Spirit of Luna Chapter 15 - Recovery, a mass effect fanfic

3-28-2184 1164 hours (Citadel standard time)

SSV Normandy

Corvette

Recreation Center

A wave rolled beneath, and Shepard let it carry him round in a semi-circle, smooth as a duck, his eyes closed, and ears muffled to all but the gently churning water and the whoops and laughter beyond. With another four days before the Normandy would reach Omega, Shepard decided to let the crew experience some downtime to unwind. He tried convincing Joker to join the rest of the crew, but all he got from the pilot was, 'It's always when you least expect trouble that it hits you.' It seemed the uncanny pilot was rather paranoid about the upcoming mission; in fact Joker hadn't stepped out of the hazmat suit for four whole days. Even Miranda, who seemed on edge the past few days, had taken this time to relax for awhile.

'Well he doesn't know what he is missing.' Shepard thought as he relaxed to the cool waters of the ship's onboard pool with nothing more than swim shorts on. What use was having a giant indoor pool on the ship if a man didn't occasionally just lie back in it and float his troubles away? After all, they'd had enough troubles lately.

Eventually he thought of joining Jacob, who was running laps, seeing as he had invited him and all. His injuries, like Shepard's, were mostly healed and he wasted no time getting his body into shape. Shepard spotted Javik and Zaeed off to an area discussing weapons and tactics. Thane and Samara were busy meditating in a corner, while Jack was lying on a reclining chair. Between the chaos and Kasumi's and Ramirez's competitive swims across the pool, Shepard could almost close his eyes and imagine himself at the beach, drifting gently with the tide.

"You alright out there, Shepard? Don't remember you waiting an hour after eating to hit the water," Garrus called from the edge of the pool, his feet still paddling idly against the wall as he cracked open a bottle of dextro-wine from the cooler. He had an arm over Nyreen's shoulders, who had her head resting on his shoulders.

"Don't think I can get any better." Shepard answered, as he let his body be rocked by the pool's waves. He thought about having a drink himself, but that would require getting up and getting around Grunt, the only one who hadn't drummed up any enthusiasm for hanging out at the pool. He had refused to dip in more than a couple of toes and had remained close to the cooler and laid casually on a chair, ryncol in hand. Mordin and Tali had been slow to convince, but both of them had entered the water gamely enough, if with varying degrees of skill. Mordin, while seemingly an amphibian, had decided to take samples of the pool's water and began looking for any traces of foreign substances rather than swim around. Tali on the other hand, had some minor trouble, having never before stepped inside a pool, but quickly learned to manage a few strokes. She had to strip all straps and cloth that outlined her suit as well as any electric devices. The result was a very feminine quarian in a tight-skinned suit, which generously traced her curves, swimming around. The sight was more than pleasing to Shepard as she had her back to him as she talked with Liara. Blasto was the only one who seemed to be at home in the water. He swam at lighting fast speeds back and forth across the length of the pool, showing his species aquatic nature.

Shepard cracked open an eye and spotted an abandoned foam "sword", which Kasumi and Ramirez were using to whack each other. "I'm glad almost everybody could come on down; I for one really needed some pool time." He leaned back with his arms stretched over the neon blue noodle as if to encompass everything in the oversized room, head flopping back to face the far-off view of the sky.

'Might as well enjoy an atmosphere while I have one, and there is nothing wrong with floating in the water underneath a cloud of stars.' Shepard thought. He snuck a glance towards Tali, who was busy stretching her thighs, and smiled. 'Nope, nothing wrong at all.'

"I'll admit, I never pegged you for one to enjoy some peace and quiet." Kaidan said, as he rose from the depths like a stealth shark, creating just enough turbulence to knock Shepard from his laze before shaking out his beard. Though the brown-haired Canadian wasn't really built like a swimmer, he took so well to the water Shepard was tempted to look for gills. "Those standing in the pool ought to make way for the swimmers unless they want to get pulled under," The biotic continued, splashing Shepard with water.

"That's easier said than done." Shepard countered, wiping water out of his eyes as he reclaimed his positioned. "Aren't you supposed to make some sort of warning song that speeds up as you get closer?"

"You wouldn't need one if you kept your eyes peeled." Kaidan told him as he disappeared under the water.

"Dun-dun, dun-dun, dun dun dundundun…" Shepard watched as the trail of bubbles veered off towards Liara. The young asari screamed rather than cursed as she was dragged down below the water's surface. She didn't stay underwater for long as Kaidan hoisted her up into the air on his shoulders.

"Careful Kaidan!" Liara shrieked as she found her herself dodging Kasumi's foam swords.

Seeing Liara on top of Kaidan gave Kasumi an idea. She vaulted onto Ramirez's shoulders with the unrestrained power of a trusting gymnast-it went beyond expectation; she knew he'd catch her in place and push ahead. "Liara do you know how to play chicken?" She asked. Liara shook her head, causing Kasumi to smile. "Then you better learn quickly." Ramirez chuckled before speeding in.

"Well, I'm not gonna just let them have all the fun." Shepard declared, swimming towards Tali. "Whaddya say, Tali?" Shepard called out to his own preferred partner. "Want to show them what the best really looks like?"

Tali paused in her stead paces in the pool. "Seriously? Shepard I don't have much experience in this." She protested.

"C'mon Tali. I promise I won't drop you. Plus you'd be knocking them off the top." Shepard persisted. When Tali raised her head, she couldn't quite hide an amused glint in her eyes even behind a mask.

"All right." She said, giving in. Their eyes met and their smiles lingered a little longer than necessary before Shepard boosted her up, her hands circling around firm calves as he waded into the fray just after Kaidan.

"Hey Garrus, How about you and Nyreen join us?" Shepard called out.

"You obviously haven't seen turians swim. It's a lot of failing and splashing interrupted by occasional bouts of drowning. " Garrus called out. "I'll just stay here nice and comfortable. Besides the view's better from over here."

Shepard didn't need Tai's nudge to charge towards Ramirez. However, out of the corner of his eyes he caught Kaidan and Liara coming at him from the left. His original match forgotten, Shepard turned his wrath to Kaidan instead. Kaidan tried dodging Shepard's attacks and hold him off with a stiff-arm to Shepard's ribs while trying to hold his passenger by one leg, but it was a losing fight even before Liara launched several biotic attacks directly at Tali.

"Hey, that's no fair!" Tali complained, ducking her head. Even when she was thrown off balance by Liara's biotic attacks, both her strong thighs and Shepard managed to hold her upright. Shepard got in close, allowing Tali to go on the offensive.

The biotic duo managed to avoid the majority of Shepard's and Tali's attacks, though Kaidan had briefly threatened to go down himself under Tali's onslaught. Even atop of Shepard, Tali was still able to use her powerful legs, meaning Kaidan ended up taking most of her hits that were meant for Liara.

"Don't drown them, Tali." Shepard joked. "We don't have anywhere to hide any of the bodies." Tali leaned into the back of his head, enjoying her perch as Garrus and Nyreen fished the fallen challengers out

"Oh, there won't be pieces big enough to hide." Kaidan muttered as he pulled Liara off of his shoulders.

"Two down, two to go." Shepard said as he turned to meet Ramirez. Shepard pressed forward, intent on closing the distance. As they met, their partner s locked arms and immediately began trying to throw each other off-balance. Kasumi was able to use her flexibility to shrug off Tali's attacks, but the quarian's hips and thighs meant she had greater stability. Finally to end the stall-mate, Shepard took a gamble and using one of his arms managed to sweep one of Ramirez's legs. The gamble paid off as Ramirez lost his balance and with a shove from Tali, Ramirez and Kasumi fell down. Their impact causing a huge splash of water.

"Keelah we won? We won!" Tali cheered.

"No fair you cheated." Kasumi complained, with mock aggression.

"All is fair in love in war." Shepard countered. Earning a few laughs from the rest of the crew.

"Hey, Shepard. Best two out of three." Ramirez called out. "Kaidan, you and Liara are you guys in?"

"You bet." Kaidan answered. Shepard also accepted the challenge.

Despite the recent grim encounters, the team still managed to find a way to enjoy each other's company like a family. Because that's what they were, a family. With that thought in mind, Shepard smiled as he slowly charged to lock horns with Kaidan and Ramirez.

CS Pluto

Super Carrier

Command Deck

The lit rectangular shaped command deck of the superior carrier showed the presence an array of terminals, computer screens, and consoles. The extremely strong glass, that spread out to all three sides of the command deck, allowed the three pilots navigating the ship to have sufficient visibility. Technicians and navigators, which were lined up to both sides of the deck, were at work below the large oval platform that comprised of several screens and the galaxy map. Below the platform a walkway cut in the middle to the pilot and back to where it joined with two circular steps that were placed on the sides of the platform leading up.

"Analyzing data, compiling results. Results conclusive. The Alliance can be expected to last thirty to sixty years against the Reapers." Jana, the ships' AI, said as she processed the information and data she was given. "A unified galaxy can be expected to last a century maximum."

Despite the grave news, the Cerberus technicians and analysts continued to work. Nothing affected their performance, which was why they are amongst the most trusted by the Illusive Man.

"That's not good enough!" The Illusive Man exclaimed angrily, slamming a fist on the console. It was rectangular in shape, which had the galaxy map serve as the screen, though if needed it could be projected into a 3-D hologram. "Rerun the scenarios again."

As tensions continued to mount between the Hegemony and the Council, the Illusive Man ordered the creation of a simulation for computing the eventual results of a theoretical war between the Reapers and the rest of the galaxy. It was one of a few, highly classified, highly guarded secrets of Cerberus. Only the Illusive Man's inner circle knew of its existence. Code-named 'Projection', the simulation was periodically updated by Jana to incorporate the most current strategic data available. The most recent updates to the simulation have included the war with the Collectors, the Citadel races' military build-up, and the, now known, existence of the Reapers. The simulation ran several scenarios, strategies, and trails after each update, and from the data collected Cerberus analysts have been able to put together the best and worst scenarios, neither of which pleased the leader of Cerberus.

"I don't think hitting the computer, will change anything." Oleg said in a Russian accent, as he walked into the bridge of the ship.

The Illusive Man snorted in response, something that was unusual from his usual charismatic self. "I don't know how you can be optimistic in a time like this." It was true that the Illusive Man and Oleg were polar opposites of each other. While the Illusive Man was methodical, cold, and valued results above all else, Oleg was friendly, had a warm personality, and believed loyalty was necessary to succeed.

"I simply believe that with the right strategies and attitude one can overcome situations others may deem impossible. Take us for example. One of us was a corporal in the military during first contact, while the other was a humble miner. Now look at where we are, head of an organization preparing man-kind to face the greatest threat to the galaxy as we know it."

The Illusive Man contemplated his friend's words and found some truth in them. They were strong, but not as powerful or big as the other council races. Humanity seemed to be highly versatile socially. They had an impressive fleet, a superb intelligence agency, and extraordinary diplomats. Instead of specializing in one skill, humanity instead used all three. The turians were gracious trading partners, and by extension so where the volus. The salarians and humanity shared their common recklessness and skepticism of the asari. Human and asari relations were mixed. On the one hand they both shared similar values, on the other humanity didn't need the asari to survive unlike the other races. As a result contact often resulted in a careful game of chess between both sides. Yet even with their ability to stand and survive on their own, humanity was still young.

"Still, it may not be enough. Let's just hope our Prothean scientists can crack the vault. All information we managed to acquire indicates there is a way to stop the Reapers." The vault was code-name for the Prothean beacon found on Luna that was currently residing in Antarctica. Unbeknownst to the Alliance, the Illusive Man managed to sneak in a large cell of operatives. Even with the assistance of Prothean scientists, it was still very difficult to decipher the information. The security systems were self-adaptable, showing evidence that the brightest of minds of the Prothean Empire were responsible for the data stored there. Using technology long thought to be lost; the remaining Protheans took the challenge with zeal hoping to unlock the secrets of their ancestors.

'If only the Protheans found on Eden were true scientists, not soldiers.' The Illusive Man thought. To be fair if worst comes to pass; they'll need soldiers more than scientists, but the Illusive Man hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"If anything can help us it will most definitely be the information stored in the archives. The echoes of Luna should give us our answer, but only if we can obtain the information stored in the archives. "

"Enough of that. Right now we need to focus on more immediate threats. Have you heard of the plague raging on Omega?" The Illusive Man asked

"Da and no doubt the Reaper's servants are behind it." Oleg answered, hearing all about the biological weapon.

"That much is certain; however there have been no reports of ships matching any known Collector signature operating in the area."

"Then perhaps they didn't handle distribution of the disease personally."

"If that's the case then only one person can have the resources, will, and possibly a motive to assist the Reapers-" The Illusive Man said, beginning to unravel a dark mystery.

"The Shadow Broker." Oleg finished.

"Precisely."

"Well we don't know where he is precisely, but perhaps there might be another way to track him down."

"Through the Broker's cells. And if the Shadow Broker is helping the Collectors-," The Illusive Man began.

"Then that means he'll know who the mole inside Cerberus is!" Oleg finished. The Illusive Man and Oleg both shared a smile as they now had a lead on tracking the mole that had caused them so much trouble.

Several bases and outposts in the Terminus and in batarian space have gone dark, some for good. What information could've been deleted had been, while the enemy had managed to seize the rest. The compromise had cost Cerberus valuable intel, money, contacts, and has delayed several projects, some of which were crucial.

"Jana, calculate known Shadow Broker cells." The Illusive Man ordered. "Oleg, what makes you so certain that the Shadow Broker is a male?" He asked the Admiral.

"A female would operate with more professionalism, be more methodical. From what I have observed this Shadow Broker is aggressive, bold. I can be wrong, but I believe this new Shadow Broker simply killed the last one or was handed down the title." Oleg explained.

"The most likely suspect would be an asari, given their large lifespan an asari can spend a lifetime establishing contacts. Or a salarian perhaps. Even with genetic augmentations, they still have a short life span of sixty years, but they have immense experience in the environment the Shadow Broker thrives in. It may even be a volus. What is clear is that it can't be a newly found race so that eliminates us and the raloi." The Illusive Man reasoned.

"If we do find him…or her then we'll have our answers."

"Data tracking complete. Showing positions of known Shadow Broker cells." Jana announced. Three dots appeared on the galaxy map. One was in the Citadel, the Illusive Man immediately red-flagged that lead. Barla Von may be a top agent of the Broker, but on a highly secure station secrets tended to become public knowledge. Another dot showed a cell was located deep in Hegemony territory; with their current crisis Cerberus didn't have the resources for such a high-risk op. The last dot caught the Illusive Man's eyes. It blinked over the location of a border batarian colony.

"Anhur. So the Shadow Broker has a fight in the civil war." The Illusive Man stared at the dot. "That means so do we."

"Won't the raloi navy begin offensive action against the colony soon?" Oleg asked.

"No, first they're sending Shadow Hunter teams to link with the rebels. I believe we should assist in the matter." Due to the bugs within the Council Chambers, the Illusive Man was able to learn of the Council's plans against the batarians. Now it would seem he has his own.

Sensing what the Illusive Man was thinking, Oleg tried to dissuade him. "If you think a lone assassin is going to make a difference, then you'll be in for a rude-awakening."

"Then what do you propose?" The Illusive Man asked, frowning. Normally he would have severely punished an operative who questioned his orders, but Oleg was a unique ally, one who had opinions of his own as well as an old friend.

"The raloi Shadow Hunters will provide a nice diversion when attacking the slavers and we can use the chaos as cover to capture the Broker's cell. If you intend to send in your personal assassin, then I'll send in my personal infiltrator. One man alone won't be enough to succeed."

Seeing Oleg wouldn't budge on the issue, the Illusive Man gave in. "Fine I'll go contact them. Hopefully they can put their differences aside." The Illusive Man left, heading towards the ship's QEC. Soon the colony would have to contend with Kai Leng, a feared and dangerous assassin and Randall Enzo, a respected and experienced Cerberus operator.

"War simulation complete." Jana announced. Oleg noticed the war simulation that the Illusive Man ordered, were finished. He glanced at the scenarios and realized why the Illusive Man was frustrated.

WAR SIMULATION RESULTS

Best Outcome:

Reapers open hostilities with a massive first strike against batarian space. Such attacks include, but are not limited to, major trade stations, shipyards, and fleet garrisons using shock and awe to overwhelm the under-prepared defenders. Alliance and Union sensors successfully gather intelligence on the assault, allowing Citadel forces time to set up ambushes, raids, and defensive lines. First wave of Reapers is successfully repelled, with the second and third wave often suffering over fifty percent casualties. The salarian STG scavenged the wrecked hulks of the destroyed warships of both sides, some are stripped for scrape, but others, primarily Reaper capital ships that were lost to electronic attacks, are taken to salarian ship yards to be repaired, refurbished and forcibly converted. The Alliance follows, however using the wreckage to repair or augment their ships rather than convert.

In order to slow the Reapers advance, the Alpha relay is destroyed, killing over 300,000 colonists on the world of Aratoht. The Council permits the use of all relays and the use of WMDs in space. Arcturus station is retrofitted as a major naval base for Citadel navies and is heavily defended. Citadel navies, minus the Alliance, use the nexus of relays to conduct offensives into batarian space.

After three months of fighting the entirety of batarian space is lost. The Citadel experiences a massive surge in refuges from batarian space. Caught in the cross- fire between the Citadel races and the Reapers, millions of refugees die as a result. The survivors are immediately put to work by the Council or face conscription. The Reaper lock down most relays linked to batarian space. Prothean forces, aided by salarian and asari scientists, discover how to activate and disable relays making the Reapers advantage void.

Human, volus, and raloi forces move to seize control of all relays linked to batarian space. Turian, salarian, and asari forces secure all relays linked to the Terminus systems. Military spending and drafting reaches a record high, far surpassing that seen during the Rachni wars or the Krogan rebellions.

A massive Reaper fleet launches an attack in the Skyllian Verge seeking to smash through Citadels lines. Alliance and Confederate fleets, aided with the numerous defensive cannons dubbed the 'Turtle's shell', pull off a stunning victory. Alliance corvettes, awaiting the arrival of the Reaper, positioned remote detonation nuclear mines and relocated to a safe position. Faced with an overwhelming defensive line and the over use of nuclear missiles, Reaper forces are routed, suffering heavy losses consisting of 208 capital ships and 507. However, the Alliance loses 3 dreadnoughts, 12 battleships, and 40 battlecruisers. Hierarchy fleets suffer 9 dreadnoughts destroyed, 20 battle cruisers, and 102 cruisers, with another 50 damaged. Of the 120 orbital ion cannons, only 63 remain combat-capable. The Alliance 2nd carrier fleet is deployed to the area to reinforce. The war effort experiences a spike in morale and in assistance. All citizens of Citadel space contribute in any way they can to the war effort.

Fearing numbers will overwhelm them; Citadel forces look to gather unusual allies. The Migrant fleet, fearing that the Reapers will target them first seeks protection in Citadel space in exchange for quarian assistance in the war effort. Quarian fleets conduct raids into Reaper lines, slowing their advance.

Despite massive protests and the threats of withdrawal from the Salarian Union, the Council votes 3:2 to cure the genophage in exchange for Krogan assistance. In an act of good will, allied forces cure the genophage, despite interference from the STG. Realizing they now have a future to fight for, Krogan clans unite under the banner of clan Urdnot.

Secret negotiations are established between the geth and the Alliance. Gaining insight that artificial intelligences no longer have to fear organics, the true geth ally with Citadel forces while the heretic geth continue of fight under the Reaper's influence. Their fleets are sent towards outer Council space, where defensive lines are collapsing. They arrive just in time to relieve the beleaguered defenders. Quarian officials are outrage at what they see as a slap to the face. Fearing withdrawal from the quarians, the Council votes 4:1 to reclaim Rannoch if the opportunity presents itself. This appeases the quarians.

Spectres, supported by the STG, asari Huntresses, and Cerberus launch an offensive into the Terminus systems. Several colonies and Omega are secured and reinforced, however many more fall to the Reapers, which begin harvesting. Aria gains control of the Red hand, Blue Suns, Eclipse, and Blood pack mercenaries within the Terminus systems.

The Unified Omega Raiding fleet, numbering at over four hundred ships of varying classes, and Cerberus fleets are deployed to the most troubled Reaper fronts to help turn the tide. Citadel forces are forced to sacrifice several minor targets due to a lack of numbers.

In an effort to gain entire control of the Terminus systems, Reaper forces launch the largest offensive ever seen by Citadel forces, attacking several systems at once, most notably Omega using the nearby Omega-2 relay. Facing over a 1000 Reaper capital ships, escorted by about 10000 destroyers, Citadel forces withdraw. 20 salarian destroyers and 9 asari cruisers are sacrificed to cover the withdrawal and are wiped out.

Citadel forces begin a campaign of sabotage, enlisting mercenary groups to assist. Citadel raiding fleets begin hit and run strikes against soft targets throughout Reaper controlled territory. Refusal to be caught in large engagements keeps Citadel casualties to a minimum. Despite valiant attempts by numerous defenders, Reaper forces slowly push towards Outer Council space.

In 2189 the war reaches into the fifth year and the Reapers managed to secure both the Terminus systems and batarian space. Intel suggests, the Reapers maybe constructing more ships.

Reaper forces break through Citadel lines and begin their assault on Illium. Due to paranoia from Illium leaders, Reaper forces meet a surprising amount of resistance. The planet's large defensive fleet and high number of fission weapons, which were use on Reaper transports, managed to slow the Reapers advance buying time for Citadel forces. Ground invasion of Illium goes in favor of its defenders, but is meaningless due to Reaper orbital supremacy.

Reaper fleets begin a pincer attack, striking from asari and elcor space simultaneously. Citadel forces are prepared and both invasions bog down almost immediately. Orbital supremacy is heavily contested and Citadel space and ground forces are heavily entrenched. Ground invasions swiftly turned into a meat grinder, with casualties skyrocketing for both sides. The krogan are deployed in large numbers, allowing Citadel forces to recapture territory. The elcor 5th auxiliary fleet loses over 200 troop transports and 85 frigates as a result.

Allied Citadel industry, largely protected from Reaper attacks, remains at maximum efficiency. In contrast, the Reapers do not require such limitations are they harvest or indoctrinate their ground troops from the Terminus systems and batarian space. The seemingly endless waves of Reaper ships are only countered by advanced salarian and human technology as well as the heavy use of WMDs. The Reaper invasion progresses into Citadel territory. The Reapers, discouraged by lack of progress in ground invasions, begin long range bombardment of planets to soften up defenders. Several civilians are killed. In retaliation several Reaper occupied cities detonate nuclear weapons in the hopes of giving the Citadel more time.

In 2194, the Alliances 1st, 3rd, and 5th fleets aided by the Hierarchy's 6thand 8th fleets and the Raloi Confederation 4th and 5th fleets gather just beyond the outer colonies in the Terminus systems. Hundreds of preposition stealth corvettes disable the static Reaper defensive lines along the Terminus border and launched the entirety of their nuclear arsenal towards the Reaper fleets. Caught off guard from the surprise attack, Reaper fleets are momentarily in disarray. Before they are able to recover, the allied fleets smash through Reaper defensive lines. Pockets of resistance are swept aside from the awe-inspiring blitzkrieg. The allied fleet seizes fuel and supply depots with marine forces and destroy all other space board assets around the planets and press forward, leaving the geth 4th fleet and krogan forces to guard the captured systems. Utilizing Raloi grade-b nuclear bombers or remote guided nuclear bombs, the allied fleet is able to counter the Reapers' superior numbers. The allied fleet loses 6 dreadnoughts, 35 battle cruisers, and 300 frigates. Reaper losses are far worse, nearly 400 capital ships are either damaged or destroyed and 600 destroyer escorts are destroyed.

The lighting attack continues until the fleets take back the systems linking to the vorcha and quarian homeworlds. Reaper forces launch a counter attack, using relays to flank the allied fleet. The allied fleet sacrifices thousands of fighters and nuclear-capable bombers to cover their retreat. The entire Hierarchy 8th fleet is wiped out. The Reapers manage to take back ground, but at the cost of 60 capital ships and 130 destroyers. The border to the Terminus system becomes no man's land as neither side can penetrate the other's defenses.

At the same time Elcor and remaining batarian fleets, aided by the asari 7th battle group, launch limited attacks on the Reaper forces in batarian space. Suffering the losses of a dreadnought, 8 cruisers, and 17 frigates, the combined fleet manages to recapture the colony Ramlat and uses the abundance of element zero to supply other fronts in the war . Victory is assured due to the number of capital ships redeploying to assist in the Terminus systems, leaving only 7destroyers to guard the planet. Salarians deploy 3 of their stealth dreadnoughts to this planet in case of withdrawal as there is still a heavy Reaper presence in the area, however they seem to be more concern with harvesting than combat.

The asari 9th fleet is deployed to the Elcor homeworld, where casualties are mounting. Reapers begin pushing deep into asari territory. Turian forces are redeployed to assist their allies.

In 2198, over 300 heretic geth ships begin a massive attack, deploying all available forces against the Actitan Traverse. The Alliance and the Raloi navies manage to hold ground. The heretic invasion is repelled, however Reaper forces begin deploying in mass. Overwhelmed, the allied fleets are forced to withdraw. Several inhabitable systems are destroyed as Alliance and Ceberus corvettes launch several Iron missiles towards stars, causing pre-mature novas. After 12 years, the Turtle's shell defenses in the Traverse are broken, resulting in 60 frigates and 200 hundred corvettes lost from an immense Reaper and heretic geth attack. However, several Alliance and Confederate squadrons break off from the retreating fleet, sowing chaos among Reaper destroyer escorts before they reach planet-side. The quarians are angered that their planet is ripped from their hands threaten to leave the Citadel forces. To compensate the Council gives the quarians two dextro-worlds despite heavy protest from the Alliance and Hierarchy.

The Alliance and Confederate navies, alongside a Union battle group, are redeployed to System Alliance space and heavily fortify their territories. Not stretched as thin anymore, but taking heavy losses, Citadel forces manage to stagnate the Reaper advance in Outer Council space. All available prothean and Krogan forces are deployed to Thessia, in order to bolster its defenses. Inspired by several successful ground battles, Citadel forces begin construction of several space and ground Anti-ship batteries. Forcing the Reapers to begin ground invasions once again.

Faced by additional Citadel reinforcements, the Reaper invasion into Outer council territory is stopped. Three more turian fleets arrive to support the defense. Salarian and quarian fleets attempt a daring maneuver, entering the Traverse through dormant relays in a counter offensive. Reaper forces are taken by surprise and take heavy losses. The counter offensive successfully drives the enemy fleets back.

In 2200, the war reaches a new century. Once again having the advantage of numbers, Reaper and heretic geth fleets press inward, and human, geth, batarian, and raloi defenders are forced to withdraw to heavily fortified strong points. The invasion fleets divide to attack several systems, which include the Attican Beta, Maroon sea, and Argos Riho systems. Their lessened numbers are unable to overcome the planetary defenses and suffer heavy causalities. Reaper forces are routed and fall back to world systems they have secured. As before, Cerberus and Omega fleets scatter throughout the Attican Traverse, attacking vulnerable targets and harassing the Reapers constantly.

The remaining Alliance and Confederate fleets, no longer able to keep up with their losses, are stretched too thin to properly defend all of their territory. The geth fleets attempt to attack several weakly-defended systems to take pressure off of the Alliance and Confederate fleets. The hanar, generously donate several raw materials and ships to the Alliance and Confederacy. As a result of the war the Citadel's economy begins to crumble. Elcor, hanar, quarian, and geth economies and military remain unscathed due to not having their economies, or lack of, tied to the Citadel. Several riots break out, but are forcefully repressed and are treated as traitors or indoctrinated individuals to quickly suppress their movements and discredit them.

In 2229, Reaper ships begin attacking several human and raloi colonies in Earth alliance space. Raiding fleets manage to inflict serious casualties; but they are unable to resist the incursions. Unable to abandon their defenses, the Alliance, Raloi, and geth fleets are unable to assist. Heretic geth fleets, aided by Reaper destroyers, manage to push the allied fleet to defensive line Alpha, which consists of the Horse head nebula, Exodus cluster, Petra Nebula, and Viper nebula systems

In 2235 the Reapers gain control of the Nimbus cluster and are within striking distance of Thessia, the asari homeworld. Without support from the asari and volus economies, the war effort cannot be financed. Facing economic collapse, the Citadel forces must end the war soon.

Prothean scientists manage to crack the Mars archive and blue prints of a super weapon are found. Only high personal in within the Citadel races are informed of the discovery. All species begin pooling their economic resources to construct the super weapon.

In the year 2249, the Reapers launch a simultaneous attack on Thessia and the Citadel. Forced to make a tough decision, the Council votes 4:1 to send the majority of its forces to aid in the Citadel's defense. Thousands of Reaper and Citadel ships are destroyed and several more are damaged. However, the tactical brilliance and resolve of the defenders culminates in victory. Despite knowing they are outnumbered, the Omega raiding fleet arrives in the Athena nebula. Its carriers begin evacuation of the planet, while its combat ships hold off the Reapers. Despite their valiant attempt only 300,000 civilians are saved. Omega's combat ships are wiped out, and its remaining ships are absorbed into other fleets.

In 2250, turian and human forces begin recruitment for the infamous suicide corps. Fighters armed with tactical nukes ram their fighters into Reaper ships to delay their advance. Hundreds of thousands of brave men and women of the Hierarchy and Alliance perish, but their sacrifice delays the Reapers long enough for construction on the super weapon to be finish. The Reapers, now realizing the existence of such a weapon through indoctrinated officials in conquered space, head to the Annos Basin system to prevent Citadel forces from deploying it. Attacking from two fronts, the Reapers cut off entire fleets from the relay using diversion and numbers to push the defenders back. Citadel forces scramble any reinforcements they can spare towards the system. In order to relieve pressure off the Alliance and allow them to assist in the final assault, remaining Cerberus ships arrive at Acturus station and their timely arrival helps the Alliance repel a Reaper attack. With the station secured, the Alliance navy is able to deploy the majority of its fleets to assist the Citadel forces. Cerberus fleets are completely wiped out following repeated attacks on the station. However, the organization's sacrifice prevents Reaper reinforcements from reaching the Annos Basin system.

On December 16, 2250 0900 hours (Alliance Calendar)

Over a total of a 20 million Reaper and Citadel ships come face to face in what will be the bloodiest battle in recorded history. Outnumbered 100 to 1, the 200,000 Citadel ships met the 20 million Reaper ships head on. The Reapers use destroyers in mass to attack the Citadel armada; however this fails as the survivors of the suicide corps and hundreds of thousands of drones destroy over 400,000 Reaper destroyers, allowing bombers to attack capital ships. The Citadel manages to destroy another 20,000 Reaper escorts using WMDs at the cost of 400 corvettes, 90 battleships, and 30 dreadnoughts. It is calculated over 680 megatons of nuclear material is detonated in the battle.

The brave defenders become overwhelmed and the Reapers make a push towards the super weapon. Just 200 kilometers from the weapon the Reapers make a rush towards the weapon, however Citadel scientists manage to power up and fire the weapon. The weapon sends off a strong beam of energy towards the entire galaxy, wiping out the Reapers. Unfortunately without a proper IFF, the weapon also targets Citadel races, resulting in near extinction. This culminates in a pyrrhic victory. Whatever species remain, they're future is secured at the cost of trillions of lives.

Worst Outcome:

Communications with batarian space is lost. Presumed Hegemony involvement with the sudden blackout. An urgent message arrives from Alliance colonies in the Traverse stating they are being attacked. Citadel representatives immediately suspect the Hegemony and send the Hierarchy's 12th fleet to investigate. Communications with the fleet are lost. Last known location was the Shadow Sea system. The Citadel experiences a surge in refugees from batarian space, warning of an immediate threat. Citadel militaries are on high alert.

Reaper indoctrinated officials launch cyber warfare attacks against major Citadel trade stations, shipyards, and defense systems crippling the Citadel races' capabilities to counter-act against the Reapers. The Reapers commit half of their ships against Earth and Palaven, seeking to cut off the most militaristic species in the war quickly. Flying from relay to relay, the Reapers manage to evade Alliance and Hierarchy fleets; however they are unable to bypass the many defensive systems surrounding the relays, causing significant casualties.

At Arcturus station, more than 200 Reaper capital ships engage the Alliance's 13h fleet. Evacuation of the station begins immediately. This is mere screening for the main force as thousands more capital ships arrive. The defensive batteries inflict heavy Reapers losses with 700 hundred capital ships destroyed and 2000 destroyers obliterated. After two hours of engagement, the fleet's carriers are successful in evacuating all surviving personal off the station. With the Reapers closing the distance rapidly, Admiral Katust Kawano orders the remnants of his fleet to regroup with the 1st fleet at Earth. Though reluctant, several captains obey his command. Outnumbered and outgunned the SSV Defender of Arcturus fires all of its nuclear missiles, but not at the Reapers, but rather at the nearby relay. The resulting detonation of the relay is the obliteration of everything nearby, wiping out everything in the system. Communications with Arcturus station is lost, but the heroics of the SSV Defender of Arcturs and its crew became famous and it would be one of many sacrifices to come.

On 2186 A massive Reaper fleet arrives at Earth in an attempt to divert Alliance resources to defend the planet. A bloody naval battle ensues with the defenders losing two entire fleets and the majority of its orbital defense system, but manage to inflict heavy losses against the Reapers. Cerberus fleets arrive at Earth unexpected and catch the Reapers off-guard. Cerberus is able to defeat the first wave of Reapers at the cost of 68% of its fleet. Earth is secured.

Spectres, STG, and asari huntresses are deployed throughout asari space to delay the Reapers advance. Reaper assets are immediately targeted, and suffer heavy losses, however this merely slows down the Reapers. Sabotage further cripples the Alliance and Republics' economies.

Cloaked salarian ships manage to inflict heavy losses on the Reapers with just a few ships. However superior Reaper firepower soon overwhelms the raiding ships. Citadel fleets are forced to bunker down at fortified systems. Lighter defended Citadel systems begin to fall to the Reaper invasion. The Council economy switches to a war footing faster than the Reapers could have anticipated. Prothean scientists discover how to activate and deactivate the relays. This new information allows Citadel forces to emerge victorious against the Reapers in several systems.

In the chaos, the Migrant fleet takes on a bold offensive to attack the geth and attempt to recapture their home system. The true geth, aware of the quarian intentions, immediately leave the system and head to Alliance-controlled space under the leadership of a geth platform named Legion. Only 30,000 ships, all of varying class, under the command of Admrial Koris disregard the order to attack the geth, knowing that by attacking them they would be driving the geth straight into the Reapers arms

As soon as the quarian flotilla arrives at the Persus Veil, Admiral Gerrel, believing the area to be clear of Reaper presence, commits all his ships in the recapture of their homeworld.

The results are devastating. Initial strikes are successful and the embolden Admiral continues to push onward, stretching his supplies despite caution from other quarian Admirals. The quarians manage to push the geth all the way back to their home system where the Rannoch is located.

Unbeknownst to the quarians, the geth they've been fighting were a small percentage of the heretic geth naval and ground forces and were merely diversions seeking to gain insight on quarian naval strategy and technology. Satisfied with their knowledge, the majority of the heretic geth navy, which were hiding in the Far rim when the Migrant fleet attacked, emerges from Rannoch's relay,. Cut off from the relay and facing superior firepower and numbers, all 220,000 ships are lost along with 30 million quarians.

In 2187 the Reapers launch an offensive on the Terminus systems and Outer Council space. Superior Reaper numbers successfully overwhelm defenders on the ground, and most planets fall within the first weeks of the invasion. Outlying systems, abandoned by Citadel fleets, are easily captured by Reaper forces. The Council unanimously approves of the use of WMDs in space.

Human and Raloi fleets fall back to the most heavily defended core worlds as Citadel territory continues to shrink. Riots and calls for the removal of the Council erupts, but are quickly suppressed. Treated as indoctrinated citizens, they are executed and control is quickly restored.

The Reapers attack Taterus, a turian colony and sight of the worst terrorist attack in Hierarchy history. Communications with Taterus are lost and the Hierarchy response the only way they know how, large numbers with overwhelming firepower. However, this leads them straight into a bloodbath as Reaper ships are located on the other side of the relay to Taetrus. Knowing the dangers of exiting a relay with unknown intelligence, turian commanders sent an overabundance of nuclear missiles to the other side of the relay and and they released devastating firepower upon the Reapers. Caught by surprise at the ingenuity of the turians, they were unprepared for the immense fleet that emerged from the relay. With soldiers and civilians alike clamoring for retribution against the Reapers, the fleet pressed onward fighting tooth and talon to inflict casualties against the Reaper fleet. Their valiant attempt sees them emerge victorious, but at the cost of 49% of its fleet. Morale among turians improves following the victory. The fight for turian space begins.

Fearing numbers will overwhelm them; Citadel forces look to gather unusual allies. The remaining ships in the Migrant fleet, fearing that the heretic will target them following Admiral Gerrel's failed attempt at recapturing Rannoch, seeks protection in Citadel space in exchange for quarian assistance in the war effort. They are graciously accepted and sent towards Outer Council space to assist asari and turian forces. Quarian fleets conduct raids into Reaper lines, slowing their advance.

Secret negotiations are established between the geth and the Alliance. Gaining insight that artificial intelligences no longer have to fear organics, the true geth ally with Citadel forces while the heretic geth continue of fight under the Reaper's influence. Their fleets are sent towards Raloi Confederate space, where defensive lines are collapsing. They arrive just in time to relieve the beleaguered defenders. The quarians welcome the true geth with open arms, though animosity between the two groups exist.

In 2188, faced with utter annihilation, military planners have considered extreme solutions in their quest to stop the Reapers, thus the creation of Kamikaze pilots are once again reborn. Fighters armed with nuclear payloads, fly their ships towards Reaper ships, buying time for Citadel forces to rebuild their war machine.

In 2190, the Reapers press deep into asari space and in a massive blitzkrieg attack, attempt to take Thessia. The assault on Thessia did not go as smoothly as the Reapers' strikes against other races. While other species met the Reapers head-on, the asari resorted to dangerous hit-and-run tactics to harass their attackers. By engaging in guerilla strategies, blasting a Reaper ship, then jumping to FTL where they could not be tracked, the asari forced the Reapers to remain on the defensive. However, the Reapers use their superior numbers to repel any attack and not having to worry about supply lines, such losses considered acceptable. The Reapers begin orbital bombardment of Thessia, forcing the asari to meet the Reapers head on. As soon as the Reapers land on Thessia, the harvesting begins. A swift and brutal slaughter of the asari ground forces followes. Resistance from trained biotics barely slow the attackers down. In the end, Thessia's minimal military forces, combined with unpreparedness in the face of an overwhelming enemy, results in the fall of the planet.

In 2191 Earth, Sur'kesh, Irune, and even Raloin are lost to the Reapers following a massive attack and several sabotage attacks by indoctrinated officials. Only Tuchanka and Turian space remain in Citadel hands. The Reapers press towards Tuchanka. The brutalities of the krogan as well as their high-birth rate prevent the Reapers from capturing the planet. Noticing that the krogan posse no official navy, the Reapers write them off as a pre-flight species in order to prevent future losses. The failed offensive results in over 90 capital ships and 840 destroyers lost due to the use of WMDs, planetary cannons, and the hostile native life.

In order to speed up harvesting, the Reapers begin jumping to strategically important Citadel worlds and skip other less important star systems, allowing the Reapers to conserve their resources and fight efficiently. The conflict with the Reapers causes the destruction of countless populated systems and the cost of more than 2/3rds of the galactic population and significant military resources. While Citadel forces are able of dealing with the Reapers on equal, and in some cases superior, footing the total forces that can be committed are not enough to ensure victory.

In 2192, Citadel forces make great advances in military and science technology that surpass even the Reapers, thanks to the efforts of salarian and human scientists. Unfortunately, these advancements come too late as the Reapers manage to push Citadel forces to the turian homeworld, Palaven and a few other core systems. Citadel forces continue to lose star system after system. Preservations are immediately undertaken by the remaining leaders, storing vast amounts of information on the Reapers existence, capabilities, and goals for the next cycle to learn.

By 2195 Palaven is the sole remaining planet in Citadel hands. Several suicides are committed; however the majority of the planets military remain intact.

In the same year, the Reapers attack Palaven in hopes of harvesting the remaining organics in the cycle. The remaining navies of surviving species massed in force around Palaven. Fleet Admiral Irix Coronati, aware of the Reapers' attack stationed only two carriers, HWS Undaunted and HWS Resolute, near the system's relay. When the Reaper fleet emerged, the carriers launched swarms of unmanned nuclear-armed fighters and attack drones. The initial waves of the Reapers are completely destroyed. The drones are able to transmit vital data on the Reapers, such as formation, composition, and numbers. The remaining Citadel fleets take up defensive positions around Palaven.

Knowing that the Reapers' were unable to detect stealth ships, Coronati orders salarian and human stealth vessels to FTL jump in the middle of the second-wave of Reapers and deploy their entire nuclear arsenal. Once the ships FTL jumped out of the detonation zone, the warheads are detonated resulting in over thousands of capital and destroyer ships destroyed.

The dreadnoughts then turn to line up their main guns on the Reapers' third wave, which also need to close the distance to fire on the Citadel ships. This ploy uses the Reapers' speed against them because they weren't able to match the maneuverability of the Citadel ships. The Citadel dreadnoughts lock on the largest targets first, and their concentrated firepower downs several Reaper capital ships.

The Reapers counter instantly. Their destroyers perform a jump of their own to the skies above Palaven, beginning orbital strikes on several cities. However, several Citadel frigates and destroyers engaged the Reaper escorts, severely depleting their numbers. However, several Reaper troops were deployed planet-side.

Free of their escorts, Citadel suicide pilots and bombers began bombing runs on Reaper capital ships. The results are devastating; the Reapers lose approximately 700 capital ships and about 1200 destroyers. The Citadel navy loses hundreds of fighters and bombers, 13 battleships, 32 battle cruisers, 82 cruisers, and 328 destroyers. Angered, the Reapers commit all of their ships on Palaven. Despite superior numbers, the valiant efforts of the defenders are able to repel several Reaper invasions constantly.

In 2200 a massive Reaper fleet manages to overwhelm what remains of the Citadel fleets. Over a million Reaper ships attack Palaven; however the well-armed forces refuse to surrender.

In a final desperate act of defiance, several remaining AI operated Alliance corvettes launch their remaining nuclear arsenal at Palaven's sun. The results culminate in the worst defeat the Reapers have ever seen and are unaware what caused the pre-mature nova. Exiting the system VIA warp space, Alliance corvettes begin deploying the Citadel version of the Prothean beacons into countless systems, unbeknownst to the Reapers. Following the ships success, they are detonated insuring the Reapers are unaware of this last effort. With the all organics and synthetics wiped from the cycle the Reapers return to dark space unaware that the seeds of their destruction have been planted all across the galaxy.

Raloin

Raloi Homeworld.

Confederate House

"I must admit, your performance in front of the Council was extraordinary." Olesik Cal, Commander of all Raloi naval and ground forces, complimented his compatriot.

"I simply aim to serve the Confederacy well." Marva responded, drinking a glass of Raloi alcohol.

They were walking across a hallway, lined with a velvet carpet running across the length of the hall, which belonged to the Raloi's Confederate House, the heart of the raloi government. The Confederate house was rectangular shaped building, with a circle in the middle that served as a meeting point for all Raloi leaders from all three wings. The structure was bland in terms of anesthetics, but that was a result of the raloi emphasis on practically over design. While it wasn't the most appealing building, the Confederate House featured several secret passageways and secret rooms that only government officials and their bodyguards knew of. To prevent a massive leak, each government official was assigned one per person, with the head of each wing knowing of all passageways belonging to their perspective wings. The purpose behind the construction of these passageways was to ensure as many top leaders could be safely secured following a terrorist attack or galactic war. And the raloi government building has seen a lot of both since its species introduction to the galactic community. As a result it has been fortified and traffic around the government building is heavily controlled and features many checkpoints.

"That you have. However, there are some that are worried about how well your diplomatic skills have improved. There are rumors that you have less than legitimate sources of intelligence. I've been trying to contain the outbreak of these rumors, but they are spreading." As they continued walking, they passed several portraits of famous and revered raloi military commanders, showing any passengers that they were in the military wing. The white round ceiling featured several hanged chandeliers, which were made of pure diamonds.

Olesik thought about the mineral. Unlike other races, the raloi knew how to excavate resources with maximum efficiency, often leaving them with an overabundance of minerals. Unfortunately, the asari, viewing the raloi as competitors, lowered the pricing on their exports. Since they were larger, asari corporations could handle the loss in profits. Luckily several human and salarian corporations invested heavily in the raloi market and were large trading partners. In exchange the raloi had to purchase several sensors, firewalls applications, and other cyber security measures from the humans and salarians. It was necessary; otherwise the asari would attempt to steal their refining methods. No doubt once they did, they would start spitting Silaris armor out of the assembly line, something that made the salarians and humans nervous. This was the only counter balance that the asari possessed to salarian speed, turian numbers, and human durability in naval warfare.

Marva grimaced. "Really now? Then tell me, who are the people that have been spreading these rumors." Her amber eyes meeting Olesik's in defiance. She had a way of dealing with schemers, and if they wanted to see her undiplomatic side, then she'll show them.

She brought Olesik out of his thoughts. "Inops," He answered. "Marva, I know what you're thinking and trust me it isn't a good idea. You and I both know this is trap. It's best to just ignore them."

Marva snorted audibly. She was aware of the leader of Inops or Intelligence Operations as it was more commonly known. Reektor Gormor, ex-economic cabinet member and prodigy to Gotren Kolen, Marva's father, before being involved in politics. He was educated, ambitious, handsome, and athletic. Every Raloi woman's dream, well everyone except Marva's. He was crazy about her and wanted to marry her. Of course being a prodigy of her father, Gotren approved. Of course she had turned him down and no doubt he was angered and by managing Raloi's intelligence he hoped to find a way to discredit her. She knew he had her father's help; otherwise switching positions would've been more difficult. The thought made her mad. Mad at Reektor, mad at her father, mad at herself for allowing this to continue behind her back. It irritated the proud woman.

Sensing her emotions, Olesik placed a hand on her shoulder. "Look I understand wanting to storm into Inops with your fists, but that is exactly what they want, to provoke you. Shawa and Laref are on your side, so don't worry about Reektor. I-we have faith in you."

Marva was able to catch the slip and smiled. Never had anyone treated her as an equal like Olesik had. She stared into his green eyes, disregarding the world around her. Marva's breath grew shallower as her heart added what seemed another 50 beats per minute to her heart. She had always regarded Olesik as someone she deeply respected. He was loyal, friendly, and despite the long scar across his cheek, she found him handsome. She had no doubts that several woman have shown interest in him, after all he had manage to climb his way out of a low class and managed to secure one of three top positions in the Raloi government all through merit. Hardly anyone disliked him and the majority of his generals followed him without question. He wasn't ambitious, which made him a trustworthy individual. As her thoughts raced, she failed to notice both of their heads getting closer and closer. Suddenly her omni-tool beeped rapidly, indicating she was receiving a message.

Suddenly both Marva and Olesik were aware of their close proximity to each other, as well as the position of their arms. Olesik had one of his arms holding Marva's elbow and the other was around her waist. Marva had both of her hands on Olesik's shoulders. Olesik's face became flustered and a deep orange spread across his cheeks. He immediately retracted his limbs from Marva's body, much to her disappointment. She followed his actions, though more slowly.

"Well, I-uh I'll let you take the message. I'm sure it's important after all. Any way I have to go prepare our forces for the upcoming engagement."

As he continued down the hall, Marava couldn't help herself. "Olesik!" She shouted. He turned to see her smiling. "Thanks!" She hollered.

"No problem." He shouted back.

Marva meant it. She was thankful for his faith in her, for standing by her side, and for showing interest in her. Olesik wasn't the most handsome male Raloi, but she didn't care. He was the first. The first to take a chance to get close to her.

She became aware and frustrated of the constant beeping of her omni-tool. Seeing the address was marked 'C', she made sure no one was around. Taking precaution, she entered a nearby bath room. Leaning against the door, she opened the message and a hologram of the Illusive Man appeared.

"What do you want?" She hissed.

If the Illusive Man was offended, he didn't show it. "Cerberus is aware the Raloi army is planning an assault on a batarian colony."

'Of course you'd be aware.' Marva thought.

"We have intelligence suggesting that the Shadow Broker is aiding the slavers and has committed resources to ensure they're victorious."

"Is that all?" She asked with venom in her voice.

The Illusive Man raised his eyebrows. "Is that how you show your appreciation? If I remember correctly we have assisted you tremendously in the past." The warning in the message was clear, 'don't make an enemy of us.'

Marva took a deep breath and exhaled. "I apologize. This is simply not a good time."

"When is it ever? Regardless, Cerberus believes that the Shadow Broker has been assisting the batarians, and by extension the Collectors."

"So our interests are aligned then?"

"Exactly. We'll deploy operatives into the area to eliminate the Shadow Broker's agents, allowing your army to suffer significantly less casualties."

"Very well. Just make sure your operatives stay out of our way. I don't have control over the army and they'll probably shoot on site. However, I need something from you." She said before the Illusive Man could cut the transmission.

"And what might that be?"

"Tell me, do you know of a Raloi named Reektor Gormor?"

"Cerberus has nothing on him. Why? Is he a threat?"

"No, nothing of the sort. I just need you to tap into his comms and relay any information you can get on him."

The Illusive Man nodded his head. Satisfied, Marva cut the transmission and exited the room with dangerous smile on her lips.

'If Reektor wants to a battle, then I'll give him a war.' She thought as she walked down the hall.

A/N: Before people start attacking me because of the simulation here are some key facts:

1. It did not take into account the rachni or their navy. Dhun dhun dhun.

2. It did not include the Leviathans or the collectors, the reapers have many more on their ships in dark space.

3. It is assumed capital ships are the largest reaper ships, but what happens if they're not? SUSPENCE!