Mass Effect is the property of Bioware. 20th Century Fox owns the Alien/Predator franchise.

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July 28, 2228, Human reckoning

Earth, Geneva, military compound

"-and if that asshole Harper ever calls again, tell him from me, that he should stick his stupid face down a toilet and drown in his own shit! In fact, if he 's too stupid to manage it, he should let me know and I'll be glad to give him some instructions!" General Spears' temper, never of the mildest variety, was boiling over by the time he reached his quarters. After spending the morning listening to prosing fools, his afternoon had been wasted, waiting in vain for the mysterious Harper to show up.
Signing off, Spears shut down his communicator and tossed it onto a table while he kicked the door shut behind him.

"Really, general, is that a way to talk about a new friend? It's fortunate, that my ego can take a few blows. Otherwise, I might think you didn't like me."

Spears whirled around. In a corner on the far side of the room, a man was leaning against a wall.

"Mr. Harper, I presume?"

"In the flesh, general. I hope you don't mind I let myself in. I needed to make sure that your apartment was free of unwanted electronic eyes and ears. What we have to discuss is really none of anybody else's business."

Spears studied the man. Physically, Harper seemed rather unimpressive. He was of average height and average weight, neither handsome nor ugly. In fact, the only thing that really stood out was how unremarkable he was. You could pass him on the street a hundred times and still have trouble describing him. The effect was enhanced, most likely on purpose, by the brown and grey suit he wore.

"And how exactly did you manage to get in? Or shouldn't I ask."

Harper smiled. "I suppose I could act mysterious about it, but the answer is really quite simple. The young lady you took out for dinner last Friday, the redhead, among her many accomplishments is a not inconsiderable skill with electronic locks. She provided me with a copy of the entry code."

Spears stiffened slightly. He had never made a secret of his enjoyment of female company, but his staff was usually more careful about screening the escorts he took out.
Harper seemed to have read his thoughts "Don't worry, general. Your staff did a good job checking her. It's just... well, let's just say I'm very good at what I do."

"I see." Spears chose not to pursue the matter further, though he made a mental note to have some words with his aides on this subject. "Now that you're here, I suppose I might as well listen. You can start by explaining, why I spend the last three hours in my office, waiting for you to show up."

"Like I said, general, I needed to make sure that we couldn't be overheard. When two people discuss a conspiracy, it is best not to let a third party listen in."

"A conspiracy?"

"Oh yes, a conspiracy so obvious, that it goes completely unnoticed; and so clever, that it can be carried out without breaking a single law. It's really quite impressive. By the time Hammerstein and her friends are done, they will either have changed the balance of power within the Alliance of United Systems forever or have condemned us all to either slavery or death. All, without breaking a single law. And there is no legal counter move. After all, as long as the proceedings are lawful, the end has to be lawful."

-o-o-o-

Spears poured two drinks and handed a glass to Harper. After all, the man might actually prove to be worth cultivating.

"So, tell me, mr. Harper. What, exactly, is this conspiracy? And if it is all so legal, why would there be a need to conspire?"

Harper smiled briefly. "I said it was legal, general. Not that it was ethical. But let's get back to your first question. I assume you have been observing chairwoman Hammerstein; that you've seen how she has tied up the Assembly with this endless filibustering. Surely you've wondered what her goal is?"

"Of course I have. Hammerstein was elected on a pro-earth, anti-colony platform. It only makes sense that she would oppose any move that sacrifices earth's security to save a colony. But-"

"Exactly! 'But'! But she has not publicly opposed it, so she gains no good-will from her voters base. So why bother? Now others gain the popularity and the votes. No, that cannot be her purpose, general, as I'm sure you already suspect."

Spears nodded. "So you're saying that she has another motive."

"Oh yes. It took me a while to figure it out, but the signs are there if you know what to look for. Think about it, general. What will happen when the inevitable attack comes and Shanxi falls to the aliens?"

"We'll have to counter attack. Even if we're willing to write off the planet and the colonists, we cannot let them keep possession of the relay. It would give the aliens too many options to continue their offensive."

"Yes, of course, but that is not what I'm talking about. What would happen here, in the Assembly, once the colonies realize that they are for the chop? What would be the first thing their representatives do, considering that most people don't really think strategically."

Spears snorted. "They'll demand that we give them protection. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder and fight to defend them to the last drop of blood, or whatever cliche you want to throw at it."

"Exactly! They'll demand protection: warships, marines, fighter squadrons, whatever they can think of."

"So?" Spears felt somewhat lost and he knew it showed. "How would that benefit Hammerstein? We'll just have to do the same thing we should have done, except then we'd have to do it in a dozen places, and we cannot begin to deploy that much firepower."

"I know, so does Hammerstein, and so do the colonists. So tell me, general, when every colony starts screaming for protection and you only have limited resources. Who gets to decide, which colony gets priority?"

"Hammerstein." Spears uttered the name as a curse as a picture began to emerge in his mind. "She controls the Assembly and the Assembly would have the final word. With everyone begging for protection, she could make whatever demands she wanted. God, is she that cynical?"

"That determined? Absolutely, but she wouldn't call it cynical. She is simply doing what is best for humanity: creating a system where earth is firmly in control and the colonies exist only to support earth. That is her vision for our future, and these aliens have given her the perfect opportunity."

"But how can you be sure?"

"Like I told you, general: the signs are there. Already some of the colonial delegates have been approached, not by Hammerstein of course, but by others. There have been offers of warships, garrisons. And always there is that underlying question: what concessions would the colony be willing to do, in return for a favourable vote? Right now, few people are listening; but if Shanxi falls, what will they be willing to do then?"

"But if we lose the Shanxi relay, the whole situation changes. We won't just be defending Arcturus. The relay's second connection is within striking distance of Thedus, as well as half a dozen other colonies. If these aliens are strong enough, they may be able to attack us on two fronts and we won't be able to hold them back."

"Come general, are you seriously suggesting that the universe might fail to align itself according to ms. Hammerstein's wishes? You must be joking." Harper smirked. "All sarcasm aside, I'm sure she is at least theoretically aware of the dangers. Unfortunately, I don't think those are quite as real to her as the very obvious advantage she stands to gain. Historically, otherwise intelligent people have been known to completely ignore inconvenient facts and I'm very much afraid that is what Hammerstein is doing right now."

"You may be right. But if all of this is true, why haven't you exposed her already?"

"Who would I go to? Apart from the fact that the USM is under strict orders not to interfere in the electoral process, no crime has been committed. There is nothing to report and no-one to report it to. I suppose I could leak it to the press, but then what? Most networks won't touch anything that takes more than thirty seconds to explain on screen, and the few that might be willing to bring it out would be snowed under. Besides, again, what is there to tell? Hammerstein and the few other delegates that are involved in this little scheme have done nothing wrong. Hammerstein's simply guiding the debate, making sure all opinions are heard, as is her duty. Her secondary motives may be less noble, but there is no way to prove it. The offers of support made by the others to the colonial representatives are morally ambiguous but I doubt we could prove criminal intent, and even if we could, it would take too long. No, if we want to take down Hammerstein, we'll need something a lot simpler and juicier than an' if-this-than-that' kind of intelligence analysis." Harper lifted the glass he had been holding and emptied it in a single gulp."Besides, what would the effect be, even if I succeeded? If Hammerstein falls, so does her coalition. The Assembly would be in chaos, just when we cannot afford it."

"Then why contact me?"

"Because, general, you can do things that I cannot. I may -may!- be able to get Hammerstein out of the way, but I cannot fill the power vacuum that she would leave behind. You can."

Now it was Spears' turn to empty his glass in a single gulp.

"You aren't seriously suggesting...?"

"I'm not suggesting anything, general. I'm simply describing the situation." Harper put his glass down. "Thanks for the drink, general. It was nice talking to you. If you want to continue this discussion, you'll be able to contact me at the same number I've been calling your office from. Just do me a favour: be careful what you say out loud."

July 31, 2228 Human reckoning

The Citadel, Presidium

There were three people in the room. One turian, one asari and one salarian. Together they represented the dominant species in citadel space. In theory, they were the most powerful individuals in the galaxy. In practice...

"Well, Sparatus, you said you had news. I hope it is better than what we have seen so far," councillor Milnori, the salarian, said. He was still somewhat annoyed that he had been the last to hear of the recent developments near Relay 314.

"Hardly." Sparatus stared morosely out of the window. the view across the presidium was quite beautiful, but he was not in the mood to appreciate it. "I just received a message from Primarch Fedorian. He has been in discussion with a general Desolas Arterius."

Councillor Tevos looked up. The name seemed somewhat familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. It was one of the drawbacks of the asari's thousand year lifespan. After a while, you simply met too many people to remember them all. "I believe I've heard that name before."

Sparatus turned around and nodded. "I'm not surprised. General Arterius is quite well known. He's very active in politics. In fact..." he hesitated. "... Desolas was one of my closest supporters when I made my bid to become Primarch."

"I see. How exactly is this general Arterius involve din the current situation?"

"He commands all forces in the Aephus district. His command lies directly in the path of these humans if they decide to come looking for us."

"I take it the general is not pleased about that?"

Sparatus seemed to smirk a bit.

"Actually, I suspect that he is quite happy about it. It had given him the perfect opportunity to draw attention to himself. Unfortunately, the way he chose to do it is rather drastic. Arterius has presented a plan to the Primarch - and gained his approval - to solve the current crisis."

Tevos sighed. "I have the feeling I'm not going to like this."

"I'm quite sure you won't. Arterius has taken the forces under his command to Relay 288. He's going to invade the humans' space and occupy one of their systems."

"What?!" Both Tevos and Milnori sounded about equally horrified, though centuries of diplomatic experience had given Tevos somewhat better self-control.

Sparatus nodded. "That was my initial response as well. We still know very little about this species. Invading now, without a much clearer understanding of their strengths could be disastrous. However, general Arterius makes a very strong case. Take a look:"

He activated a display and a star map appeared above the central table.

"This is the relevant sector of space. There are three relays: Relay 288, which is under our control; Relay 314, a dormant primary relay, which is what sparked this confrontation; and a third relay, which we have only just discovered. It's a secondary relay in a system that is occupied by these humans. In fact, it contains a garden world that hold a human colony."

"A colony?" Milnori aksed. "Not their homeworld?"

"We should be so lucky! No, it doesn't have nearly the level of development to be any species' homeworld. The scouts could not get close to the planet, but they estimate a population of a few million."

"And this new relay," Tevos asked. "Does it connect to any relay we know off?"

"No. That is what makes the situation so unique. There are two secondary relays within less than a week of travelling, but they don't interconnect. We can only assume that this new relay connects deeper into human territory. In fact, it is most likely the reason they are here at all. None of the nearby systems shows any sign of occupation. They must have come from through that relay."

"And found a garden-world ready for them. Quite a bit of good luck. Still, that doesn't explain why this general Arterius suddenly believes an invasion is a good idea."

"I was getting to that, Milnori. The point is, that we basically have a natural border, created by these two relays, with a stretch of no-man's land in between. General Arterius argues that unless we act now, we'll be faced with a stalemate, which can turn very bloody in the long run. He envisions a situation where both the humans and ourselves keep sending ships through the relays into this one area of space. Losses on both sides would increase steadily, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage."

"So, he wants to act immediately, gain the upper hand right away."

"Exactly. The humans have been doing some reconnaissance around Relay 288 and managed to send a number of unmanned probes through, but that is all, and the human system seems to be only lightly defended. If we can seize it before they bring up reinforcements, we can stop them at their relay if they try to counter attack. We'd effectively lock the humans up inside their own territory while at the same time occupying a valuable colony. Under those circumstances, Desolas argues, the humans would have no choice but to open negotiations."

Tevos studied the turian closely, trying to gain some insight into his thoughts. "What about you, Sparatus? You seem less than enthusiastic."

"I think his reasoning for blocking that relay is sound, at least from a military point of view. Seizing the planet, though, that is a different story. It's a huge escalation. If we were going to send a diplomatic party now, we could excuse what had happened so far as a series of unfortunate incidents. Even sending a fleet into their territory can still be explained as a preventive measure, rather than an outright attack. But invading a planet? That is not something you do by accident. If the humans decide not to take that lying down, we'd be looking at exactly the kind of all-out warfare that this plan is supposed to prevent. Yes, the system seems understrength, but there may be other reasons for that than we think. They may have the strength to retake the system, even after Arterius occupies it. If that happens we'll take massive losses, and we'll be facing an enraged species, of unknown strength and capabilities, with absolutely no reason to trust us, or even talk to us."

"I agree. But apparently, general Arterius thinks otherwise?"

Sparatus made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort. "I'm not sure what Desolas thinks, but I have a suspicion." He hesitated, seemingly in doubt as to whether he should continue. "Look. I don't like saying this, but I don't trust Desolas. He didn't support me because of any personal liking, or because he approved so much of my policies, but because he thought the could use me to elevate him to the top of the Hierarchy. If I became primarch with his support, he figured he'd be in a perfect position to become my successor thirty or so years from now. But that didn't happen. I have the feeling that he is now trying a different approach. There is no way he could have gotten an invasion force together in a few days. He must have been preparing this from the moment he read the first report. Now he's managed to convince Fedorian that this plan is workable; or at least Fedorian prefers to think of it that way. Maybe he just hopes to gain Desolas' support in case he needs it later on. It doesn't really matter anyway. What matters is, that if this plan works, the star of one general Arterius will rise. In the end, that is all he cares about, no matter what he may be telling the primarch; or even himself."

-o-o-o

There had been silence ever since Sparatus' last statement, while the councillors tried to come to terms with the situation.

"We have to stop this," Tevos said slowly. "We have to! Even in the best case scenario, this general Arterius will be committing a blatantly unethical act that goes against everything we stand for. In the worst case, we'd be looking at another Rachni War."

"I agree!"

"Really?" Sparatus looked at his fellow councillors. "And what do you suggest? Perhaps I should call the Primarch; let him know we disapprove of Desolas' brainchild and tell him to call back a fleet that has already be dispatched. How do you think Fedorian would react?"

There was silence. Both Tevos and Milnori knew exactly what their turian colleague meant. There was no way a turian primarch, especially a relatively young and newly appointed one, would accept such a challenge to his authority. And if he refused to obey the dictates from the council, then what? It was a question that should have been asked the moment that their distant predecessors had handed the responsibility of guarding citadel space over to the turian hierarchy, but at the time people had either overlooked it or chosen to ignore it. Ever since that time, successive generations of councillors had carefully avoided any situation that might put the loyalty of the turian peacekeeping fleet to the test.

"You're right, unfortunately." Tevos tried to keep the resentment out of her voice but knew she was only partially succeeding. "So, what do you suggest, Sparatus? Shall we just stand back and let it happen? Perhaps we should just advertise to the entire galaxy that the Primarch can do whatever he wants and that this council is powerless to stop him!"

"No. We wait. It's the only thing we can do, right now." Sparatus sat down in one of the chairs and looked at his two colleagues. "Right now, if we try to stop the invasion, Fedorian would overrule us. From that moment on, we lose all ability to influence events. But if we go along, for the moment, and let him go ahead, we may still get an opportunity to interfere. At the very least, we'll be able to influence the peacetalks, if Desolas' plan works out."

Neither Tevos not Milnori seemed very pleased with the prospect, but neither did they come with a better proposal.

"I know, " Sparatus continued. "I don't like it either, but right now, I think it's the only option we have."

August 1, 2228 Human reckoning

Relay 288

After Glaive had departed for Shanxi in order to make repairs, USM Dagger and her remaining companion had remained in the outer reaches of the system, waiting for the probes to return. So far, only one had made it back and that one had been destroyed almost immediately by the alien fighter patrol. Still, it had managed to send out a short transmission containing the locations of the relays it had encountered on its short journey. That alone made it worth the effort. Other than that one event, the relay had been quiet. Now things changed.

As commander Farnsworth and her crew watched through the eyes of their remote drones, the relay activated and a group of ships appeared; then another group; and another.

When the drones reported that the relay had finally gone quiet there was a moment of absolute silence on the frigate's bridge.

"Well," Farnsworth remarked at last. "I suppose we shouldn't be too surprised."

She straightened her shoulders.

"Send a message to USM Mace:

'Inform general Williams at Shanxi: enemy forces are approaching.

Number: at least 50 warships plus support group.

Including at least two carrier sized vessels.

Copy to USM headquarters at Arcturus and to admiral van Buren.

Dagger will remain and shadow the enemy fleet.'

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A/N:

Obviously the position of the council is far less secure here than it is in canon. Partially I'm doing this to explain why the council doesn't interfere at this stage (other than that they are either evil or oblivious), but it is also a more general issue for me: exactly what can the council do if the turians tell them to get lost? They don't have the military strength to enforce their orders. They might be able to retaliate economically, but that would take time. Besides, all the economies are so interwoven, that such retaliation would harm all species, especially with the Volus holding the key to the financial system. In any case, having the power of the council be `more show than substance' does not make that much of a practical difference. After all, in three games they never accomplished anything anyway. It may also help explain other things, such as why they never acted against the geth or the batarians.

Thedus is a colony from the Alien canon (it was the point of departure for Nostromo).