Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my MechWarrior/BattleTech - Mass Effect crossover.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at the Mass Effect 3 story arc! Now we get to see if the Federated Commonwealth can put it's money where it's mouth is when it comes to facing the Reapers. I'm sure you're eager to find out what happens next, and I can definitely say I am too. Either way, we're going to be in for a bit of a roller-coaster ride.
As always, leave a review, and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the MechWarrior/BattleTech or Mass Effect franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of BioWare, Electronic Arts, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, WizKids, Piranha Games Inc., etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.
BattleTech OST – Carpe Noctem
MechWarrior 4: Vengeance OST – Davion Theme
Endeavor
Periphery
April 3rd, 3053
Vorten's time estimate was correct, as within two weeks, the Protheans that were on the site managed to make certain that the Interuniversal Wormhole Generator was working properly. Looking around, Ardan Sortek could see dozens of people that were moving about, making sure that everything was working properly. The rest were either at their posts, or were simply milling about, minding their own business.
There was also another person that was nearby, as was clearly indicated by the presence of the 1st Davion Guards. Hanse was currently talking with Vorten, and while he was far away enough that Sortek couldn't make out all of the words, he did know what the principle topic of discussion was about: the safe activation of the device. I can see why there would be risk involved, he noted to himself.
For one thing, cutting a rift into hyperspace to make a wormhole was not an easy thing. It required far more power than could be generated by fusion power, making the microsingularity reactor that they had the only thing capable of powering the device, and even then they didn't have much of an excess to work with. For another, if something went wrong, they would end up creating a gravitational singularity that would be strong enough to tear the atmosphere off of the planet, before gobbling the entire planet itself up. In other words, Sortek noted. Do your job, or get spagettified by a black hole.
Thankfully, Vorten had explained to him that they had accounted for that. "We have numerous safeguards in place to prevent such an unpleasant end from happening," he had explained. "For instance, if gravitational readings are detected at the phase where there shouldn't be any, the element zero is immediately retracted from the area of space time we are attempting to alter. When we do that, and reverse the type of field generated, the possibility of a black hole forming becomes zero. Any anomalies present simply fizzle out." Either way, the fact that they could make a black hole by accident didn't sit well for the Prince's body guard.
There was another person that was also somewhat uneasy due to what could go wrong, but also for what might've happened on the other side. Nearby, Shepard was pacing to and fro, waiting for when the anomaly would begin to form in order to hop on the Normandy and await their next orders. Technically, at this point, his time with Mason's Cavaliers was over. Spotting Mason, he was about to ask when Mason came over.
"Hey, Shepard," he nodded. "You doing alright?"
"Just nervous is all," Shepard replied. "This is the first time that we've attempted something like this before. Defeating Saren and the Collectors was hard, but now we're crossing the boundaries of two universes. Now that is what I would've normally called impossible."
"I agree," Mason nodded. "Those Protheans really know their stuff. A few of them gave me a few snotty glances, but beyond that, they've all been warm and inviting." It was then that he decided to talk about the elephant in the room. "I guess this is it. I guess this is where we say our goodbyes."
"Yeah, though I was hoping we wouldn't have to," Shepard shrugged. "I really enjoyed our time working with you, Mason. We kicked ComStar in the ass, Garrus got to have kids with Nyreen, we made the Federated Commonwealth stronger than ever. It's been wild."
"Wild and crazy, but I wouldn't want it any other way," Mason agreed. "Still, Shepard, just because we're saying goodbye doesn't mean that it's forever. Once the war is over, and you've completed military service, you're more than welcome to hang out with me. Besides, Fahad would tear me a new one if you left permanently."
"That he would," Shepard chuckled. "Still, I think that, once the Reaper War is over, I'll retire from front-line military service. I've seen enough of galaxy changing events. A little peace and quiet would be nice. Might even take up 'Mech Combat Training as a hobby."
"Maybe." Looking around, Mason noticed how the First Prince and the others were leaving. "I'm guessing that the main event is about to begin." Extending a hand to Shepard, he said, "You're more than welcome to stick with Mason's Cavaliers, Shepard. It would be a black mark on my name to cut you from the company. After all, where would we be without you?"
"Good point," Shepard nodded, shaking Mason's hand. "Good luck to you, Mason. Hopefully, you'll get a contract that takes you to Council space, if all goes well."
"Hopefully."
As the two parted, a guard came up to Shepard. "Sir, the First Prince would like you to board the Normandy immediately. You'll be the first ones through the wormhole."
"That I will," Shepard nodded. With that, he began to proceed to where the shuttle to the Normandy was at.
. . .
A few minutes later, he was onboard the Normandy, which was currently orbiting Endeavor IV, the sole habitable planet in the system they were in. He found the name to be quite appropriate, especially since they were about to undertake the most difficult endeavor of all: creating a wormhole to another universe. Moving through the War Room, he looked at a list of the changes done to the Normandy, as well as the crew roster.
Not bad, he noted internally. Looks like they replaced the Thanix Cannon with a Sub-Capital Plasma Rifle. Should give us a bit more oomph when it comes to facing down a Reaper. Plus, we have a few laser weapons installed onto the Normandy's hull.
The crew, though, did make him smile a bit. Eve, the Krogan female that they had rescued at Sur'Kesh, was onboard, and was quite a healthy lady at that, courtesy of Ian Ashcroft and his efforts to improve the quality of her life. Mordin was out of the stasis tube and was once more in the medical bay, with rumors stating that he and Ashcroft were in the middle of a friendly competition. Aside from that, everyone was onboard. All but Grunt, he thought to himself. At least I know he's in a better place.
Just then, Specialist Traynor, who had gotten quite a few gray hairs herself, said, "Commander, Hanse Davion is on the line." She motioned to the QEC a moment later.
"I'll get it," Shepard nodded. Walking into the booth, he watched as Hanse Davion appeared in the holographic projector. "Is there something you need, sir?"
"Just came to inform you that we are about to begin activating the IWG," Hanse informed him. "Is the Normandy ready for this?"
"Yes sir," Shepard nodded. "Engineer Adams gave me the all clear, as did Donnelly and Gabby."
"Good. I'd hate to lose you now, especially after all you've done for us, and for me. I sincerely hope that this goes well, and that we get it right the first time. We won't get a second time if things go horribly wrong."
"I know that for certain. Good luck, sir. See you on the other side."
"You too Shepard." A moment later, Hanse' hologram flickered out of existence, prompting Shepard to begin heading towards the bow.
Reaching the cockpit, he could see Joker sitting in the chair for the pilot seat, with EDI sitting next to him. Thanks to advances in technology, Joker had been given a stripped down Power Suit as a gift from NAIS. It allowed him to move without causing damage to his bones, and the neural sensor net was designed to blend in with his hair. According to the bioengineers at the campus, Joker's first action with the stripped-down suit was to play baseball, as the campus had a small field for that kind of thing. According to what they'd learned, Joker had wanted to play baseball, but hadn't been able to because of his disability. Now, though, he was able to enjoy a life that had been denied to him.
EDI had also gotten some upgrades, now that the technology for her robotic body was well understood. As a direct result, much of her robotic chassis had been overhauled. What were once motors were now myomers, and many of the metallic plates that served as armor had been replaced with Lamellor Armor, giving her the appearance of wearing combat armor.
"This is it, I guess," Joker beamed. "Well, Operation: Throwing Ourselves Into The Deep End Two is a go." Again, some of the crew snickered at his remark. Shepard found it funny as well, though he knew that the 'operation' might go very wrong. Stepping forwards, he began to wait with baited breath. He didn't have to wait long.
After just a few minutes, EDI said, "Commander, I have detected a substantial energy build-up on the planet's surface. The IWG has been activated." Just as she said this, Shepard watched as an energy beam lanced up from the planet's surface and into space. Moving at 99& of the speed of light, it traveled for four light-seconds directly perpendicular to the top of the planet before coming to a stop.
"Gravitational signature detected!" Joker reported. As the bolus grew in size, Shepard noticed that it was becoming dimmer as well, as gravity in the affected area increased until the bolus appeared to disappear from view, though it was likely due to the gravity increasing to the point that only infrared light was visible now.
That was when it happened. A moment later, Shepard watched as the light around the affected region of space curved around it, as though it was traveling around something without hitting it. At the same moment, he watched as the light, instead of bending inward, suddenly bent outwards, as though something was pushing it away. Looking directly at the affected region of space, he could see a patch of space that wasn't being magnified or warped, while the edges bent outwards from the central patch. Did it work, he wondered.
A moment later, Joker said, "Commander, I've got a communique from the surface of the planet."
"Patch it through," Shepard ordered.
"Shepard," came Hanse's voice. "We did it! We've created a stable inter-universal wormhole. We're currently checking to make certain that it'll remain stable, but Vorten is reasonably certain that it's stable. Can you send a few probes to make certain it is?"
"Certainly," Shepard nodded. "EDI, launch a probe." Just as he said this, EDI launched off a probe, with the deck shuddering slightly. Moments later, there was a streak of light as the probe flew away, before it went into FTL flight. Within a few seconds, it exited FTL flight and entered the spatial anomaly.
For a half-minute, the silence and tension was so thick that one could've cut it with a knife. Then EDI said, "Commander, I have sent the relevant information to the facility on the ground. They should have an answer shortly."
"So, is it stable or not?"
"Definitely," Vorten answered, his voice a pleasant buzz on the speakers. "We used some Element Zero to form a gravitational singularity. According to your late Dr. Einstein and Dr. Rosen, the black hole, for a nanosecond, forms a connection with another black hole on the other side. Normally, it would've collapsed then, but we forced the black holes to remain open by using Element Zero to generate an anti-gravity field. In other words, we've formed a traversable wormhole. Thanks to EDI's data, we've confirmed that the wormhole is stable."
That had Shepard genuinely impressed. It was difficult enough to form a black hole, but it was even more difficult to get it to stay open, allowing for a portal into another universe. "How do we know that it leads back home?" he asked.
"We don't," Vorten replied. "That's why you'll go in and see if it reached your home reality. You ready?"
Shepard was silent for a moment. What he means is that he has no idea what's on the other side. Oh, well. Wouldn't be a mission for me and my team if everything was easy. Sighing, he said, "Alright. We're moving through now." Turning to Joker, he said, "Take us through."
"Aye aye," Joker nodded. A moment later, the humming from the newly upgraded Tantalus Drive Core increased slightly as they began to move towards the newly formed spatial anomaly. The patch of distorted space-time began to grow bigger and bigger as they advanced towards the wormhole. A moment later, they were traveling through the wormhole itself, with EDI saying, "Commander, we are entering the wormhole."
Looking at camera feeds, Shepard noticed how they seemed to pass through the hole in space and time. From what I recall in physics class, it's not an actually 'hole', he noted. It's more like a spherical region, like that of a star or a black hole, that you enter to travel to another part of the universe, or another universe. Even so, he couldn't help but note how the distorted light from both sides of the wormhole created the illusion of a tunnel.
Eventually, the cameras showed that they had passed through the wormhole and were now coming out on the other side. "We have exited the wormhole, Commander."
"OK," Joker noted. "Any way of knowing we're in the right universe? It's not like there's a map saying, 'you are in this universe.'"
To Shepard, there was a surefire way to know. "I'll use the QEC," he decided. "It only connects to another QEC if it's accessible. Quantum entanglement is a wonderful thing, isn't it." He didn't hear Joker's remark as he walked towards the War Room.
Entering the QEC booth inside the War Room, Shepard spotted another innovation borrowed from the Alliance. While the original Cerberus spec QEC was nice, it only had one channel, which was a limitation of the technology at the time. The Alliance realized that if they created more than one channel, by creating more than a few entangled particles, they could effectively have multiple channels of communication.
As such, Shepard began looking at the contacts list. QEC's were designed to have a 'contacts list' so that a user could connect to another QEC if they so desired, rather than the one they were originally connected to. Those other contacts would only come up if they were available; Shepard knew this from experience, since when he tried to contact Hackett in the universe they just came from, he hadn't been able to find the contact.
As such, he was deeply relieved to find Hackett's name inside the contact list. That's a relief, he noted. We're in the right universe, but has any time elapsed, and furthermore, where are we? "Joker? Where are we located at?"
"Hang on a minute," Joker replied. There was a minute of silence, then, "Got it. We've arrived in the Far Rim area, the Ma-at system to be precise."
"That's a long way from Ilos."
"Agreed. Maybe the wormhole formed in the area with the lowest vacuum energy. At any rate, I'm just happy that we're back home. I also found out something a little unsettling too."
"Oh?"
"According to the chronometer reading I took before we ended up on our crazy adventure, and the new chronometer reading I took, we arrived just milliseconds after we seemingly 'vanished' into thin air. Now, I know that time travel is technically possible, but that is really, really freaky. I wouldn't be too surprised, in fact, if we arrived just as we got yanked along on our journey."
Shepard frowned slightly. "That is unsettling. Still, now that we know where we're at, we can contact Hackett." Closing the intercom call, he mumbled, "Time to see if things have changed since we left." Hitting the call button, he watched as the screen said, "Establishing Connection: Please Wait…" Might as well make more small talk, he thought as he left the room.
He was in the middle of a conversation when he heard a beeping sound coming from the QEC room. "Excuse me," he said as he walked inside. Looking at the screen, he noticed the words, "Connection Established." Here we go… The moment of truth.
For a few seconds, there was nothing, then, just as Shepard was about to see if the connection had been broken, the holographic emitter fizzled to life. Like a ghost from the beyond, Admiral Hackett appeared inside the holographic booth for the QEC. "Shepard," he said a moment later. "Good to see that -" He stopped when he looked at Shepard. "Shepard, is that you?"
"Yes," Shepard nodded. He knew the source of Hackett's hesitation, given that he had a few gray hairs on his head now. "Is there something wrong?"
"Of course there is," Hackett insisted. "For one thing, your hair has a gray streak in it, even though I can clearly see that it's been buzz cut. For another, the connection is slightly stronger than it usually is. Mind if you explain?"
"It's a long story," Shepard replied. "To be honest, you might not believe me. Even I had a hard time believing it, to be honest."
"Well, you've done the impossible before, Shepard, so I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Go ahead."
"Certainly," Shepard nodded. Keying the intercom, he said, "Joker, have EDI send the information packet to Hackett's location on a heavily encrypted channel. Employ quantum cryptography and send the codes to decrypt it in a separate transmission to Hackett. We don't want the Reapers or Cerberus to know what's in it."
Turning back to Hackett, he began to tell his story. "Remember when you sent us to investigate the artifact that your men found at Ilos? Well, it turns out, it was a Prothean device that was designed to create an Einstein-Rosen Bridge, a wormhole, into another universe."
"Hold on a second," Hackett held up a hand as he got the report. Putting in a few commands where he was at, he began reading the now decrypted file. Before he did so, he asked, "The Protheans could create wormholes?"
"Yes," Shepard replied. "That's how we got back home. Some Protheans survived and actually built a facility capable of doing that."
"I see," Hackett replied. He was still quite suspicious, as he knew that Cerberus could've easily replaced Shepard with a doppelganger, or even a clone. Still, some part of him was telling him that the man he was talking to really was Shepard. "What happened next?"
"We found ourselves in another universe, where Mankind developed an alternate form of FTL flight, and developed advanced technology, only to lose it in a series of wars with each other. We ended up in the Federated Suns, a massive star-nation, or what the natives called a 'Great House' in that universe, and managed to make peaceful contact with the leader of that Great House, a man by the name of Hanse Davion."
"Great House? Why are they called that?"
"They're neo-feudal governments. For instance, the Free Worlds League is lead by a Captain-Marshal, and the Federated Suns is led by the 'First Prince.' As for the Great House we ended up in, the Federated Suns, it's led by First Prince Hanse Davion. We helped him out with a few problems and then had to go undercover. He recommended that we work as mercenaries, and hooked us up with a good company."
"I can see that. According to these documents, you joined up with a mercenary corporation known as 'Mason's Cavaliers.' From the way you describe them, it sounds like they were an honorable group to work with. What are these 'BattleMechs' that you keep mentioning?"
"I can explain. Remember those ATLAS walkers that Cerberus used? Think of that, only with better armor plating, more powerful weapons, and a fusion reactor in lieu of power packs and fuel cells."
"Interesting," Hackett noted, even as he looked at an image of a Marauder II. "These would certainly give the Reapers ground forces a run for their money. What about warships?"
"They recently recovered the technology for making WarShips, so we've got a few. Not a lot, but they're better armed and more heavily armored than our own."
"Recently recovered?"
"They lost most of their technology in a series of conflicts called the Succession Wars. According to the history books there, the Great Houses were once members of a coalition called the 'Star League.' When the Star League Collapsed, each of the leaders of the Great Houses called themselves the successors to the Star League's throne, resulting in a 300 year long period of wars, hence the term Succession Wars. We recently helped two become a much larger Great House, while reversing the tech regression."
"What about the others? Are they doing alright?"
"Garrus is fine, and he's a father of five children now." Frowning, Shepard said, "We lost Grunt, though..."
"I see," Hackett noted, becoming silent out of respect for a fallen member of Shepard's team. After a long minute, he held up a hand to quiet down Shepard, "Shepard, I don't need a report to know you're telling the truth. Still, this isn't like anything that I've ever heard of, or seen, before. Do you have one final bit of proof to corroborate your story?"
"Yes," Shepard nodded. "If you're willing to send a ship to our system, then you could see for yourself that we're telling the truth. I understand your hesitance, though. I had a hard time believing what happened as well."
"That's one of the reasons why I believe you, Shepard. At this rate, I'm starting to expect that the impossible is just another day at the office for you. I'll be coming in person, however. This I have to see with my own eyes."
"Understandable," Shepard nodded. "How soon can you arrive?"
"Just give us a destination, and then we're all set," Hackett replied. "If what you're saying is true, and I have reason to believe it is, then you may have just given the galaxy the means by which to win this war. This is the biggest win that you have ever netted us, Shepard. I look forwards to rendezvousing with you."
"Same to you," Shepard nodded. "Just meet us in the Ma-at system in the Far Rim."
"Keep me posted. Hackett out." A moment later, the hologram shimmered out of existence. With that done, Shepard quickly left for his private quarters. He had to get dressed for the meeting with Hackett.
. . .
On the other end of things, Hackett was still a little unsure as to whether or not it really was Shepard. There's still too many questions and not a lot of answers, he frowned. Still, we have a meeting place to get to. Clearing his throat, he barked out, "Helm, set a course for the Ma-at system." With that, he left to make certain he was ready for the meet and greet.
It wasn't long before they arrived at the Ma-at system, which was just a few Relay jumps away. As he prepared to issue orders, the Sensors officer said, "Sir? I'm detecting an unusual spatial anomaly that's orbiting around the sole planet in the system, Ammut."
"Take us there," Hackett ordered. "Weapons control, bring all weapons online. I know it's Shepard, but it doesn't pay to be unprepared in case a firefight breaks out."
"Understood," came the reply.
"Sir, I've got another ship approaching our position. It's the SSV Normandy."
"Put it on screen," Hackett ordered. A moment later, he watched as the ship appeared on a holographic screen overhead. He almost immediately identified the ship's profile, but that was about it. For one thing, he could've sworn that the armor looked thicker than before, and he didn't recognize the compacted protrusion immediately.
That was when he recalled what he had read in the report. That armor's what he calls Ferro-Carbide armor, and it's pretty tough stuff if it's used for 'WarShips.' In addition, he mentioned something about a Docking Hardpoint. I'm guessing that's the protrusion underneath the ship.
"We've got another ship coming in," came another call from the sensors officer. Looking at a video readout, Hackett spotted an enormous ship moving towards them. It was smaller than the Kilimanjaro, but the armor plating on it was nothing like he'd seen before. In addition, he could tell that it was moving far too fast for a ship of that size.
"Sensors, what am I looking at here?" he asked.
"Hang on... Sir, we're looking at what the file identifies as an Avalon-class WarShip. It's got a number of weapon systems I've never heard of before, and it's armored far more heavily than our own ships. I can't even get a scan of the interior due to the armor's thickness."
That had Hackett's attention immediately. A ship that's moving faster than it should and has armor plating thicker than our own. What did you get yourself into now, Shepard?
A moment later, he heard the Comms Officer say, "Sir, we've got a comm call coming in."
"Put it through."
A moment later, Joker's voice drifted into the comm. "This is the SSV Normandy, requesting docking clearance."
"Normandy, this is Admiral Hackett. Docking clearance accepted. Permission to come aboard?"
"Granted." A moment later, the Normandy smoothly pulled up to the Kilimanjaro, with a docking tube extending out to the Normandy's port-side airlock.
"We're locked in tight," his XO reported.
"Good." With that, Hackett began moving towards the docking tube hallway, while motioning for a few N7's to follow him.
It didn't take him long to find the hallway that led to the docking tube, with the trio of men walking forwards. The guards went first, though they knew that Hackett was more than capable of handling himself in a fight. I might be old, but I can still fight with the best of them, he thought as he reached the airlock door. Once the decontamination cycle completed, he advanced into the Normandy proper.
Almost immediately, he noticed a change. For one thing, there were no more cables and half-completed refits in the hallway leading to the CIC. Instead, every refit that needed to be done was completed, with everything neatly fitting into place. In addition, he noticed that there were more armed guards than before, all of which were wearing combat hardsuits that had bulky, angular armor plating. Even their weaponry looked more… aggressive for lack of a better word.
Fortunately, there was a familiar face ready to speak to him. "Admiral Hackett," Shepard saluted. "It's good to see you sir."
"One second," one of the guards replied, before scanning Shepard. Hackett knew from past reports that Shepard had submitted to a medical examination upon his house arrest back at Earth. As such, a simple biometrics scan would tell him if he was looking at the real McCoy, or a clever fake. Fortunately, that wasn't the case, as the guard said, "Sir, the biometrics match. There's some change, but they're well within the acceptable range; from what I can tell, it's due to natural aging. Beyond that, there are no changes at all. We're looking at he real deal, sir."
"At ease," Hackett replied. That's a load off my shoulders. Now I know that the man before me is really Shepard. Looking around, he said, "You seem to have done well for yourself, Shepard."
"That we have, sir," Shepard nodded. "If you'll follow me, I have a special guest that would like to speak with you."
"Lead the way," Hackett nodded. With that, he began to follow Shepard to the War Room. After handing their weapons over to the officers inside of the checkpoint, they proceeded inside, where Hackett met their special guest.
The special guest was a man that Hackett had never seen before. For one thing, he was as tall as Shepard, with his blue eyes framed by tanned, wrinkled skin, as well as brown hair that was starting to thin. That aged appearance, however, belied the youth and vigor that was held in both of those eyes. The way he held himself also screamed that he was a former member of an armed force. The other thing Hackett noticed were the armed guards that surrounded the man like wolves around a pack leader.
First impressions aside, Hackett knew that he had to put his best foot forwards. Clearing his throat, he said, "Greetings. I am Admiral Stephen Hackett of the Systems Alliance. With me are two N7 Alliance Operatives. And who might you be?"
"Me?" the man asked, a hint of mischievousness in his voice. "I am Hanse Davion, First Prince of the Federated Commonwealth. With me are the 1st Davion Guards and Ardan Sortek, the Prince's Bodyguard. I am honored to make your acquaintance.
"As am I," Hackett nodded as he shook the man's outstretched hand. "I assume that Shepard spoke of me when he met you, yes?"
"That he did. He speaks highly of you. He informed me of how you prevented him from being court-marshaled by your fellow Admirals, as well as how you came to the Councils' rescue when the Reaper known as Sovereign attacked."
"To be honest, he did most of the legwork on the latter of the two. However, he is right in that I did prevent him from being court-marshaled. Still, if we'd only listened to his warnings sooner, then we might not have ended up in this mess."
"Agreed. Still, we should focus on the here and now, rather than what we could've done differently. As my father put it, to dwell in the past is to die in the present."
"That is very wise. Now, I'm certain that Shepard has informed you of our plight. Correct?"
"That he has," Hanse sighed, leaning against the railing around the holoprojector slightly. "The Alliance is on the ropes, the Turians are under siege from the Reapers, the Asari are attempting to hold their borders and Cerberus is attempting to prevent Shepard from creating a cure for the Krogan Genophage. In addition, you are building a superweapon known as the 'Crucible,' in order to stop the Reapers once and for all."
"All of which are correct," Hacket nodded. "Most of the systems in the region where Earth is at is under Reaper control, and Admiral Anderson is currently waging a guerrilla war against the Reapers at Earth. We've been having Shepard secure as much military support from the Council Races as he can, so that when the Crucible is ready, we can launch a final assault on Earth and, hopefully, destroy the Reapers. Before that, however, we need to find out what the Catalyst is, which the Crucible needs in order to function properly."
"In short, you're gathering support in order to break out of this mess you're in," Hanse concluded.
"Yes."
"I see…" Pursing his lips for a moment, Hanse thought quietly, then he said, "Fortunately, Hackett, you need not worry about convincing me to help. I've seen the footage that Shepard shot of the Reapers, and what they do angers me greatly. I promised my full support for the Alliance if we could find a way to help you out. That is what I fully intend to do."
"Glad to hear it," Hackett sighed, relieved to know that Shepard's negotiation skills were still as sharp as ever. "What we need are more warships, ground personnel and scientists and engineers in order to be able to finish completing the Crucible. More assets for the war would also be helpful as well."
"That we can do," Hanse nodded. "The top scientists of NAIS and TIWT are more than willing to help. We'll send over our brightest minds and hands to work on the Crucible. In addition, I and my wife have a vast army to call upon. We can't lend many warships right now, since we're rebuilding our fleets from the Second Succession War, but we can lend two of our Avalon-class WarShips, ten of our Fox-class WarShips, and one of the two Mjolnir-class WarShips we have."
"Can they stand up to a Reaper?"
"They have thousands of tonnes of Lamellor Ferro-Carbide armor protecting them, and directed energy weapons. I believe they can hold their own. We'll only find out once combat really begins."
"That much is true," Hackett agreed. For the next several minutes, the two continued to discuss a possible agreement with each other, though Hackett was quickly realizing just how powerful the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth were. In addition, Hanse was starting to see just how desperate the Alliance was to get the support needed in order to not only retake Earth, but to finish building the Crucible and get it to the Catalyst, wherever it was at.
Eventually, Hanse cleared his throat and said, "I think we've come to an agreeable set of terms. You'll get some much needed support, and we'll be able to what we can to assist you in your projects. We can sign the treaty later, but for now, we will be providing what we can."
"Aren't you worried about the Reapers finding the wormhole?"
"If they do find it, they'll find more than a few AFFC WarShips ready to smash them into scrap metal. In addition, we've built space stations in anticipation of that eventuality. All we have to do is ship each separate section to Endeavor, which is where our end of the wormhole is at, and do some assembly. Simple and ingenious."
"Sounds like you have all of your bases covered."
"When you're one of the two leaders of well over eight hundred worlds, you have to have all of your bases covered. It's common sense, and it's necessary."
"I can agree on that." Standing up, Hackett said, "It's been refreshing to speak with you, First Prince."
"Call me Hanse, please."
"Alright. I hope to speak with you further, Hanse."
"And I as well." With that the two men left. For the first time since their battle against the Reapers began, Hackett felt a feeling that he had thought wouldn't ever come: hope.
(Author's Q&A)
THATs1I3ntGUY: When I really get motivated, I can shell out a chapter in just a few hours time.
edboy4926: Thank you.
SulliMike23: That they do, and I totally agree. This might be exactly what the Alliance and the Council Races need to finally kick the Reapers to the pavement, where they belong.
Guest: Thank you for your kind words.
MarauderPrime12: Thank you.
Just a Crazy-Man: Same here, man. The Federated Commonwealth's come to town!
RandomReader: Excellent points, I will concede that. Still, I appreciate you taking the time to tell me all of that.
Chronus1326: They are going home. I don't know if the Normandy will get that extreme of a refit, but I can say they have much better armor, and a lot more toys to play with.
Violet Toyger: We'll find out in the upcoming chapters.