I want to thank everyone who has been writing on the reviews, and also writing to me giving me ideas and suggestions. And I see how popular this story has become and I promise I won't give up on this story until it's finished.

December 4 2683/2183

Serpent Nebula

Widow system

Citadel

OSA Embassy

After the battle at Sub-sector 37 was over it took a day for the Citadel Council to learn what had happened. The Turian dreadnought that escaped was barely limping all the way back to Turian Space, and from there the Hierarchy relayed all the information the crew of the dreadnought gave to them about the incident at the Forerunner outpost to the Citadel Council. When the Citadel Council learned about everything, they immediately contacted the OSA Embassy where the OSA ambassadors were waiting for them.

The Council appeared as a hologram in front of the ambassadors. There were no words to explain the looks on the ambassadors' faces as each one had the look that could kill a Spartan. Tevos started with talks. "I thank you for taking your time to see us. I assume you have read the reports yourselves?"

Udina walked up to the holograms, trying to refrain from gritting his teeth, "Believe me Councilors when I say when the Senate read the reports, they were planning to destroy Thessia as an example of what happens when you break a treaty with us."

Tevos had a look of fear in her eyes, Valern was scared as well, but Sparatus wasn't going to be taking threats. "That's all the OSA Senate is good for—all you've done so far is to threaten us. I demand you return any Turian survivors from that Moon immediately."

The Sangheili ambassador Alia Kallam'ee responded to the Turian Councilors demands. "Still your tongue Turian, you are in no position to demand anything from us as long as we are in a state of war."

Valern frantically looked between the two representatives of their people, and so he waved his hands quickly while finding the correct words to use. "We had no idea the system we went to was on OSA borders."

Obligation just chuckled. "Then your people must be incompetent, as we gave you the navigational data outlining the boundaries of OSA space."

The Council had nothing to say about that. Udina then presented an audio log of the monitor of the line installation explaining how the expedition was trying to acquire Forerunner technologies to fight against the OSA. The Council was stunned silenced until Sparatus tried to justify what they did. "Yes, we did try to acquire those technologies, but what choice did we have? You still refuse to give us anything of true value. And once more, you posses weapons that changes the balance of power in the galaxy…and don't you dare tell me otherwise; we've all seen that new dreadnought of yours!"

Udina was obviously not impressed with Sparatus' speech. Oh, he had a retort for that moment. "And you think we will just let this go? Absolutely not! But in light of things the Senate is willing to negotiate over this incident."

The Council, except Sparatus, was relieved by this. Tevos then spoke "What can we do to make amends for this incident?"

Sparatus then stepped in. "And by amends, we want all the Turian prisoners returned back home."

Alia just stared at Sparatus…she especially hated the Turian and his antagonistic ways. "And why should we? They invaded our territory—they are enemies of the OSA."

But before Sparatus and Alia could say anymore Udina stepped in. "The Turian prisoners will be returned along with a fine in excess of one billion credits from the Turian Hierarchy to pay for bail."

Sparatus wanted to argue, but knew this was better than the alternative. When Udina saw that the Turian Councilor wasn't going to argue he continued. "Now then, for the Senate to overlook this incident they demand the immediate removal of the DMZ you have set up in the Krogan systems."

When Udina said that, the Council's eyes were wide as if they saw the most horrific thing in the universe. Sparatus and Valern immediately tried to defend the DMZ as trying to imply it was necessary to keep the Krogan from rising up again, but Tevos immediately silenced them and looked at the ambassadors. "We will comply with your request. I hope we can fix this whole mess and try to amend relations between all our governments."

The ambassadors all looked at one another. Udina then turned his head to Tevos…true regret in his voice; whether for her or for his people, she didn't know. "It will take time before that is even possible, but it will happen. Good day Councilors."

The Council disconnected the transmission, and the ambassadors then sent a message back to High charity to let the Senate know the Council gave into their demands.

Sub-Sector 37

Space

OSA Titan-Class Dreadnought "Albion"

Comm. Room

When the fighting stopped and the Installation destroyed all OSA forces began rounding up all Turian and TC forces and placed them together at a camp waiting on the Mona Lisa. Onboard the Albion was Captain Cole and Commander Shepard in the Comm. Room talking to Admiral Hackett. Upon hearing of the actions to be taken against ONI, the temperature had dropped significantly—and it was Shepard that made this displeasure known…and loudly. "What do you mean High command won't do anything? ONI clearly had agents down there and we're just going to let them get away with it?"

Hackett was using a hologram communicating to Shepard and Cole from Asgard station, he wasn't happy either about the decision from High command. "Shepard, you have to understand—without proof that ONI sent Spartans to the Installation, they won't do anything to ONI. And it just so happens that ONI is already denying these accusations and blaming the destruction of the Installation on you."

Shepard was furious and he showed it by walking up and down with anger in his eyes "PROOF! What about Garrus or Nihlus? They were there, they saw them!"

Hackett shook his head—and spoke as if his answer was the most obvious thing in the world. "Nihlus' testimony is invalid since he was the one leading the Turians to acquire Forerunner technologies, and thus he is automatically discredited. And as for Garrus, High command doesn't trust him simply because he's Turian, and that we are in a state of war with them."

Shepard stopped moving around and looked at Hackett. "Garrus saved me down there, I trust him."

"High command doesn't think so," Hackett then turned his attention to Cole, as if hoping for a miracle to happen, "Captain Cole do you have any evidence that corroborates with Shepard?"

Captain Cole stepped forward and shakes his head. "No sir! My people did not detect anything on the planet or in space." Cole looked at Shepard, the apology was sincere in his voice, "Sorry Shepard, but I'm not kidding; my people didn't find anything."

Shepard puts his hand to his faces and shakes his head in disappointment. Hackett then looked at both. "Either way, after this little stunt, we're going to be keeping a closer eye on ONI…when they do slip up we'll get them. They're really pushing their luck on how much we can take of their bullshit. How are things over there?"

Captain Cole was the one to answer. "Operations have begun in cleaning up the mess left over by the Geth, Turian, and TC forces in space and on the ground. All enemy forces have surrendered and now we are just waiting on the Mona Lisa to take the prisoners to a penal colony."

Hackett nodded…the two of them were not going to like what he was about to say. "Yes, about that. The Mona Lisa will only be taking the TC forces to the penal colony. The OSA Senate and the Citadel Council just made a deal on the issue regarding the Turian forces."

Cole and Shepard were surprised by how fast negotiations were. Shepard then made a statement "Well I guess Nihlus doesn't have to worry about his people or him for that matter getting sent to prison. But what about the TC, surely we aren't going to let them get away with this?"

Hackett nodded in approval. "Yes and we won't. According to our spies in the TC, we have the location of mining and refinery operation on a couple of worlds. The Sangheili Senator will be sending a strike team to sabotage these facilities. So don't worry about it. How's the Normandy?"

Shepard had smile on his face for once. "Repairs to the Normandy are finished we're ready to head out back on Saren's trail. We will be leaving once the Mona Lisa arrives."

Hackett nods his head "Good. Captain Cole, keep me up dated on your progress in the system Hackett out."

And just like that Admiral Hackett disconnected leaving Shepard and Cole alone. Shepard turned to Cole. "So what do you think about all this, sir?"

Cole just smiled at Shepard for being so formal. "You can cut the 'Sir' Shepard, after all this I think we can cut the formality crap for now."

Shepard nodded his head in appreciation, but as the two relaxed the intercom came on asking Captain Cole to report to the bridge. Shepard and Cole made their way to the bridge of the Albion.

OSA Titan-Class Dreadnought "Albion"

Bridge

Shepard and Cole appeared on the bridge. Captain Cole immediately sat in his chair. "What seems to be the problem?"

Victoria appeared next the Captain. "There isn't a fleet attacking Captain, so you can relax. It's the Mona Lisa she just dropped out of slipspace. I am opening a comm. channel."

An image of a seemingly gaunt and prematurely aging man appeared on the holo screen. "This is Commander Tobias Foucault, Captain of the prison ship Mona Lisa."

Captain Cole saluted before responding. "This is Captain Alexander Cole, Commander of the Albion. We have been expecting you Mona Lisa."

Tobias nodded his head. "Yeah, sorry for the long wait; our engines have been a little sluggish, but we're fine. My sensors tell me you hauled the prisoners we will be taking."

Cole nodded his head "Yes, I assume you have been given the latest news on who you will be taking?"

Tobias had an unpleasant look…as if Christmas had been cancelled. "Unfortunately yes; I've got to say I am surprised we're letting the Turians go. If it were up to me, I'd throw them in with the rest of the criminals—I was actually hoping some of them would be sodomized by the death-row guys. Eh, but that's politics for you."

Cole could only agree on that notion. "Indeed, my people will coordinate with yours on the moving of the prisoners. Cole out."

Cole disconnected the communications and looked at the Commander. "I assume you're eager to get back to your ship and get on with your investigations?"

Shepard was serious…he did after all have better things to do. "Yeah, but I will stay and make sure the prisoners are all taken off the Moon." And with that Shepard walked out of the bridge and headed to the hangars.

Sub-Sector 37

Moon

Prison Camp

At the camps, Nihlus was among the Turian military personnel who surrendered when the OSA had complete superiority over everyone on the Moon. At the prison camps, the OSA forces were given orders to separate the Turian Military away from the TC forces. Nihlus was curious and went over to the one in charge…a Sangheili wearing red armor was the overseer of the camps. He took notice of the Turian coming up to him he immediately took action by raising his plasma rifle up to eye-length with the Spectre. "Do not come any further Turian and go back."

Nihlus stopped where he was "I'm Nihlus Kyrik, Spectre. I was just wondering what's going on?"

Before he could say anything a voice from behind spoke. "I'll handle this." Nihlus looked over the Sangheili's shoulder and saw a familiar face. It was Shepard, coming from a phantom and walking over to the camps. "Nihlus." Shepard turned to the Sangheili officer. "You are relived from duty."

The Sangheili complied and leaves, while Shepard turned his attention back to Nihlus. "It's your lucky day Nihlus; the OSA Senate made a deal with the Council on the matter of this incident."

Nihlus was holding his breath as Shepard continued. "The Turian Hierarchy has paid the bail for all Turian military forces imprisoned here, and so they will be released back to them."

Nihlus exhaled at what Shepard said. "I am happy for my people. Thank you Commander."

Shepard shook his head and waved his hand in dismissal. "Don't thank me, I would have let the Turians get overrun—you should be thanking Garrus."

Nihlus nodded his head. "How is Garrus by the way?"

Shepard just grinned. "He's fine, you of all people should know he's in good hands."

Nihlus couldn't deny that Garrus was in good hands. After all, he himself has had firsthand experience on how advance their medical technologies were. He then looked around and back at Shepard. "So how will we be leaving?"

Shepard brought out his Omni-tool. "Another ship will come by and pick you all up and deliver you to the Citadel as per the agreement. You will have to forgive the OSA for not letting the Turians sending a ship to pick you up. After this incident the OSA is on high alert on all borders…I wouldn't be surprised if they had a shoot-on-sight order for any non-OSA ship by now."

Nihlus understood. He thanked the Commander again and rejoins his people to tell them the good news.

Shepard walks away from the camps and keeps an eye out for the drop ships that would be carrying the TC forces back to the Mona Lisa.

The Moon

Prison Camps

About five minutes had passed since Shepard talked to Nihlus, and drop ships from the Mona Lisa came down to the moon around the prison camps. One drop ship landed near Shepard, the doors opened and out came a woman alongside her was a Sangheili walking up to Shepard. Shepard saluted the woman "Commander Shepard of the UNSC Normandy."

The woman saluted back. "Sergeant Lopez, head security of the Mona Lisa and my quiet friend over here is Henry."

Shepard lifted an eyebrow confused. Lopez then explained. "He doesn't speak and so we don't know his name, so we just call him Henry."

Shepard then nodded and brought both of them over to the camps. "Are you going to have any problems transporting these prisoners to the Mona Lisa?"

Lopez looks around and just grinned—the confidence behind it was reassuring. "Please, these punks wouldn't want to start a riot with us. Especially not when Henry's around." She began talking in her headset "Benti, MacCraw, how's is it going?"

Over the radio the two marines were responsible of overseeing the prisoners in the transports. They reported that everything was alright on their end. Lopez disconnected the radio and began her job, by getting the prisoners in the transport. She looked at the Commander and took his hand to shake. "Thanks for helping out Commander."

Shepard also appreciated her own help. "Thanks for getting these TC forces off our hands." Once that exchange was done, Shepard then walked away.

As Lopez watched Shepards leave, she then moved on to her transport ship. "Burgundy, this is Lopez—get us in the air we have our first batch of prisoners."

Shepard was walking around the camps to ensure that there was no fighting, but in all honesty he wasn't really needed. The OSA forces here were more than capable of handling the job here. As Shepard continued his walk he saw a Sangheili in silver armor. Shepard recognized the Sangheili as the one who saved him from the Geth Juggernaut. Shepard walked over to the warrior.

The Sangheili warrior was looking over the camp just waiting to see if the TC forces would try anything. He didn't lose his focus when Shepard came over. "Hello."

The Sangheili didn't look at Shepard, but he knew that the Sangheili's attention was on him. "Hello Commander, what can I help you with?"

Shepard didn't take offense when the Sangheili didn't look at him. He understood why. "I just came over here to say thank you for saving my life and my friend's life."

The Sangheili didn't need Shepards gratitude. "You would have done the same for me." There was a moment of silence until the Sangheili spoke again. "Is that all you came here to say, or is there something else?"

Shepard stands next to him and looks at the camp. "Just wanted your opinion on the Geth."

He snarled…not that he blamed him. "Hardly a worthy enemy, a brute is more challenging than they were, but for them to have caused such destruction is uncalled for. I wish I could destroy more of them."

Shepard took notice of this and tried to play along. "You know I'm going after Saren, and he has a whole army of Geth at his disposal."

The Sangheili looked at Shepard for a second. "Indeed he does, which makes him a coward." There was silence again until the Sangheili spoke. "Commander if you would allow it, I would like to offer my skills on your journey to bring Saren to justice."

Shepard had a smile on his face. "Thanks, but I need to know if you're comfortable taking my orders, especially when it's on my ship."

The Sangheili turned to face Shepard. "By my honor, I will not question your actions."

Shepard shook his hand and the two walked off to Shepard's shuttle.

Sub-Sector 37

Space

UNSC Normandy

Hanger

The shuttle comes into the Normandy's hangar and drops off Shepard and his Sangheili friend. As the two head to the elevator he stopped and looked at the Sangheili with realization on his face. "I forgot to ask. What's your name?"

The Sangheili looked at Shepard. "My name is Toha 'Rafumee."

"Welcome aboard the Normandy Toha."

The two then stepped in the elevator and headed up to the CIC.

UNSC Normandy

CIC

When the elevator stopped at CIC Shepard and Toha walked out. There Shepard saw Garrus up and about around the CIC. The Turian Spectre noticed Shepard and walked over to greet him. "Shepard, how's it going down there?"

Shepard was not surprised that Garrus was alright. "Everything is going as scheduled, which means we're leaving."

Garrus nodded his head, before looking at Toha. "Who's your new friend?"

Shepard looked between the two "Garrus, this is Toha 'Rafumee. Toha, this is Garrus Vakarian."

Toha only stood up in front of Garrus—a distasteful look in his eyes upon sizing up the Turian. "Ah yes, the Turian…I remember you." Toha then left without so much as a hand shake.

Garrus looked at Shepard. "He seemed like a nice guy," he said gulibly.

Shepard shook his head at that. "I'm very sure he will be once he makes himself at home on the Normandy." Shepard then walks toward the galaxy map "Joker take us to Noveria."

Joker came on the intercom. "Yes Commander, we will be arriving at Noveria in an hour." Joker cuts the intercom and takes the Normandy in slipspace.

As Shepard walks away from the Galaxy map, Equinox came on the Intercom telling the Commander Hackett wishes to see him and that it was urgent. Shepardturns around and thinks to himself 'when is it not urgent'.

UNSC Normandy

Comm. Room

When Shepard walked in the comm. room the table immediately lowered itself to the ground allowing Shepard to walk over it. Shepard walked over the table and appeared as a hologram infront of Hackett. Hackett had a worried look on his face "Commander we have problem. The Yanme'e have sent a flotilla of crusiers and a dreadnought to the planet Noveria and threatening to bombard the planet unless they corporations release the Queen."

Shepard was confused "I wasn't aware a Yanme'e Queen was captured, or for that matter a Yanme'e Queen would leave her homeworld."

Hackett nods his head "well your right about one thing. Yanme'e Queens never leave there world unless it was for political reasons, but it's not a Yanme'e Queen there asking for. Honestly we don't what there going on about, it's like they've been possed no one can get through to them and worse there is already a Yanme'e Queen on the dreadnought that is with the flotilla."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I need you to calm the Yanme'e down before this gets out of hand. The Noveria development corporations have already locked the flotilla on their defense network and threten to fire on their ships unless they leave. Since Noveria is technically not part of Citadel space and therefore exempt from Council law we don't have to worry about the Council getting in the way. But Noveria's mass relay is the stop between the Exodus Cluster and the beginning of salarian space. It is a safe bet that the salarians will defend their borders to the utmost if this gets out of hand."

Shepard now new the stakes" I will get right on it Admiral."

Hackett nods his head and disconnects communications leaving Shepard by himself in the comm. room.

Serpent Nebula

Widow System

Citadel

Council Chambers

The Citadel Council was waiting on Nihlus Kyrik, when it was revealed that he was able to get to the Citadel earlier. He approached the Counci, and from the looks on them they were not happy with his failure. Sparatus started off first "Kyrik you failed in you attempt to acquire any technologies to help us with!"

Valern then chose this moment to add his own opinion "Indeed! You obviously didn't have the resolve to see it through."

Nihlus sighed, and then spoke his own mind. "With all due respect Councilors, even if we obtained a piece of Forerunner technologies we wouldn't be able to use it."

The councilors all had confused looks on their faces. Tevos then asked "What do you mean by we wouldn't be able to use any of it?"

Nihlus then prepared to explain the revelation to the Council. "When I was there at the Forerunner outpost, I came across sensitive information about humanity and their connection to the Forerunners. According to what I found out, the Forerunner left all their technology to the Humans…which means that all the better Forerunner technologies are set to genetically allow Humans to activate and use them."

The Council took a while to process this until Sparatus spoke. He was most definitely not happy with this development, if his yelling were any indication. "Impossible! How could an advanced race such as the Forerunners made it to where only Humans could use their technologies?"

Valern then tried to calm his fellow Councilor. "It is not impossible Sparatus; after all, the Forerunners are capable of building planets, so maybe they made their technologies to only work on Humans, but it makes me wonder how the other races could have gained any Forerunner technologies if they were meant for Humanity."

Sparatus just growled. "Then you know what this means…" the two Councilors looked at him "…we must start capturing Humans and force them to activate the technologies for us."

Both Tevos and Valern looked at Sparatus as if he had just sprouted a second head. Tevos immediately objected to the idea—she had a very disgusted look on her face, and the anger in her eyes was enough to say 'are you insane?'…clearly, this was not his wisest idea. "Sparatus you have obviously lost your mind. If the OSA heard what you said, they would immediately destroy Palaven…and likely our homeworlds as well!"

Sparatus just snarled back at the Asari councilor. "Then what do we do? Allow them to do what they please?"

Tevos conceded…the venom at the stupidity of her fellow councilor was not lost, even though she had a defeated look on her face. "For the time being we must, until we can match our technologies against theirs." She turned her head to Nihlus. "I thank you for bringing this to our attention. Now we can stop wasting time and resources on finding Forerunner technologies which we won't be able to use."

Both Councilors shook their heads in frustration, but conceded to Tevos's idea. Kyrik then leaves to get back on his mission leaving the Councilors to themselves. Sparatus then complained on what has happened this past day. "We were unable to acquire anything of value from this whole thing to only find out that we can't use any of the technologies. Then we must remove the DMZ in the Krogan system to make peace with the OSA. This will only come back to haunt us."

Valern only agreed. "Indeed, removing the DMZ was a mistake. According to STG intelligence, the Jiralhanaes have been trying to make an alliance with the Krogan for a while now. This agreement will surely make it official. I worry the Krogan will attempt to ask for a cure to the Genophage from the OSA."

Tevos then had an idea. "The Genophage! What if we make a new one, designed for the OSA species?"

Valern and Sparatus were confused. Tevos then explained herself. "Since we can't use Forerunner technologies to help us, we need a new way to fight the OSA and the Genophage can help."

Valern questioned this plan. "The Genophage was easy to do on the Krogan. They don't have scientist to counter act it. The OSA on the other hand have scientists aplenty, and their advance medical technologies will ensure that it won't work."

Tevos nodded her head in understanding. "I am aware how it works. It would not be used to defeat them, but a way to buy us some time. It's not guaranteed to work, and so it would only be used as a last resort."

Both the Councilors nodded and adjourned for today.

OSA Space

High Charity

Senate Chambers

The Senate gathered to discuss the outcome from the whole incident pertaining to the Forerunner Installation. Anita started off "Commander Shepard was able to stop the Turians, TC, and the Geth from getting anything from the Installation, but unfortunately the Installation exploded there was nothing left."

Tranquility was curious "How did the Installation explode?"

Anita brought up a hologram of the report. "According to the crew of the Albion, the explosion was believed to be the reactor overloading, probably due to the Geth cruiser crashing into the Installation."

'Rolamee added his own questioning. "What about Shepard's claims of ONI sending agents there?"

Anita shook her head at that. "Shepard had no evidence of the agents ever being there—save for his own eyewitness accounts, and ONI has denied any involvement in the mission, so the investigation is over with the UNSC keeping an eye on ONI. Now let's move on, the Council has agreed to our demands they are now removing the DMZ from the Krogan system."

"Will the Krogan be allowed to join the OSA?" asked Tranquility

Anita shook her head. "According to Tartarus, the Krogan are thankful that we helped remove the DMZ from their system but are hesitant to involve themselves directly with us just yet."

'Rolamee just snarled at that—this didn't sit too well with him at all. "We helped them and they don't take the time to see us and thank us, ungrateful savages."

"They have however, offered their services whenever we need them as thanks for doing that. So we'll just have to let the Jiralhanae mingle with the Krogan first. I don't think it will take long seeing as both species are similar." On that the Senate definitely agreed.

'Rolamee then changed the subject. "Onto other matters; the TC sent ships, but according to our spies Aria had no idea about it. It would seem a lot of people in the TC are keeping things from the Pirate Queen herself and doing as they please…fortunately for them, we are keeping them in prison—because if we aren't executing them, then Aria is likely going to break them out so that she can do it herself."

Tranquility made his own statement. "Then we need to show them the consequences when disobeying an order from your leader, especially when you attack the OSA."

The Senate agreed and a plan had been decided to send Sangheili warriors to attack the facilities that belonged to the TC in the Terminus systems.

Hourglass Nebula

Sowilo System

Hagalaz

Shadow Broker's Base

The Shadow Broker just finished listening to the Council's latest discovery about the Forerunners and Humans. He was surprised by this himself and decided to make new plans. He begins pressing buttons a holo screen appeared "Tazzik, what have you to report?"

Tazzik appeared on the screen…he had a weary look in his eyes. "I'm alive Shadow Broker, but it was too close for comfort especially when that OSA dreadnought fired on my ship. I am sorry to say I was unable to acquire any of the technologies of the Forerunners."

"It would have been useless to us. I just came across interesting information which will be part of your next mission. You are now charged with capturing Humans I need at least a dozen of them…alive."

When he heard that, Tazzik had a look of horror that had crossed his features…yes, something in that battle had traumatized the Salarian so much that he was not willing to do this. The horror had then passed, and he had a look of false confidence on his face—he knew that what that ship had done would be nothing compared to what his employer would do. "Understood Shadow Broker."

The Shadow Broker disconnected the transmission and began to think how this move of his would come back to haunt him…

UNSC Space

Freelancer HQ

ONI Infinity-Class Battle Cruiser "Susanoo"

The Director was waiting on his agents. After a few minutes California, Nevada, and Arizona walked into the Director's office. California stepped forward and presented the Director with the data chip containing the information from the Forerunner Installation. "Sir, the mission was a success."

The Director chuckled darkly. "A Success you say? The mission was failed when Shepard saw you, but you made up for your incompetence by destroying the Installation and covering up your tracks."

The agents all looked down away from the Director. Nevada then spoke. "What about the Monitor we captured, were you able to get anything from it?"

Director leaned back in his chair and took a puff from his cigar. "My scientists are dissecting the Monitor for any new information as we speak. If that is all, then you are dismissed."

The agents left the director's office. When the doors shut, the Director took the data crystal and plugged it in his console…there was much work to do. "Alpha decode the information; I want to know what's on here."

Alpha did as he was told and on the screen it showed schematics, designs for weapons, defenses and other useful technologies. The Director had an evil grin on his face.

You all are probably wondering why the ambassadors asked for a billion credits. Well put it simply the Citadel races and TC use that form of currency as payment. The OSA use that currency in Citadel space and in the Terminus systems. They created an account to hold that form of money to use it when they need to.