Thanks to the people who reviewed, it made me very happy. I thank you for giving me a better date for the origin of Parahumans in Worm, and I apologize for making such a mistake. I must admit, it has been a long time since I read Worm. I have now gone back and fixed that. Sorry if I offended you. I have decided to go with prologue B, as I do see now, in hindsight, that it makes things much easier.

Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 2: Like a flood the enemy washes over their defenses.

Normandy

"So, this is awkward."

Captain Anderson and the other captain merely stared at each other, both quite clearly in shock. The only person still capable of speech was Joker, although he was just as surprised. Captain Anderson was the first to recover. "Who are you, and how did you get out here? Your ship matches no records of any sort."

The other captain frowned. "My name is James Mortland, Captain of the Imperator. I would like to find out how you got here, more out of personal interest than anything official."

"Would you like us to send over our Codex?"

"That would be wonderful. Do you have a place we can park our ship, or do you want to attach to our ship?"

"Can you wait here for now? I have to go back and contact my superiors. If possible, please come to a full stop."

"Understood. We will await your return here."

With that the communication was cut, the hologram of the other captain vanishing. Anderson's shoulders sagged in relief. "Joker, get us back to the Citadel fleet, and get the Council together. I have the most worrying feeling that they are not going to be happy about this."

"Which part in particular? The estranged humans, or the Citadel-sized warship they arrived in?"

"Both. And get Udina there as well. Heaven knows that he'll be on my arse about this, and I really do not have the patience for it."

Council Chambers

"To clarify, Captain Anderson, you want us to allow a forty kilometre long warship to pull up alongside the Citadel, and have them send a diplomatic team across? What prompted this reaction, I wonder?"

Anderson sighed. Councilor Valern was digging deeper into it with every question, although this last one seemed like he somehow knew Anderson's reasons, and was giving him a chance to confess. Whether or not he actually was, it would be a good idea to come clean to the Council now, rather than later. "Councilors, as you may know I took advantage of the Normandy's stealth drive to try and get a closer look at the approaching ship. I saw its size, and began telling my pilot to get us the hell away from it. To my horror and fear, he reported that the ship was hailing us."

"And? Did you reply?"

"Indeed, Councilor Sparatus. I worried that the new species might be offended if I ignored them, and so gave my helmsman the command to respond to the hail. What I saw, it is beyond belief."

"Captain, even by Asari standards I am old, and my fellow Councilors are old by their standards too. I think we can handle anything you can describe."

"They were human. Not humanoid, or like humans, simply human. I looked at the other captain and I saw my own species. From the fact he was just as surprised as I was, I would posit that the ship in question was a generational ship launched before the discovery of the Mars Archives. How such a ship got here, I do not know, nor do I know why it was launched. All I know, is that it is very real, and very much populated with humans."

"Very well Captain. We ask that you contact them, and lead their ship to the Citadel, as well as getting their diplomatic team to us. I should warn you, the Council will hold you personally responsible for any damages caused by these humans.

Imperator

"Captain Mortland, the Normandy has returned, and is hailing us."

Given that it was still technically the night shift, the other bridge crew had not yet arrived on the bridge, leaving the three members of the night shift alone on the massive bridge, along with the captain.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Put them on screen."

The bridge had clearly been designed by a Star Trek fan, as the bridge was laid out in a similar fashion. Captain in the middle, Stations front, back and sides, and giant viewscreen on the front wall. So, whenever someone put a video call on it, you invariably felt like you were being looked down upon. As was the case now. "Can I assume you have come to tell us something?"

"Indeed. I have spoken with the Council, and they will allow you to bring your ship closer to the Citadel. I have also been instructed to deliver a diplomatic party from your ship to the Council Chambers. Do you have any pressing questions?"

"Yeah, just two. One, are there any horrible diseases that we should be worried about over there? And also, how many people are allowed in a diplomatic team?"

"There should be no problems with diseases, so long as you stay on the Presidium, at least until we can be more clear as to what would be an issue. As for the second one, I think it can be no greater than six."

"Glad to know. If you just head back to this Citadel of yours, we'll follow at a safe distance. Unless, of course, you just want to land in a hangar and come aboard for a visit?"

"That, I believe, will be a visit that will have to wait. Maintain a safe distance, I have a very, enthusiastic pilot"

The screen clicked off, returning to showing the Serpent Nebula in all its gaseous glory, as well as the Normandy wheeling about to head back to the Citadel, whatever that was. "Mr. Wood, follow that ship. Keep it within visual range at all times, but try not to run it over. We have no idea how fast they go, and I would rather not cause a diplomatic incident before we even start. In the meantime, I need to assemble a diplomatic team."

Tracy stood up, and said "Captain?"

"Yes, Ms. Grey?"

"Just call me Tracy, sir. I request that I be allowed on this mission."

"You're a Thinker, right? What was your power again?"

"Instant language translation, sir. I can speak, read or understand any language I hear."

"You know what, Tracy? As much as I hate to stereotype, are you capable of putting the team together? Not to be insensitive, but I have the impression that Thinkers have a network all over the ship."

"Indeed, sir. I'll see what I can put together."

The captain turned to walk away, intending to go have a shower and shave before meeting this Council the aliens had. It was still night for them, although it would seem that the aliens were on the day shift. Blasted non-synced clocks.

Citadel Control

Wynon T'sara was an Asari Maiden just trying to get through life, pay the bills, and get off the Citadel. So that was why she was working a dead-end job in Citadel Space Traffic Control. This recent panic was the most exciting thing to happen in years, the last one being the arrival of the Systems Alliance diplomatic party

"This is Citadel control, how may I be of assistance?"

"This is the SSV Normandy, letting you know that what is following us is friendly, and not to be fired upon."

"Why would we fire on… that…"

Emerging from the nebula was the most massive ship she had ever imagined. It was the size of the citadel, but it was actually moving under its own power. While she had never been particularly religious, she found herself fervently praying to the Goddess. While she would normally have been embarrassed to do so in her workplace, she heard almost every other person in the room with her start praying. Asari, Turians, Humans, Hanar, even the pair of Salarians.

Council Chambers

"Goddess, I knew it was big, but…"

Like any who could see the Imperator, the three councilors were gazing awestruck at the colossal superstructure. Many people had been impressed when the Asari had unveiled the Destiny Ascension, but it paled in comparison to the beast they saw before them.

"To clarify, a bunch of pre-Mass Effect humans were able to build that? We should tread carefully around them. We have no idea what they will be like."

"Am curious to see what powers it. Also how they avoided the problems that the Quarians face on their liveships. Would like to have STG agents inserted into their community."

"Indeed, Valern, Tevos, you both make good points. However, simply looking at that monstrosity, I can tell you our first order of business must be having it either decommissioned, or handed over to the Turian fleet. Such a ship would be the crown jewel of any fleet. If it was properly retrofitted, we could use it to take control of the Terminus systems. If we had a human Spectre, I would want them inserted on board. Alas, we have no such people."

Tevos turned around, seeing that the Normandy was headed for the behemoth, presumably to collect the diplomatic delegation. She could only pray that they would be reasonable, and that she would not need any form of alcoholic beverage to soothe her sorrows.

Normandy

"So, captain, what is the plan for getting the diplomats on board? I only ask because I do not see any standardised docking ports on that there beastie."

"No, Joker, neither do I. I understand, however, that they must have a shuttle onboard that they can use for such a short distance. Beyond that-"

He was cut off as a pillar of flames burst into being on the deck behind him, only to dissipate as quickly as it came, leaving a group of six people, people who Captain Anderson knew did not work on the Normandy, standing there with their backs to him. As he pulled out his handgun, one of them turned around, and was revealed to be Captain Mortland. 'Captain Mortland, would you care to explain how and why you are on my ship?"

"Well, you see,we were going to use a shuttlecraft, but Moving decided that we should make an entrance. I tried to dissuade them, but, as you can see they won that argument." He shrugged. "Can you take us to your leader now?"

Anderson just stared. "How did you get from your ship, several kilometres away, onto my ship?"

"I'll explain later, but I think it is time for diplomacy, not interrogation, right? I will happily answer any questions your Council might have, but I would rather not have to repeat myself." Mortland hedged.

Anderson nodded, understanding that the Council would want answers as well. 'Joker, get us to Alliance Tower, maximum speed. And no fancy flying, either."

"Yes sir…'

Council Chambers

Captain Mortland POV

James was impressed. While the Imperator was big, you never quite saw it, what with it being more solid in the middle. This thing had a hollow centre, allowing visitors to see the entire thing at once. More than that, it was old. From what he had see, if these people could make things this big, then they would make more of them, making ships and stations in the same manner. While he could not account for stations, he could see that the ships were a lot smaller, even taking into account the different classes. That meant they found it.

"Well, James, what do you think?"

And that was his second officer. Also leader of Brutes, he had once had a real name, but what it was was lost to time. He was the second oldest person on the ship, and the oldest human.

"Well, Lung, I believe that this dimension will be quite entertaining."

As time had passed, Scion had learnt to better communicate with mortal beings, and further agreements had been made. For example, the one that allowed the leaders of the Twelve Guilds to escape death's reach. With the help of Amy Dallon, who ran Strikers, the leaders of the Guilds were kept young, and powerful, though some Guild leaders refused this offer.

Lung was one who enjoyed the travels they had, as they allowed him to keep testing himself against new foes. It was rumoured that he had a collection of trophies in his quarters, tokens from his cross-dimensional travels.

"Indeed, Captain. I hope that there is a species in this universe who can interest me."

They now approached the Citadel Chambers, a building that was clearly designed to make the Council appear to be superior. It was a tactic they had seen many times before, by many types of rulers. Though, none were as interesting as this one. A multi-species oligarchy? This would be one for the history books. As they observed the various ambassadors that had come out to see the diplomatic party, one walked up to them. A human, though wearing the same style of clothes as the other ambassadors. "My name is Ambassador Udina. Come, the Council will see you now." He leant in, and murmured to the captain "Just follow my lead."

James frowned. It seemed all was not to be well in paradise. It might be time to let the standard Cape negotiation tactics out to play. Specifically, the same style of overwhelming crudeness that got them arrested half the time, for things like property damage, and public nudity. Things like that.

They ascended the steps that led to the Council, and stood, in a V formation, right behind the human Ambassador. He spoke "Councilors, I bring before you a group of humans, once from our very Earth, who have now returned. I seek your guidance in this matter."

"No we're not."

As one, they all turned to stare at Tracy, who simply stood there resolutely. "We're not from their Earth. Nor have we returned, nor have we come to seek your guidance. As fun as it would be to say that, we would never lie to such distinguished members as you. Actually, we would, but we would be a lot less subtle about it, like about," There was a tapping on the window behind the councilor, "that much less subtle."

Like a single unit, every single being in the room turned to look at the window in question. Meant to show a wonderful view of the Serpent Nebula, it now showed the same view, plus a person waving at them. In space. Without any sort of breathing gear. He waved, though the councilors did not seem happy. This was Benjamin Johnson, one of the infamous Alexandria packages, capable of flight, survival in any environment, and enhanced strength. Of course, to the people of this dimension, he was only a man, drifting in space without a suit.

Gently nudging the stunned Udina aside, Captain Mortland took his place. "Councilors, we are not from ths dimension. Our ship, the Imperator, left our home because of us, the Parahumans. We left with a population of two million, though we now number just over thirty million, each as strange and unique as the next. We were called Parahumans because we had abilities, abilities which set us apart from the norm. We could manipulate the elements, bend time to our will, and twist the minds of others to suit our needs. We did not all have the same abilities, but we all have one thing in common: Scion."

You could hear the capital letter in the name

The blue one, who Tracy identified as Tevos of the Asari, was the first to recover, both from the information dump and the sight of a person surviving in space. "Who, or what, is Scion?"

"Scion is, for lack of a better word, our god. He bestows the powers on us a pieces of himself, shards of a greater whole. At one point there was another, but she is dead."

The one called Valern spoke up. "Impossible. Gods not real, all of this a lie. I would wager that the man outside is a mere holograohic projection. A good one, I will admit, but hardly enough evidence to believe these wild tales."

James smiled. "Tell me, Councilor, what would constitute proof? Shall we teleport you to our ship, let you speak with our people? Shall we unleash the Endbringers, our greatest enemy, and our greatest weapon, upon this station? Or perhaps we will twist your mind against you, make you doubt all that you see? Just ask it of us, and we will be glad to honour your requests."

Shepard POV

Shepard shivered. While the threats were merely talk, he could see that the man had an air of confidence about himself, one that was either very well faked, or so real that he could only be speaking the truth. For once, he was not sure which would be worse. He decided to test this man's claims himself.

"Captain, what can you do?"

The entire room seemed to look at where he was, standing in a corner with Anderson.

"Pardon?"

"You claim that every member of your society can do things that we deem impossible. What can you do?"

The man smiled. It was not a pleasant smile, but one that seemed cruel and smug. "I stand on things."

Everyone frowned. Here this man was, claiming impossible deeds, but all he could do was stand? How broken was this society?

Then the Captain stepped off the Petitioners Platform, and stood suspended on thin air. "I can stand on anything at all. I can stand on air, fire, a bullet, a wall, just as easily as you stand there. I have no restrictions regarding that."

As he was talking, he kept walking around, standing on thedecorativ bushes, turning to stand on a vertical wall, even one humans elaborate hairstyle. For many, this was seen as further proof, though Valern seemed determined not to believe it. "More holograms! Are any of you actually real, or are you just Geth projections sent to destroy us?"

The captain sighed. "Tell me, Captain Anderson, did this Earth ever have Arthur C. Clarke?"

"Indeed. His works are still taught in schools, next to those of people like Shakespeare and Pratchett. Why?"

"Does not his third law state: 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistiguishable from magic'? Can you not accept, Valern, that our technology in this regard is so high above yours that it seems impossible to you?"

"NO!" Valern screamed, seemingly working himself up into a frenzy over this. "I WILL NOT ACCEPT THAT ALL WE KNOW IS FALSE!" He pulled a gun out, "AND I WILL KILL ANYONE WHO TRIES TO MAKE ME!"

The effect was immediate. The people in the room who had kinetic barriers activated them, while those who did not took cover nearby. The one who was seemingly second in command of the new people stepped in front of them, and Shepard could swear he had gotten taller. Even the Councilors stepped away from the mad Salarian, fearful of what he might do.

Captain Mortland, however, seemed determined to end this peacefully. "Councilor, please, put down the gun. We can talk this out, and no-one has to get hurt. Just, put the gun down. Please."

Valern had a wild look in his eyes, like he was going mad. He looked at the gun, as if he did not recognize it. Then, he shot the first officer in the chest.

Tevos POV

As the blood sprayed out of the dead man's chest, all Tevos could think was "I really hope that they are willing to forgive one man's actions. Even if those actions were in fact the murder of their first officer by one of our leaders."

What shocked her was the seeming carelessness showed by the people towards the death of their colleague. They almost seemed like they were waiting for something. What could they possibly…

The body got up.

It pushed itself up off the ground, revealing a clean hole through his heart. A hole that was rapidly filling with flesh, muscle and skin fixing whatever damage caused by Valern's shot. The man cracked his neck, like she had seen humans do before a fight, and roared. He was definitely taller now, approaching nine feet in height, and there was a metallic sheen to his skin. Flames licked from his eyes, and spilled from his mouth.

Then, with what seemed to be a great effort, he reigned it in, shrinking down to his normal size, and losing the flames and metal that were threatening to break free. Valern still looked slightly mad, but he also appeared to be considering the repercussions of is actions. If a Citadel-sized ship full of people with such impossible capabilites were to decide to seize the Citadel as their own, their was little that could be done to stop them.

With horror, she saw that Valern was pointing the gun at his own head. If he died…

Before that train of thought could go any further, a bolt of blue light hit the gun, launched from the hand of another of the diplomatic party. At first she thought that it was an Overload, then she saw that the gun was quite literally frozen, with frost covering it. "He will face our justice," Captain Mortland said " though had you attacked any one of us other than Lung, then it is quite possible that war would have been declared. As it is, he will be fine. We will be taking our ship away for now, and hope that future diplomacy will go well."

Valern suddenly went stiff, staring straight ahead, in fear. At first she thought it was because of what might happen to an alien who just shot a dignitary in the chest. However, the Captain seemed to think otherwise.

Captain Mortland POV

I knew the look on Valern's face, even without taking into account his alien visage. It was the face made by someone going through a trigger event. On the Imperator this was limited to Second Triggers, because everyone was blessed by Scion on birth. "What do you see?"

While the other two Councilors seemed confused, Valern said "A giant sphere, spinning in space. There are pieces of it breaking off, and falling… somewhere. One is coming for me…"
And then he collapsed, like a marionette with its strings cut. "I stand corrected Councilor. It is quite necessary that we stay here for the foreseeable future. Is there a way we could get in touch with Valern's family, as well as the Salarian government?"

"Why? What is going on?"

"Well, councilor Sparatus, it would seem that a member of the Salarian government has developed superpowers.

A/N: I'm going to leave it there. Review, Favourite, and Follow!