron during the Unification wars and the Krogan Rebellion. The ring was once the site of the biggest battles during the Krogan Rebellion. During that particular battle, the rebel Krogan struck against the Ring of Iron and damaged large portions of its facilities. The terrible destruction could be seen from the surface of Trebia as a blazing fire in the sky.

After the end of the Rebellion and the re-establishment of Turian rule over Trebia, the Ring of Iron was repaired and put to work once more churning out the starships of the newborn Turian Hierarchy Navy and the Hierarchy merchant fleets. In the present day, spacecraft and other large starfaring structures are constructed within the Ring's extensive orbital factories, and many of the warships of the Battlefleet Trebia are based in its huge floating docks. It is considered the largest known sentient-made structure in the Milky Way Galaxy by far. Making it the crown jewel of the Citadel civilization and the pride of the Hierarchy development, strength, and power. Advertised as built to last to the ends times. It remains an important facility for the Turian Hierarchy and a symbol of the ancient's power in the hands of the worthy.

A/N:

And finally, this chapter is done. Sorry for the long wait my readers. It was spring break so I decided to take my merry time writing this particular chapter. As you can tell from this chapter, things are about to start heating up in the next one. I hope you all enjoy that whenever it comes. And so the Quarians and the Geth have finally met. Too much confusion among the Salarian onlookers who are unsure what to make of the situation. You will all see the reaction of the various government entities in the galaxy to the situation in the next chapter.

On that note, I buff the Citadel Council a bit from the canon. Instead of two to three thousand years of space travel in the canon. It is around nine thousand to nearly ten thousand years. The reason for this change is considering the amount of time between the previous cycle and the newest one in this AU. This is without factoring in the new technologies in possession of the Protheans stolen from the Humans. It stands to reason that the Reapers would have allowed the next race more time to develop and grow in order to replenish and create more Reaper Ascendants in order to control their vast drone army. Albeit at the cost of the next cycle gaining technologies that they wished the next cycle won't have. But it is a fair trade in their minds.

So as long as those races will not suddenly one day decide to invent their own thing. Then the Reapers will not care that much at all. And because of the extended period of time, the Citadel Council has existed. They have the time to partially reverse-engineer technology from the Protheans which would boost their power more so than in canon. In my mind, roughly two thousand to three thousand years of space exploration to the Asari is roughly equivalent to two or three human centuries. And we all know due to their long age they tend to see things more slowly than most races. This somewhat makes technological progression in the Citadel council appear to stagnate for the outside observer. So I increase the time in order to make the technological progression to be logical and make sense.

Other than that, this is all I have for you all today.

I hope you enjoy this chapter and be on the lookout for the next.