Alright guys, here's Chapter 3 as promised!

Taking the opportunity here, I'm going to discuss matters I have seen in some reviews. First of all, I'm aware of the stories that usually have the Turians being stomped by modified human races. I have read a few shares myself. However, we are talking about Megaman here. If you guys have played all games (from the original Megaman to the ZX series), you will find that their civilization has been advanced ever since Megaman X's plot took effect. This story hapens 50 years after the Ouroboros Incident (in ZX Advent which occurs 300 years after the Megaman X series), so you can guess how much development they did considering that AIs represent over a half of the population.

Second, I think the title of the story is self-explanatory as of what I'll be exploiting here.

Well, without further, Happy Reading!

Chapter 3 – Interrogation

Shanxi System, Orbit of Shanxi

SFV Nuaque

Two hours after the small conflict that took place here at Shanxi at the edge of the system, a mess reigned inside the Nuaque. It was much comparable to an army of disoriented ants going to one end to another, hastily trying to do their jobs with excellency. However, in a situation they were in right now, it was highly understandable why they were chaotically. The chaos was so big that there were times people bumped into Albion as he walked towards the bridge in search of his dad and commander of the Nuaque, Grey. He had to resist from forming an annoyed look on his face since he couldn't blame them for being like that. The fleet just sent an alien fleet packing to their home.

"Hmm… I was expecting more from them." He mumbled deep in thought. And there was a reason for that.

For the past years since he was activated, he have been engaging on studies about anything he deemed worthwhile. Sometimes he read for own pleasure and other times, he just downloaded the data. Being a lover of Physics especially in cosmos scale, he centered his eyes in learning space and its wonders. From there, he also took interest on one of the oldest questions made by mankind since ancient times. Are we really alone outside Earth?

To Albion, it was obvious they weren't, though that question was constantly debated until recent times. In fact, it was one of the motives that compelled the Humanoid advance to space. Though they were wary of it, they were curious if advanced alien life really existed in the Milk Way. Their answer came when they found the Prothean artifacts on Mars. And now, with these new aliens. They weren't Prothean as far as he knew from the common knowledge spread to the society since they displayed knowledge in tech comparable to Humanoids. Those new ones appeared to be much behind them on those terms, much to Albion's disappointment. Sure, he was glad they weren't like he had expected, but the tech freak inside him couldn't leave this unnoticed. The ship they captured showed a technology that was comparable to what humans had at the 21st century.

While he was on the subject, he took the opportunity to download the information the researchers sent to the network about the alien ship. As Grey had suspected, they confirmed that the hull was especially made of palladium, a metal that could offer an efficient protection against attacks of solid proportions, if refined properly in such scale. Though that couldn't be said to energy weapons. Humanoid ships were made out of the Titanium-Alpha which provided resistance both against kinetic and energy rounds due to its integrity and reflectiveness, though not so much on the kinetic side. Their cannons also weren't as impressive either. Basically speaking, they were comparable to the Gauss cannons and rail guns, though with much more firepower since they were powered by mass accelerators which provided more piercing to armor.

"Good thing our shields were able to stop those slugs. I wouldn't want to find out how much time the ships could last without them." He mumbled again.

On the other hand, their digital systems seemed to be architected in a similar way to ours, but it lacked the usage of AIs to sustain activities which would be inappropriate for organics. This would prove to be disadvantageous to them since AIs could better handle cyberwarfare and have much better response in case of an attack, for example. However, to his great surprise, the aliens seemed to have an impenetrable firewall containing a cyclical terabyte code which changed every 5 seconds. It was practically impossible to process it without being caught by their cybersensors. So, this prevented them from avoiding the state the alien ship was facing right now.

"I doubt their leader would like what we did to his ship when he looks at it." This gave him a spiking idea. "I'll see if dad can let me join him the questioning when he goes to the cell blocks. Surely, it would awesome to get a face-to-face with our first alien contact!" He spoke with such enthusiasm that startled some of the officers that passed through him. He may have escorted it there along with Shadow, but that was all that happened. No words were exchanged (as if both sides could understand each other anyway).

While his mind was eluded on those matters, Albion managed to arrive at the bridge. With a brief inspection around, he noted that the atmosphere there was much calmer than what he had seen before he was dispatched to his first mission. Now that the battle was over, everyone was able to catch their breaths, though he knew they were still restless inside due to nothing other than the result of our first contact. Before the conflict began, he once saw the looks of hope in those same officers, believing their race would be able to make a successful friendly exchange of diplomacy. Things couldn't be more wrong as soon as they saw the first shot coming at our direction and even worse, when that big alien ship managed to escape. It was high likely it would call its friends for reinforcements which surely would arrive soon. So instead of hope, that feeling was now replaced by fear. The fear of war. It was something that was present in every Humanoid being ever since they came to adopt the teachings of the legendary hero who fought numerous wars just for the sake of the Mankind. As proof of that most of the current laws made by the Legion was in fact made in honor to what X believed it was the true coexistence between Reploids and humans. So, it was quite understandable why most of them felt down about this situation.

Shrugging the thoughts aside, he slowly walked up to the command level of the CIC where his dad probably was with Model A. By the time he reached there, Albion found the duo monitoring the status of what apparently was the program that was responsible for the translation process. Grey smiled as soon as he saw his son coming.

"Ah, Albion! I'm glad to see you are alright, son!" Grey hugged him, mostly out of relief to know his son was still one piece.

"And I should say congratulations on your first mission, kiddo!" Model A cheered just beside him.

Albion scratched the back of his helmet out of embarrassment. That task hadn't been such a big deal to him. "Actually, I did absolutely nothing. We just went there, the aliens came to us and they surrendered. That's it." He said frankly.

"But your team made sure their leader was transported here to our cell block without any riots whatsoever. Just there I can tell it was a huge success, kid. You should be proud of yourself. By the way, we also saw on Shadow's report you took the lead of the formation with your new armor. But I guess you hadn't the real chance to potentially test it in combat. Still, you like your mom's present?" A asked.

Saying that, Albion used his Shifting system to take the Knight Form which was the name he chose for the new armor. Grey gave a thumbs up gesturing he had approved what he saw.

"Knowing you son, I can say for sure you loved it. Your mother sure has style!" He said while he circled his son at the same time analyzing what he saw. If his wife had been there at that moment, she would most certainly be proud to hear that.

"Speaking of her," Grey continued, "she said she will be here in one hour. After I sent my report, she insisted in bringing the Alpha Fleet to help in defense of this system. She also said she wanted to participate in the questioning with me."

Albion narrowed his eyes a bit by this. The Hexagon of Arcadia was the flagship of the Alpha Fleet which was the one his mother, Aile, commanded. In his opinion, it was quite bold and reckless of her to risk the most precious ship of the Humanoid civilization in a war with lots of unknowns. If they ever lose it, it will mean a huge blow in their morale since it represented both the military power of the SolForce and their historical patrimony as the first ship successfully built by the Orbital Shipyard Ring.

As if reading his mind, Grey tapped his shoulder. "What? You don't want to see your mother?" Looking at his smug grin, Albion knew right there he was just kidding.

"Dad, this is serious. Mom can't just risk the Hexagon like that. It means too much for us." He said in a serious expression. With time, he shook his head and focused his attention back to the status screen.

"You know how your mother is." He began, his voice deep and soft. "When she puts something on her head, there's nothing that will make her stop whatever she intends to do. Even if I'm against this idea of hers, she has insisted in coming here and like I said, nothing I say will change her mind. Anyway, it isn't like we should worry about the Hexagon after we dealt with. Our technology is much more advanced than theirs, so it's likely a volley from it can destroy an entire formation of the alien fleet."

Then, he turned to face his son again. "That is, until we know we are dealing with after we complete this translation. The device that Shadow confiscated from the prisoner should provide us with the necessary info about this matter."

"By the way, do we have anything on it yet?" Albion asked. The device in question is an orange holographic object which appeared out of nowhere around the alien's right forearm. At the same instant Shadow noticed the action, he took it from him. It looked like the HCBs the humans used. It went by as Holographic Communication Bracers or just Bracers, a common thing in our society. Reploids had a self-install program on their arms of choice that would work in a similar way to the human counterpart.

"We still don't know much about that, but the scientists discovered it's a multi-purpose tool of some kind. With 34% of translation done, they found it's quite capable of having computer and manufacturing applications at the same time such as: repairing objects, programming, translating and so on. Speaking of translating, I thought about including our language in the databanks to better facilitate communications with our guest." Grey explained.

"Yeah, I was thinking about that too. Do you think he will cooperate with us? No doubt he will be apprehensive with us." Model A noted.

"I don't think he will act like that if we do it like a real First Contact conversation, so I believe he'll open up to us in time." And with a light sigh, he continued already leaving. "Well, I got to prepare for Aile's arrival. You're invited to participate in the questioning too, Albion. "

"Cool! Thanks, dad!" He said while refraining from raising his voice in order to not embarrass Grey in front of his officers.

Then, Model A abruptly turned to face him. "What about me?"

Dad grinned. "A, when was the last time we did something separated from each other?"

"Well said, partner."

Alien System

Inside the alien dreadnought

Captain Aktis Learchus was sitting on his cell's bed, looking at the dark void of space through a small window located at his right. It has been two hours and a half since his imprisonment inside the alien dreadnought-like ship, as far his mind could process. Knowing he had little option as to what to do, he mused in analyzing his surroundings. His "room", how he liked to refer to his cell, was a perfect cube measuring five meters each edge, with transparent window across an energy barrier which was capable of frying any skin. His right index talon had learnt that the hard way. From his ship, He had been transported by shuttle to the alien ship along with the two strange-looking individuals who, by the manner they were dressed, were the leaders of the team that invaded the Zethus. Arriving there, he was conducted to where he was now.

For the most part, his thoughts circled on the welfare of his crew, who were vulnerable in his own ship in a frustrating position of surrender which shouldn't even be ordered by the most pathetic Turian officer. Because of that, his mind constantly accused him of betrayal and dishonor for letting him and his crew be subjugated so easily and willingly, something heavily discouraged in Turian military. But that didn't affect him so much now, because he thought he did the right thing. His crew didn't deserve death sentence for the stupidity of a captain like Lykon. How he wanted to beat that bastard until he pissed his pants…

He was taken alone to the alien ship, leaving his crew to the mercy of the reinforcements that soon took over control. He prayed to the Spirits that they guarded those souls, but his conscience knew the chances of that happening were so remote that it was comparable to find a peaceful krogan on Tuchanka. He was just waiting. Waiting for whatever fate those aliens would choose for him. And thinking of them, it was quite impressive how a newcomer race had accomplished so much in things never thought possible. Teleportation and energy weapons? Not even the Salarians knew how to start building cannons in ship-to-ship scale. Whoever they were, they seemed to have a greater love for science than the former. While he was on his way to his cell, he observed how they were.

They had a robust physiology slightly reminding of the asaris. They seemed to be mammals too since he noticed the females had breasts just like them. Their body size and proportions in general suggested they were strong, fast and agile. Just by looking at some of them, especially his white and blue detainer, he noticed they were quite capable of perfectly handling a veteran Turian soldier in hand-to-hand combat.

Surprisingly, they seemed to be nice with their prisoners instead of what was usually seen in Turian interrogation rooms. Rather than harsh shouting, the guard simply gave water when he noticed he was coughing since his throat was getting dry. And that wasn't the dirty liquid he thought it would be. Instead, it was fresh, pure water. Just by that, he was starting to like these guys.

Another thing that kept bugging him was this feeling he was getting whenever that guard approached, mostly about every alien in that ship. It was like if his mind was trying to tell him something he should know about them.

It was then the guard, the same black and white guy that was with the white and blue one, appeared again with a plate with food on it. He deactivated a small area at bottom part of the energy barrier so the plate could slip in the cell. After saying a few words in his own language, he returned to his post.

Eyeing the dish briefly, he quickly dismissed its presence for one obvious reason. "I don't eat levo-food."

Starboard Hangar of the SFV Nuaque

Alpha Fleet's Arrival at Shanxi System

"Sir, the Alpha Fleet just arrived at the system. The Hexagon already sent its shuttle in our direction. They are requesting dock permission." The sensor officer informed through Grey's arm communicator.

"Permission granted, send them to LZ-32. We are waiting them there." He ordered.

"Yes, sir. By the way, translation is complete and ready for download at Nuaque's network. We were also able to get more information on the alien device, in addition to sending our own language to its translator. We are sending full info to you, sir."

"Good. Thanks for the heads-up, officer."

"You are welcome, sir."

Just like Grey had said, they were waiting at LZ-32 for the shuttle which would bring SolForce leader and her advisor. All soldiers who didn't have any essential jobs perform at the time were there too. All dressed in their orange uniforms and weapons at attention, forming two columns at each side of the LZ.

It took almost an eternity, which actually just took 4 minutes, to the shuttle to arrive and finally dock. By the time the hatch opened, her advisor exited. She was none other than Prairie, former commander of the old Guardians. She used the same clothes she did when she was still the boss of the Guardians back when both Aile was still a teenager and Grey inside a tube. She smiled to both father and son when she came to their side. Then, it was Aile's turn. When she exited, she did so with such elegance that it would put any celebrity to shame. She was wearing her usual high-ranking officer uniform similar to Prairie's, though orange instead of pink. Not far behind her, floated the Biometals which represented the legendary heroes who saved Earth countless times, Model X and Model Z.

When she got near them, she looked at Albion and sent her usual warm smile which he was more than happy to return. Then, she returned her attention to Grey.

"Commander Grey, long time no see. How have you been doing?" She greeted as she shook her hands with his. Although they are husband and wife on the inside, they had agreed to behave with military respect towards each other whenever they were in public.

"Commander Aile, Advisor Prairie, Model X, Model Z. The Nuaque humbly receive you with open arms and I can say for everyone here, your arrival was a most fortunate one." Grey began, trying to be cordial while maintaining his seriousness.

"So I have heard." Aile answered. "How is the prisoner faring so far?"

He breathed heavily before began his report. "The prisoner is incarcerated in one of our cells right now, ma'am. Thanks to the device we confiscated from him, we managed to fully translate the alien language and obtain information regarding about who we are dealing with. As far as I have got ma'am, I dare say they don't look promising." Some of the soldiers flinched at this and looked directly at them expecting the worst.

"Why is that?" She asked.

"According to an information encountered in the device, these 'Turians', as they call themselves, are not the only ones we are facing here. Along with them, other six species form an alliance of galactic proportions which is stationed at a place called The Citadel. The Turians are known there for their defense and peacekeeping duties which represent over a half of what their military forces are composed. That being said, I believe we have just angered the alien version of the 21st century Americans in today's morning." Everyone around that area, except for Albion, Grey and Model A, looked perplexed at the news. The soldiers specifically had made their interest on the matter noticed.

"Is this accurate?" Aile asked with the same expression as them.

"As accurate as it can be, ma'am." He answered maintaining his calmness.

"Shit!" With a burst of worry shot through her body, she let her control off for a couple seconds, but quickly recomposed herself and refocused on Grey. "Have you come up with a plan, commander?"

"I just did, but it is better to discuss in private." He then turned to the soldiers. "You are all dismissed! Thanks for your time, everyone!"

They saluted in perfect fashion and then, proceeded to the shutter which led inside the ship.

When he made sure every soldier wasn't within the hangar, he turned back to his family. "Let's discuss this on our way to the cell block. I think our guest shall give an insight about their moves."

With everyone's nod, they followed him out of the hangar. As they kept walking, he continued his report. "About those other races, we only have info on their names. There are the Asaris, the Salarians, the Batarians, the Elcor, the Volus and the Hanar. And it says that the Turians, the Asaris and the Salarians are the races which hold highest influence inside this Citadel. So if my calculations are correct, those three will be our biggest threats if war comes up."

"The Legion must get a word of this as soon as possible." Then, Aile stopped and turned to Prairie. "Prairie, head to the bridge and contact Legion HQ on Earth. Report everything that has transpired here. And if they don't bulge, give them a copy of the info Grey got."

She saluted. "Right away, Aile!" And went on her way.

Aile then looked at her family and made a gesture for Grey to continue his walk towards the cell block. "We should have patrols at all relays linking to Earth. I'll personally make damn sure they don't set a single foot there!"

Model X joined at her side. "Calm down, Aile. There is still hope we can make up for this conflict. I think our prisoner may be the key in solving this problem in a peaceful way." Just like his predecessor X, he preferred to let diplomacy handle things in that kind of situation. He often objected any type of fights unless it was for a good cause.

It was then Model Z's turn. "While I agree with you X, I still agree with Aile. We are facing a lot of unknowns on this one, so we have to imagine possible worst case scenarios. If they really do come for us, we should be prepared for this situation." While he was a pacifist like his counterpart, Model Z followed Zero's values. He was always cautious, precise, calculating and never backed away from a fight if he felt it was necessary.

Model A made his entry too. "I don't think they will represent much of a challenge to us anyway. The researchers said their ship-to-ship technology isn't potentially ready to counter our energy weapons. You saw it yourself, Grey. The plasma bolts easily penetrated their shields and pulverized their hull like it was nothing."

Grey nodded. "I know, A. But like Z said, we are in the dark here. They could unite all their fleets to make a move on us and we don't know how many ships they have out there. The best option I see here is play defensive and hope luck is on our side."

It was then that Albion also decided to enter in the conversation. "We need to see this prisoner before we can come up with conclusions. Perhaps, he has the answers we seek."

Hearing that, everyone nodded at the boy in understanding. Grey made a slight tap on my shoulder as if silently saying congratulations. "Nicely said, son." Then, he continued. "Albion is right. We shall leave this discussion aside until we have confirmation on their next move. It shall be better now since we have his language and it has ours in this tool here. Since you are the human around here honey, I'll have to send a translating program to your Bracer. After it's installed, your earpiece will be able to automatically translate what the alien says. The rest of us will just download it from the network and self-install."

She nodded and let him manage her HCB for a bit until he successfully sent her the file. With a few typing, Aile was able to install it without any problem.

When ready, the family continued their walk towards the cell block once again.

SFV Nuaque

Cell Block

Eventually, they had arrived at the cell blocks of the ship. Standing guard at the entrance, they met Shadow. After placing the alien there with Albion's help, he was designated to guard him until Grey could begin the questioning. Being

"Gentlemen, madam." He greeted us when we came near the shutter which led inside. "I presume you are here for the prisoner?"

"Yes, Shadow. How has he been behaving?" Dad asked.

"Surprisingly quiet, sir. No sign of revolt or any decontrol that should be noted. He just keeps sitting on his bed looking at the window. Earlier, I gave some food to him but he dismissed it and said something in his language I couldn't quite understand." He reported.

"I see. Well, take him to the interrogation room. We'd like to have a word with him." Grey said.

This made Shadow narrow his eyes in confusion. Unless the translation was done, he knew it would be fruitless to even say hi to the alien. "What about the language barrier, sir?"

"We got that covered, sergeant. If you have no other jobs scheduled, you are free to take a rest."

Much to everyone's surprise, the Megaman shook his head and smiled. "Thank you sir, but I myself have grown curious to know more about this guy and I have a feeling he seems to be of the good sort. So, permission to observe the interrogation sir!"

Grey thought about it. Well, he couldn't see a reason not to have him in too and it would be good since he could easily take Albion to safety in case it rebelled. "Granted."

Shadow bowed again. "Thank you, sir. I'll take the prisoner right away."

Interrogation Room

Aktis Learchus was now in a different kind of room than his previous. This one was larger, seven by seven meters, with a polarized window on a wall across him. He was sitting in front of a table with an empty chair at the opposite side, his claws and legs cuffed to his chair making him unable to move. Those characteristics suggested he was in an interrogation room.

As soon as he made this observation, two aliens walked in. He watched both Asari-like beings walk in his direction, with the gray haired one sitting down across him. This one wore an orange vest over a dark gray shirt with pants matching his shirt color. There were two things that kept bugging him about that being; he assumed it was a male after noticing the distinct signs on the other one which identified a female. One, he wore a strange red neck armor that had two cable-like plugs hanging at its back and two, there was something floating beside him he couldn't quite say what it was. He then noticed the woman also had two of those things. Probably VIs…

He eyed them curiously, studying their every move. Then, he widened his eyes in surprise when he saw the one who sat across place his omni-tool and push it to him.

By the time it reached the Aktis' right claw, he said something incomprehensible in his language. Aktis thought he was saying he could take the device back.

He looked straight at the man's green eyes as if trying to read his moves. Feeling he wasn't a threat, he took the device and activated once again.

"Thank you." He thanked using his own language.

"You're welcome." He heard the man say next to him. He narrowed his eyes at him. Did he understand what he said?

"Wait, you understood me?" The man nodded to him. It was only then he noticed they could understand him too. "H-how is this possible?" It took a few moments until his eyes went to his tool. "You sent your language to my omni-tool? But how? No race can translate this fast, much less learn how this thing works in less three hours."

He noticed the woman smile and walk closer. "Well we did. How are you feeling?" She asked, seemingly trying to avoid his questions. But he shrugged that off since he was at their territory anyway.

"I'm actually quite fine. Your guard has been treating me better compared to what Turian guards would have with their prisoners." It was true though. Turians were more violent to prisoners if that meant they would get what they wanted from those poor souls. He was unsure, however, if the other aliens were like him. He was about to find out now.

He then continued. "I'm Captain Aktis Learchus of the TNS Zethus, the ship you have in your hands. Speaking of it, how is my crew? You haven't done anything to them, have you?" He asked with the noticeable worry in his voice.

"Relax captain, your men are safe and sound. However, they are under our custody until we solve some matters. Oh, forgive our manners. I'm Second Commander Grey and this is First Commander Aile. We are the leaders of our race's defense force, SolForce. Though, I wish we were in better circumstances." The man, called Grey, answered cordially. This made Aktis flinch in surprise. He never expected to receive the visit of someone as important as them.

Aktis sighed in annoyance as he remembered the very person who put him in this mess. "Indeed, I wish we were too. So, what can I do for you? I believe you didn't come here just to chit-chat."

"Indeed, we didn't Captain. We want answers as to why you attacked my people without any plausible reason. Last time I checked my reports, I believe our civilizations never met." The woman Aile said, now in a more stern way.

Aktis was hesitant at first in his answer. But after some time, he spoke up. "The highest commanding officer of my fleet ordered the attack because he thought you had violated Citadel law by activating a dormant relay without permission from the Council. He knew your race was not listed in our databanks, but he overlooked any attempt of first contact. Instead, our message was given by our slugs."

Before he could continue however, Grey intervened. "You sound as if you didn't agree with him."

He nodded. "You are correct, Commander Grey. In case of First Contact, Citadel protocols dictate any Citadel fleet has the obligation to initiate diplomatic negotiations with newcomer race in question. And as I have told you, my commanding officer hadn't that in mind at the time."

"Because he thought it was ok to open fire on innocents that were breaking a law that they didn't know of." Grey added slightly angry. It took a little pull from Aile before he could start barking right there.

"Yes, I was aware of that possibility before that idiot threatened you with our advance. I tried to hail him as many times as I could, but I was already too late when he fired the first shot." He sighed. "I think my race as a whole is responsible for this incident."

"Why do you say that?" Aile asked.

"Ever since we took our role as guardians of the Citadel, pride has blinded my people to the point where everything we do is justified in the name of the welfare of Citadel and Hierarchy citizens. Our ways, our methods, almost everything is overlooked by the Council so we can do whatever is necessary to accomplish our objectives. But, I can guarantee you that not all of us are like that." At this, he bowed his head. "If it is still possible, I would like to ask for your forgiveness. Not on behalf of the Turian Hierarchy, but on behalf of my crew for taking part in this. They do not deserve death because of the incompetence of one man."

Grey and Aile gazed each other for a brief moment. It was clear they took pity on the Turian, but still they had a few questions they needed to be asked.

"How do we know you are just saying what we want to hear?" Grey asked.

"I just don't want to be the man responsible for dozens of sorrowful families that lost their relatives on the Zethus if I screw up. And, I have a feeling that your race seems to be of the good sort. If you weren't, I think I would be dead along with my crew and you would be invading Turian territory." He answered briefly, but in the most genuine expression he could muster.

"Well, we faced civil war many times during the last 500 years. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say we learned our lesson to control our triggers. I can say for sure that our society became prosperous once we learned to embrace the peace." Grey explained.

"We had our share of civil wars too."

A brief awkward silence took over the room. It was then that Aile cut it short.

"Captain, from the way you have been talking to us, I believe you are good man not to yourself, but towards your crew as well. I'm willing to release you from your imprisonment if you promise to cooperate with us. Once again, my people doesn't want a war with yours, neither do we want with any other race from your Citadel." She then smiled. "Can I have your word you will help us in proving our innocence?"

Aktis hesitated. He knew if he helped them, his race probably would brand him as traitor and he would pay with his death if not worse. However, his instincts told him he could trust that race. Bowing his head, he gave his answer. "I promise with the Spirits as testimonies."

Nodding in satisfaction, Aile glanced at Grey. "Un-cuff him, Grey. I think he earned the right to see our establishments."

"Right away, ma'am." He then proceeded to undo the shackles that were binding Aktis to the chair. He quickly stepped back to let the Turian stand properly.

"Thank you." Aktis bowed his head. "I promise I will whatever I can to help in your case. However, I believe it won't matter that much."

Both Humanoids narrowed their eyes. "Why is that?" Grey asked.

"If I know the Salarians as well as I do, I think their STG are aware of our situation and are distributing this information to the Council by now. So, I believe they intervene pleading for peace between our races before we go all-out war."

Citadel, 2157 CE

Council Chambers

The chambers of the Citadel Council were as ostentatious as they were imposing. Everything about the room was specifically designed to impress upon the viewer that the inhabitants were important. Real, live trees filled each tier of the enormous, vaulted cavern, flanking the long continuous stairway that ran from the room's only public entrance to the Council's platform. The entire chamber was a calculated statement of power. No petitioner could possibly deny the influence of the Citadel Council.

The Turian rushing through the room did not even notice it. He pushed past everything in his way and came to a stop just a few steps away from the Council. "Sir! Councillor Vibius, sir!" The Turian Councillor's mandibles tightened in anger as he regarded the thoroughly disheveled example of his species.

"Yes?" He tried to keep his voice calm, but everyone present could hear his distaste for the hapless messenger. The messenger was cowed briefly, but rallied, leaning forward to whisper to the Councillor. A moment passed. "WHAT?!" Anger and worry was clear in his tone. The whispering continued as his fellow Councillors glanced at each other warily. Vibius was not one to show either without cause. The Turian turned to regard his Asari and Salarian colleagues. In a much more controlled voice, he said, "I'm sorry, but something has just come up. I need to address this personally."

"Would this have anything to do with one of your patrol vessels coming back full of holes?" Councillor Malron asked casually with a blink of his enormous eyes. Tevos started, shooting an alarmed look at both of her fellow Councillors. Vibius glared at the Salarian.

"How do you know about that?"

"My dear Vibius, you really should have realized by now. I know everything."

Vibius made a noise of disgust. "Spirits-cursed STG." The Turian glanced around, clearly looking for a way out of the coming conversation, and just as clearly not finding one. A moment later, he sighed heavily. "Yes. One of our patrols just returned from Relay-314. The ship that returned was the only survivor. The captain of the ship said the crew only made back because of another ship' sacrifice."

"By the goddess..." Tevos let out in a quiet breath. "What happened?"

"The patrol encountered unknown vessels that had activated the Relay without our consent." Vibius began. "They engaged and destroyed the ships as per standard procedure. The captain calculated their probable origin and decided to investigate. As they were leaving, the patrol was ambushed and destroyed by over 300 fighters, a dozen frigates, three cruisers and a dreadnought."Heavy silence filled the chamber. Even Malron was stunned into silence. "Exactly. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to prepare my people." Vibius turned to leave.

"Wait! You're not truly planning to go to war are you?" Tevos' voice brought the Turian to a stop.

Vibius rounded on the Asari. "And why wouldn't I? These aliens flaunted Citadel law, then turned around and killed good Turians for doing their job. You suggest I just let it go?!"

Tevos glared at the stubborn idiot. "I'm suggesting that your people initiated First Contact by shooting at them! Of course they're going to shoot back." Vibius returned the glare with equal ire. "We should at least attempt peaceful contact before you plunge us all into war!" The pair stared each other down for several minutes, neither willing to budge.

"I must side with Tevos on this." The Salarian Councillor's voice cut through the tension like a dagger. Vibius took a moment to process his statement then glared at his other colleague as well. Malron ignored it as he flicked through a datapad. "According to the reports, these aliens exhibited extremely advanced technology in realms we did not even believe possible. Their mastery of direct energy weapons and teleportation of all things would put us at a severe disadvantage should it come to conflict."

"Wha- How do you keep knowing these things?!" Vibius's shock at the blatant violation of Hierarchy information security briefly outweighed his ire at the situation. Malron's smug grin did not make it any better. He visibly recollected himself and sighed heavily. "Very well. We'll send an envoy, but once they're butchered, I will be sending in the fleet."

Codex Entry 2

Humanoids

Humanoids are a race made of the coexistence of sentient cyborgs and humans with mechanical parts. They have existed ever since the Legion created a law that humans must have mechanical parts and Reploids have lifespans in order to create equality between humans and Reploids. Since both are now treated as humans, the only difference between them is that Reploids have a red triangle on their forehead, the exception being to the Sages and/or possible illegal reploids. The original human parts that were replaced are stored by Legion.

Biometals

Biometals are small, blocky mechanical artifacts which can be held by a single hand. However, they are no ordinary technology as each of them houses a soul, usually of a legendary hero from a past era. Biometals are generally designed to resemble the original forms of the souls within, making them easy to recognize. They are also distinguished by a protuding round plate on the front with a pair of horizontal lights for eyes, giving it the appearance of a face. Although they lack a mouth, they are still able to speak directly to the minds of compatible individuals. However, Biometals are better known for their ability to merge with a person, giving him/her incredible power; this ability is called Megamerge and it works for both Humanoids and Reploids.

Only seven Biometals remain in existence and in possession

of their current Biomatches. Those are Model X, Model Z, Model A, Model P, Model H, Model L and Model F.

Thanks again to my beta-reader shynerdylady for helping me in every way possible. I appreciate what she has done so far and I believe, with her help, we can make this story a success. Andof course, I cannot forget those who reviewed/faved/followed it. THANK YOU ALL for your support!

Note: The last PoV was made by Agayek in his story XCOM: Second Contact. He made an impressive general view regarding the Council's reaction against the new species and no other view would be this complete as he did. For XCOMand Mass Effect players, I recommend reading his story! It certainly won't disappoint you!