Mass Effect: Guerrillas
An Illusive Benefactor
In a top secret space station in a remote sector of the galaxy the most wanted man in Council Space brooded over recent events. The Red Faction took the bait and had colonized the planet and if his sources are correct then the Council has taken military action. So predictable those aliens. Despite what the Asari say their first plan would always be to shoot first. Things were starting to go his way and now it was time to start phase two. Activating his omni-tool he called his most trusted agent. While he waited he turned his chair to the window showing a star burning in many vibrant colors. A minute or so later he heard the door open behind him and the tell-tale click of heels. Without turning around the man opened his mouth to speak.
"Miranda how much do you know about human history."
The australian woman curtly replied "As you know I had the best education money could by so I can answer any question you have sir."
"Well then does the name 'The Red Faction' mean anything."
"They were the terrorist group to take control of Mars back in 2125."
"Oh no Ms. Lawson not terrorists. To put it shortly the Alliance or Earth Defense Force as they were known as back then painted the Faction in as negative light as they could."
"How could this information have remained secret. Surely it had to have been leaked out at some point."
"Ms. Lawson the distance between Earth and Mars are millions of miles and with the Faction shooting down any ship that heads to close their was no hint that the EDF was lying."
"Well what does the Faction have to do with anything."
"Years ago I sent a ship under the Alliance banner to lead the Faction to a remote colony. That colony was already reserved by the Asari so when the Council found out they sent the Turians to 'punish them'."
"So your using the Council to take care of the Red Faction."
"I am using the Council but not to take care of the Red Faction..." The Illusive Man went quiet for a few seconds before turning his chair around to face Miranda. "Do you know what type of technology we had in 2125, Miranda? Gauss Weaponry, Walkers, advanced terraforming technology. When the Alliance discovered the Prothean Ruins they were willing to throw all of that away because prothean technology was easier to understand and more 'cost effective'. When we fought the Turians they were willing to bow down to the 'might' of the Council. Even today that worm Udina would is willing to bend over backwards for them in hopes that it'll improve our chances for a Council Seat. I know for a fact that in a thousand years we won't be any closer to a seat than we are today. The Red Faction proved durning their rebellion they would let anyone lord over them. If we are the reach our goal of a human ruled galaxy then our path is not to help ascend the Alliance but the Red Faction."
"Are you sure about this sir? The Faction could very easily turn against us."
"Unlike the Alliance I have been seeing what the Faction has been up to. They're reasonable and after they win their fight against the Turians they'll block out the Council as well. I'm sending you to Kepler. It's the colony I mentioned. It's still under siege by the Turians so you'll have to get in quietly. Meet with the local Faction commanders. You'll bring with you a large supply of medi-gel and information on Turian battle tactics and ship weak points. That should help start to formalize our alliance."
"Of course sir. Will I be having any support for this mission?"
"Mr. Taylor and a squad of my best men will support you on this mission. This is the start of the future we've been waiting for Miranda. I'm counting on you."
"Yes sir. It will be done." With that Miranda then left on her mission.
Turning once more towards the window The Illusive Man lit another cigarette. The galaxy was about to change for the better. Cerberus and the Red Faction were going to make sure of that.
AN: A short chapter to placate you guys. I've just been so busy with life lately but this upcoming year will be filled with more frequent updates since I'll have a bit more time to myself.
I stated in an earlier chapter that the Reapers aren't going to be in a this fic (maybe). That means the Illusive Man's entire character will be more or less different since he was influenced by a Reaper artifact on Shanxi. In this fanfic Cerberus will be allied with the Red Faction and it won't be uncommon for Guerrillas and Operatives to run missions together or Maruaders and Cerberus scientists work side by side. This Cerberus is also less xenophobic. It won't be uncommon to see aliens working for Cerberus. TIM is more than willing to work with aliens (provided they know whose boss).