"Before we begin, though, I hope you'll offer me a chance to congratulate my father on his recent promotion, Admiral Hojo." Sanguinius asked of the man, and he nodded, with both Drake men shaking hands for that. "Congratulations, dad. You have earned those stripes. Sorry I couldn't be there for the ceremony."

"It's okay, son. We all have our duties to fulfill." Arthur told him, before they sat down. "Although I don't remember any CEO of a massive corporation taking part in a medical conference, presenting new methods of curing genetic disorders." Alex chuckled at that.

"Well, despite my current image of a semi-eccentric billionaire, I did earn a Ph.D in Genetics first. That comes with certain expectations from people, which I've got to meet." Alex answered. "I was able to catch the ceremony on the TV. Looked like you have shook hands with practically all of Earth and Alliance leadership, as well as other dignitaries."

"Yeah, though I'd prefer it was a shorter ceremony." Arthur said. "But enough about me. You would not have requested this meeting, especially through back-room channels, in case it wasn't something important."

"You are right, I wouldn't, and before we begin, I would like to clarify something for you, Admiral Hojo." Alex turned to the man, who looked him in the eye. "Despite what had happened in the past between me and certain elements of the Alliance, I do support its efforts in protecting and upholding interests of Humanity, same as you, though we achieve our goals through different methods."

"You father had made it clear to me, although, I do have to admit, that I have had my doubts for some time about you. Mainly because of you being a businessman." Hojo stated. "I will be blunt with you, Drake: I loathe corporations, their CEOs and other stuff. Far too often, I saw corporates and executives put profits, statistics and good PR in front of everything, ready to sell even their own mother for that, bribe politicians, senators and whatnot just to get their contract. And when I heard about your company and how it began to expand and grow, I expected all the same… Glad your father was right about you. At least you put the good of the people below you above simple profits." Hojo added after his little tirade, with Alex chuckling.

"Let's just say, l like to invest into my people, help them achieve success, to become whom they have potential to be." Alex answered. "And I hold true to the same principal when it comes to Humanity as a whole. We as a species, I could say, are defined by our drive to better our lives, to achieve and pursue new heights of success, fulfillment of our ambitions. Unfortunately, as I am sure you know, the rest of the galaxy sees our determination and relentless drive forward as aggression, and would prefer us to be more… manageable for their tastes."

"I take it you are referring to the Citadel Council and their decision finally grant us an Associate Member Status?" Hojo asked, with Alex nodding to him. "You don't think this a good thing, Mr. Drake? Other races had to wait decades, some even hundreds of years, before being granted an Associate Status, whereas we were granted it in less than 7 years since our first contact. Many in the Alliance see it as a momentous success, and an acknowledgement of Humanity's influence and strength. The Council now considers us an equal to their races and we can expect support from them."

"On the part with acknowledgement, I will agree with them, but this talk of equality and support is nothing more than misdirection and flowery lie, Admiral. Humanity's strength, successes in Traverse and rising power have won us the place in the Citadel, but it is not a Triumph's laurel. It is their method of containing us, checking our power and tying us to them and their decision makings." Alex stated to Admiral. "And let us be frank, Admiral, because I asked you to come not because you are a politician, but because you are a soldier, a defender of Humanity, and someone who sees things for what they are."

"Perhaps, and yet I too believe that it is a good thing that Humanity's place in the Citadel Space was acknowledged." Hojo noted. "I know of your pro-Humanity stance, Mr. Drake, and of your refusal to cooperate with other races. Do you honestly think that it would be to our benefit, if we make them our enemies would benefit Earth and Humanity?"

"On the contrary, I am not opposed to cooperation of us with other races, but only if it is done from the positions of respect and equal opportunity." Alex responded to Hojo. "Unfortunately, the Council, despite their words and encouragements of respecting and supporting all of their associate races, actively pursues their own agenda, which prioritizes their own races, whereas ours are secondary. Such was their way for centuries, and I am not merely saying this because of bias, no. History itself proves it so, you need only to look at the situations with the Quarians and Drell. Both races are nigh extinct, former because of an AI uprising, while the latter due to resource shortage and pollution, and did the Council intervene in both cases or has it offered them help to rebuild?" Sanguinius asked of them, before taking a moment to answer for them.

"The answer is no, they did not. Instead, they have banned Quarians from Citadel Space, fifth Associate Member Race they made contact with, before Turians were even discovered, exiled and prosecuted them, when all they could've don was find them a suitable planet and offer humanitarian help. And as for the Drell, what is left of their race, survive as an indentured race to the Hanar, and slowly dying out because of the biological incompatibility with the Hanar home world." Alex told his father and the admiral without reservation. "So no, Admiral, I do not believe that the Council has the best intentions of Humanity in mind. Rather, I see them using us, for their own needs. As an ancient Greek storyteller Aesop once wrote: "The Gods help those, who help themselves," so must we be able to stand on our own two feet, without anyone offering us a cane, only to see it snatched from us." Sanguinius finished his monologue and speech, clearly leaving an impression upon them.

"Impressive speech. Shame you didn't decide to pursue the politics- I would vote for you." Hojo noted with a small chuckle, easing the tension, with Alex smiling. "Mind giving me the number of the guy who writes you your speeches?"

"You can ask my father, but I charge a pricey fee." Alex answered with a bit of humor, before they returned to the more serious matters. "I believe I've made my position in regards to the Council clear to you, Admiral."

"Yes, you did, and I'd be lying if I said that you are alone in those views, Mr. Drake. Some in the Admiralty believe that the Council only means to use us as buffer state between them and the rest of the scum of the Galaxy." Hojo responded, with Sanguinius nodding to them.

"That is my opinion as well, only the Council doesn't intend to offer us support, and would rather see the Alliance under their control and thumb, which means hampering their military strength." Alex stated, before getting straight to the point. "And the first step towards it was made the Alliance accepted that Status."

"You are talking about the Treaty of Farixen." Arthur figured what Alex meant.

"Yes and how it threw the Naval Expansion Plan of 2165 out the window." Alex added, with Hojo cocking his brow up. "Tell me, Admiral Hojo, what the Admiralty will do with those three Dreadnaughts you have nearly ready? Have those finished, and then send into the mothball fleet our three oldest Dreadnaughts? Or has the Council advised you to simply scrap them and be done with it?"

"There were talks of scrapping it, but we agreed on the former, but with scrapping the old dreadnaughts." Hojo stated with a heavy sigh. "But this presents a whole different problem for us, which I know you are aware of."

"Alliance's Naval Strategy relied on the utilization of the Dreadnaughts to compliment and form their formations around, but now that will have to revised, and fast, before the sudden weakness of the Alliance becomes apperent." Alex stated. "Either the Alliance decides to place restrictions upon colonization programs, as a way to prevent it from overextending, or find an alternative to keep its Navy from being unable to defend our growing domain."

"And I suppose you have some solution for that?" Hojo asked of Alex, who nodded to him. "No offence, but what's the catch? I know you are going to make this offer not simply out of the kindness of your heart."

"Of course not. I am making it because I want the Alliance defending Humanity and it's interests, but not serve the interests of those who view themselves as Humanity." Sanguinius responded. "And in more practical terms and less idealistic terms, Angelus Industries is prepared to work with the Alliance, and lend it's capabilities to the mutual benefit of the two."

"For the right price." Hojo stated.

"True, but the benefits will definitely outweigh the costs, and the Alliance can afford a new military contract. Courtesy of your revenues, gained in no small part thanks to Angelus Industries." Alex reminded Hojo, who had to concede him that, before Drake tapped the holo terminal, activating the holo projector, showing to the two Admirals a model of a completely new ship. "Gentlemen, this is part of my solution to your problem – Nelson-class Assault Fleet Carrier, the new capital ship of the Systems Alliance." The two admirals looked at the hologram, with the specs brought up to them immediately before them, with both looking at it with surprise.

"This… This is bigger than our Dreadnaughts, and almost all that the Citadel has." Hojo stated. "Over 1000 meters in length, able to house, repair and transport such a compliment that makes England seem miniscule, but… What are those?" Hojo tapped, and the hologram enlarged, showing the turret with two cannons.

"The main armament of the Nelson-class, Heracles Macro-accelerator cannons, a development of the modern capital grade mass accelerator cannons, only in smaller package. Through the utilization of new acceleration and magnet technologies, these cannons are able to fire a 12-kilogram slug every five seconds, at speeds that make shields virtually useless, achieving same result as a Dreadnaught, and all well within Farixens' convention." Alex stated to them, with both looking at him with surprise. "And Nelson has 8 turrets of twin linked Heracles cannons mounted on it, with the ability to fire it from safe distance, as it launches it's fighters and bombers. That's not to mention its secondary armaments, of which it has plenty to stand up to even fleet formations singlehandedly and win."

"I can see that, and all the other numbers look extremely impressive." Hojo said. "However, why do you think we will readily accept it? So far the England-class had served us quite well as a carrier, and we can produce it in sufficient numbers."

"Maybe, but we also know that as a conversion of a cruiser, it has certain issues it suffers from, such as insufficient repair and storage facilities, and other such matters. You know them better than I do." On that, Alex was correct, for while England-class did prove effective, but it suffered from those and other issues. "I am offering you a class that can replace Dreadnaughts, with technologies and power that will take out any of the Citadel races' dreadnaughts, and one that I can have produced within half the time you need to make those Dreadnaughts." Now that had gotten their attention.

"What are you talking about?" Arthur asked Alex, who showed them a new hologram. "Saturn? Wait a minute… Saturnine Docks." Arthur said with shock.

Saturnine Docks was a massive project of Earth's nations, planned and built before the formation of the Systems' Alliance and discovery of Mass Effect Technology, meant to serve as a construction, mining, refinement and assembly complex for the future ships of Earth nations. It was there that the Gagarin Station was completed and first colony ships were launched into space, and for some time served as a symbol of Humanity's ingenuity and determination. Saturnine Docks could have served as Humanity's backbone in space expansion, had it not been for politics.

With the discovery of Mass Effect technology and its utilization, as well as advent of the Alliance following expansion, Saturnine Docks had served their purpose for some time, providing Humanity with warships and civilian vessels in great numbers. But by the time of the First Contact War, Saturnine Docks were already starting to be supplanted by other shipyards in and without Sol System, due to rapidly outdated assembly, refinement and construction technologies. And unfortunately to it, Alliance deemed that Saturnine Docks were done for and put it out for buyers in 2163, which Alex had acquired, with serious help from his investors, and Illusive Man, before upgrading and expanding it.

When Sanguinius had learned of the Saturnine Docks also existing here and of their impending fate, he felt it was disservice and waste of hard work of tens of thousands men and women. Though nothing compared to what became Imperium's primary Shipyard and birthplace of Exertus Imperialis' Navy, they were still massive and impressive in scope and function. All that was required were necessary upgrades, retrofits, and now Saturnine Docks were now once again operational, and ready to serve as Angelus Industries', and by extension, Humanity's prime shipyard.

"It looks completely upgraded and even expanded. The sheer cost… Just where did you get the money?" Hojo asked of Alex.

"I've got investors with very deep pockets." Alex simply answered, before returning to the matter at hand. "These shipyards were overhauled and upgraded, as well as expanded to accommodate all modern and future projects, from cargo haulers, to Assault Fleet Carriers and beyond. And, like with all of my assembly lines, they are faster and more efficient than what the Alliance has, and I have 4 stations, each prepared to begin the construction of Nelson-class Carriers, and have them completed by next year. And that's not to mention everything else."

"What do you mean?" Hojo asked of Alex, who showed him new holograms.

"We didn't just develop one class of ship, Admiral. We've developed new everything for it and beyond: next-gen fighters and dedicated bombers, effective in space and atmosphere, assault dropships for your Marines, a successor to your England-class and more." Alex told them. "I'm not offering the Alliance just new ships, Admiral Hojo- I am offering to completely rebuild your military power, and make it into a true power to be respected and feared. Like it or not, Admiral, but Humanity stands on it's own, and we need to be ready to fight for our place in the stars. Our ventures into the Traverse have stirred the Terminus Systems and Batarians, and unless you wish to give up all we have won so far, we need to be ready to defend ourselves. So, Admiral, what's it going to be?" Hojo and Arthur exchanged several long looks, before the Alliance Admiral spoke up.

"This… Will take some convincing, and we won't be able to take the whole package immediately." Hojo stated. "But you had me sold on those Carriers. How soon can you begin their construction?"

"All is set and ready to begin production." Alex assured them. "We've ran the simulations, prepared the materials and more. Along with the Nelsons we have new fighters also ready to go into production on Docks and other sites. We can have squadrons of it ready in weeks. I can send you the whole list of specs."

"I'd like that." Admiral Hojo said, as he already began to plan it all out. "The Admiralty will be all too happy to take this deal, but there are also the politicians, and the Council. They may interpret this as an act of aggression."

"Then remind them, that there is nothing that stops Associate Members from expanding their fleets, especially in case of danger. After all, the Alliance is literally situated on the Council Frontier and Traverse." Alex waved it off. "And if those same politicians believe that Turians will defend them, remind them of how they acted in the First Contact War, or wait for a few months. Guaranteed, they'll not send a single ship to stop pirates for attacking one of our outposts or colonies."

"He has a point, Admiral." Arthur agreed with his son. "And we need a stronger fleet than what we have now. Fourth Fleet is stretched thin, and even with the support of the Third, we can't expect to effectively respond to every threat that comes our way. We need more ships, capital ships, and then there is the matter of ground forces… The Alliance needs to adjust, rapidly, if it is to work effectively."

"I can help you with that as well, supplementation of the ground forces, though not immediately." Alex chimed in. "A division of my engineers is currently working on several lines of multi-purpose robots, designed to support colonization efforts, but we can add a warfare model as well. Send me the preferred specs, and I'll see what I can do."

"Tempting, but I think we'll figure it out on our own. After all, the Alliance still has its own scientists." Hojo said. "Now, I guess we should also discuss the details of this whole arrangement."

"Yes, shall we?" Alex said, as they continued their talks.


Several hours later. Terra Nova. Angelus Industries' Research Complex.

Civilian shuttle touched down on the landing platform, and out of it stepped Alex Drake, where Rhea already expected him. The complex where they now were was one of several operated by the Angelus Industries, where they researched and worked on the new technologies and tested those. Best facilities and equipment for research and experiments, only trumped by what Sanguinius had in his own personal lab, yet still leagues ahead of what Alliance operated, which was natural at this point. Unlike many other companies, Angelus Industries always made sure to give sufficient funding and payments to their workers, believing that true quality can be achieved by believing, helping and giving people a chance to shine. This was the prime place of that principal being at work, the Research Complex where some of Humanity's fines worked on advancing the standing of their race, but this was only a midway point for Sanguinius and Rhea right now, as they walked towards a different hangar pad.

"Did they take the deal?" Rhea asked of Alex immediately.

"Nelson-class and all of it's compliments are a go, already sent a word to Saturnine Docks and other factories to begin the construction." Alex responded. "Like you said, they aren't ready to take the whole deal, but with the way Humanity is expanding into the Traverse, Alliance will need to expand its numbers. Oh, and remember that idea we discussed the other day?"

"Which one? I can scarcely remember a day when we don't have a new idea." Rhea told him, as they entered main building and headed down the corridor.

"The one we discussed when you were playing Solar Auxillia against my Imperial Fists." Alex reminded her.

"Oh yeah, the Colonial Defense Forces. Not exactly my idea, actually. The concept belongs to Governor Williams, told me about it when I was touring our facilities on Shanxi." Rhea admitted to Alex. "Still, what did Admiral Hojo think?"

"He approves, and promised to pitch it in the Admiralty and Marine Command. With the amount of wealth and development our colonies are making, it's not long before they become targets of someone far more serious than a few scattered pirate groups." Alex said, before he transmitted something to Rhea's omni-tool. "The Terminus Systems are taking an increasing notice of our colonies. Most notable among them is the so-called "Queen of Omega," otherwise known as Aria T'Loak."

"It was bound to happen, sooner or later, but what is so notable about this pirate queen that warrants your notice?" Rhea asked of him. "Or rather, the notice of our mutual friend?" Being the closest confidante of Alex, Rhea was well aware of his connections with the Illusive Man.

"Aside from the fact that she controls Terminus' equivalent of the Citadel and has the biggest pirate organization in there, it's her activities. Presumably, she has at least partial control over most of the pirate groups of the Terminus, and she is the one who directs them to attack where she wants. Or so she would have everyone think." Alex stated, while Rhea checked out the data. "That's the official list of Terminus attacks on Citadel races' colonies in the past five years. Notice anything interesting?"

"Yeah, the number of the attacks on the Asari worlds are several times lower than those on other races, which makes little sense, since those worlds are among the wealthiest, and Asari do not exactly have the forces to effectively stave off multiple vectors of attacks." Rhea responded, before she understood what Alex meant. "You think that Aria is working with the Matriarch Council?"

"It makes most sense to me, as the Asari are the de-facto ringleaders of the Citadel, and they would rather exercise some form of control over everyone, then risk someone posing a threat to them." Sanguinius said, as they have entered a private hangar, before getting on board of a shuttle and taking off into the skies. "With Aria at the helm of the Terminus Systems' pirates, the Asari effectively have control over where the attacks happen, and it also explains how she was able to stay in power for so long. It takes more than just brute force and cunning to stay in power for as long as she did, and I do not doubt that the Asari would rather ensure their investments continue to pay off."

"Makes sense." Rhea said, as Alex directed the shuttle closer towards the equator of the planet. "Guess that also explains why you've been so secretive with the Prometheus Project. Speaking of, have you mentioned it to Hojo and your dad?"

"No, until we are certain it can work, there is no point to mention it." Sanguinius responded, before putting the shuttle on autopilot, before transmitting verification codes to the secret facility, located in a desolated area of Terra Nova, well outside of any sensor range. "I don't need to tell you how much is riding on this project, and not just for us."

"Yeah, I know, and it will work." Rhea assured him, as they have reached the shuttle bay, landing in the sinkhole, with the door closing above them. "And if it doesn't, what's the worst that can happen?" She asked of him, as they left the shuttle.

"We'll be atomized." Sanguinius answered, as they've soon reached the control room of the upcoming test.

The control room was not as big as some may would've thought it would be, just large enough to accommodate equipment and space for about 20 or so people, as was designated by Sanguinius, when he began Project Prometheus. It was the project for which Sanguinius recruited personally handpicked scientists, visionaries who looked beyond the established conventions, and one that could change history of Humanity. Prometheus was the project that required most of his attention and intellect, but it was not just him that worked on it, as he had Rhea with him, but also two more persons of comparable intellect to them.

"Hey, check those capacitors! If they overload, we'll all be atomized!" Shouted with indignation a raven-haired beautiful young woman with a fair complexion, slender alluring figure young woman with striking ruby eyes.

"Coolant and emergency protocols in place, well done." Praised her aids blonde-haired ruby eyed beauty, bearing an identical appearance to her counterpart with back hair.

"Ishtar, Ereshkigal, I see everything is going well." Alex immediately called out to them, and both women immediately moved to him.

"As well as could be, given the people you've force us to work with." Ishtar immediately answered with a barely repressed scowl. "Honestly, it's like these people can't understand even basics of thermodynamics and what we are doing here."

"Please, sister. She is exaggerating, sempai." Ereshkigal smiled to Alex with a small blush on her cheeks. "They all have been tremendous help. We couldn't have done it without them."

"Well… I guess she is not entirely wrong." Ereshkigal begrudgingly admitted, with Rhea shaking her head.

"Honestly, if it wasn't for their appearances, I would sometimes forget that these two are sisters…" Rhea commented, while Sanguinius smiled, recalling their first meeting.


Four years ago. Earth. Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Genetic Disorders.

"I must say, Dr. Drake, I wasn't sure you would respond to our request so soon." Head of the facility said to Alex, as they have walked through it. "I would've imagined that settling down on Earth would've taken up most of your time."

"I traveled light, Dr. Bernard, and the Alliance and Oxford were both more than generous and accommodating in my case." Alex responded, as he looked around, seeing victims of the failed and improper genetic modifications, of nearly all ages and more. "So, this is where I could've ended up." Alex said openly, as he was certain the man knew of his own augmentations.

"Yes, it was a possibility, as with all children of the Gilgamesh Initiative. In fact, it is because of your connection to it, that I've contacted you, Dr. Drake." The man revealed to Alex. "Before I say more, may I ask you, what do you know about the survivors of the Initiative?"

"Out of 321 there were only 20 who were born without genetic defects and in good health, with me being the ninth to come out of it." Alex said. "As for children individually, I never had the chance to search properly, but I suspected, that things were far more complex than was initially reported. Especially with the level of genetic augmentations involved."

"You are correct. The Alliance and the governments have classified it, but out of the 20 children, we know of only three that have survived, with you being one of them. Nearly died within these very walls, due genetic defects manifesting later on of various nature: cancerous growths, accelerated aging, physiological disorders." Dr. Bernard said. "When we've heard of your case, we suspected the same and were prepared to take you in, but after we've received your DNA analysis, we've discovered you were one of the lucky ones, despite your expedited growth."

"So I was told." Sanguinius responded, keeping quiet of the fact that he manipulated his DNA through psychic powers to ensure his growth. "I take it you've contacted me because of the remaining two?"

"Yes. They are twins, actually. Two sisters, they were also suffering from the more severe consequences of the genetic augmentation, most prominent the shortened telomeres, which accelerated their growth considerably. Thanks to your and Dr. Grissom's work, we were able to reverse nearly every effect, but their appearance is now that of twenty year olds. Although we are uncertain as to their mental maturity, and as for their names... I fear they are only referred to as Subjects I and E." Dr. Bernard said, as they entered into an isolated area, where the two sisters were held in the isolation chamber, seemingly being completely unaware of all that was happening around them. "As you can see, they are physically perfect, as some would say, and our research indicates their brains process information at an exceptionally high rate. Yet at the same time, we have had no way of reaching them. They will eat, but that's the extent of their activities and reactions to outside world. The only other stimuli they react to is when we try to separate them, and they fly into a frenzy. Our best psychiatrists and specialists were unable to determine the cause of their lethargic state and lack of reaction to the world."

"And you believe I can determine why it may be happening, and maybe get them out of this trance-like state?" Alex asked, knowing he was right, before observing the girls for a few minutes, until speaking up. "I'll talk with them, but privately. Kill the cameras and sensors too, and open the door into the box. I need complete and utter privacy with them. Otherwise there will be no effect, so you will need to leave too."

"Why? Have you found out something already?" Bernard asked of him.

"Yes, they do not trust you, nor me, and they know they are just caged animals here." Sanguinius responded quite sharply to the man. "Now, Dr. Bernard. Get out." Sanguinius practically ordered the man, with the Doctor shaking and getting out, while also completing all of the commands.

Any normal person, no matter how educated, would be hard pressed to figure out what was going on with these girls, but Alex was anything but normal, and the moment he stepped into the room and even before that, he realized what was happening. These twins were not unresponsive or locked in their minds – it was quite the opposite of it, as they were in constant communication with each other, only through their minds. Their talks echoed through the Warp like ripples sent by stones thrown into the lake, and Sanguinius could hear them as clearly as if he was the one saying those words. It was quite a surprise and shock for him, to discover anyone capable of psychic abilities besides him, but here were two girls, grasping the surface of it with their communications, thanks to being twins and their genetic augmentations enabling them to connect through the Warp.

This center was merely a front for exploitation and utilization of the genetic modifications, with the patients here being test subjects and objects of study, with experiments and procedures performed, here being far from ethical. These sisters were part of it, having been literally sold by their father after the truth of the Gilgamesh Initiative came out, and were used since they were little. Their silence and seeming unresponsiveness was their defense mechanism, while in the Warp, echoes of their sufferings were sensed and heard by Sanguinius, making his blood boil. They didn't deserve any of this, and he'll make sure this atrocity came to an end.

But first, he will make sure they know, that he is not their enemy, as he sent out through a small psychic wave, which the girls immediately felt, making them jolt in surprise and shock, looking straight at him. Giving them a reassuring smile, he stepped into their box and spoke up.

"Hello, my name is Sanguinius, but people call me Alex Drake." Sanguinius spoke truthfully to them. "I am here to help you…"

One week later, the Genetic Rehab Center would be closed, with most of the staff arrested and facing some of the most serious charges. Most of the victims would be sent into other, actual facilities, while twin girls would be discharged and soon move to Oxford, with the man who made sure they could finally have actual live.


Present time.

Sanguinius couldn't help but smile at the memories he had developed with the twin sisters, fondly recalling how he helped them out of their shells, shared stories with them of his time as a Primarch and more. He never really realized how he had missed someone with whome he could be fully honest and talk of things he had on his mind, and Ishtar and Ereshkigal, both of whom he helped discover and develop their budding psychic powers and even went as far as to give names, were the closest confidants he had. Of course, they would never supplant Rhea as his first and best friend, but the bond he shared with the twins was... special, there was no question about it. They were with him on Earth when he explored and traveled it, and he taught them sciences and works, helped them develop and grow into their own persons. Though they were a secret Alex kept from the Alliance and many others, Ishtar and Ereshkigal were instrumental in the development and growth of the Angelus Industries, and their role in Project Prometheus is invaluable, simple as that, and Rhea knew it.

"What? Just because we look so distinct doesn't mean we can't be sisters." Ishtar said to Rhea. "And besides, who says that siblings must all be alike?"

"My own experience, though it is largely limited to just Alex and Lily." Rhea admitted, before deciding to redirect the conversation. "Anyway, what's the status of the reactor?"

"We are all set, all simulations ran, all check-ups performed, and all capacitors properly calibrated." Ishtar responded, as she looked at the monitors, before nodding and turning to Sanguinius. "It's all up to you now, Alex. Push the button, and let the magic happen."

"Maybe you could offer some words of encouragement?" Ereshkigal suddenly added, with Sanguinius nodding and stepping forth, gaining attention of all.

"Before we begin, I would like to thank each and every one of you for giving your all to this project. I know that I've asked much of you, more than from all others, when I've asked you to take part in this project, and you've given it all I asked and more." Sanguinius spoke with gratitude and grace in his voice, with everyone listening. "All of you had doubts, same as I did, even as we worked towards making this project into reality… Now it is almost complete. Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues and friends, today we will write history, not just of science, but of Humanity as a whole, in same way as Thomas Edison did in 1882 when he harnessed he power of electricity. Today, we will take first step in a new era, as we change Humanity's path forward forever. I am proud and honored to have you all be part of this, and now… Let us make history." And with this, the scientists moved to their consoles, while Sanguinius moved to the activator, and once all were in place, he pushed the button, activating the Prometheus.

"Starting the activation sequence. Reading power rising within expectations." One of the scientists reported, as the reactor began to wake up. "Power rising, reactor's power output is 5%."

"Prepare for an increase of output as we've practiced." Ishtar commanded, as she moved to her console and tapped it. "Increasing to thirty." And then the reactor seemed to roar, as the power began build up in it, making the room shake a little.

"Reading massive power spikes… Newton's apples, these numbers surpass every projection we had, and they are still rising." Another scientist reported, before reactor reached 30 percent. "Power stabilized, all numbers look good."

"Power readings surpass biggest Alliance's drive cores and reactors by over four times." Rhea reported, with Sanguinius turning to Ishtar, giving her nod.

"Increasing to full output." Ishtar stated, and then reactor truly roared into life, awakening akin to an ancient mythical beast, as the ground and place shook in full, almost knocking everyone that wasn't seated, but Sanguinius remained standing, looking straight through the window at the reactor.

"Massive power surges and rising, capacitors are at full power, reading potential overload." One of the scientists said. "We need to shut it down! If we don't it…"

"No, let it come fully to life." Alex suddenly commanded. "He'll stabilize itself."

"He's right. Watch those capacitors and power levels." Rhea commanded, with others doing the same, and for a few tense minutes all waited with baited breath, until Ereshkigal finally spoke.

"Power stabilizing… Maintaining level… Capacitors are holding perfectly, overload averted." Ereshkigal said, before she brought up the numbers for all to see. "Power readings are… B-beyond every potential projection. If my calculations are correct, th-then this reactor surpasses everything in the galaxy by an obscene margin."

"More like ludacris amount." Ishtar added, as she looked at those numbers. "This thing can power every settlement on Terra Nova indefinitely… And we can build them en mass, without any need for Eezo or other rare materials. Fuck… We did it!" Rin said with jubilation, before immediately moving to Sanguinius, grabbing him by his collar, and kissing him on the lips, much to shock of her twin sister and surprise of Sanguinius.

"N-Nee-san!" Ereshkigal called out to her, with Rin snapping out of it, as she detached herself from Alex, who looked quite surprised himself.

"I-I-I ah… I'm sorry! I ah, I don't know…" Ishtar immediately stammered with her answers, yet her thoughts were far more turbulent.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to… Yet I did, and I liked it! Wait, no, I…" Ishtar's thoughts ran rampant, as Sanguinius sensed them, and then Sakura.

"And who is the naughty one of us?" Ereshkigal asked with a dry mental tone, with Ishtar blushing even more profusely.

"It's… It is quite alright, Rin." Sanguinius assured her, as he collected himself, though not without mentally noting how he liked this new experience, before turning his attention to the reactor. "Rhea, what are the readings?"

"Higher than anything ever recorded, Alex." Rhea said with an awed voice, as she looked at this marvel of technology. "Project Prometheus… is a success. First fully functioning Plasma Reactor and it is beyond everything we expected." She said, as the Plasma Reactor worked.

"Yes, ma'am, but… How is it really going to change Humanity?" One of the scientists asked, with Alex answering.

"This reactor has just opened up a door for Humanity, one that no other race has." Sanguinius said with a smile. "Now… We have the opportunity in our hands, to truly go boldly beyond where none had gone before. Rhea, are we set and ready?" Sanguinius asked of her, with Rhea nodding and offering him the place at the console.

"You deserve to do the honors." She said, and Alex stepped forth to the console tapping onto it.

"Project Prometheus is a complete success. All expectations are surpassed." Alex tapped, before adding. "Project Enterprise is now in effect." Alex ended the message with a smile, as he looked at his greatest success so far, knowing that from now on, Humanity was truly on its path to taking its rightful place among the stars.


2166. Terminus Systems. Quarian Expeditionary Fleet.

Rael'Zorah nar Raya vas Taeron cursed his and his race's luck for a near hundredth time just today, as the pirate fleet pounded at his ships with all the had, crippling and destroying well over half of his initial numbers. Prominent captain of the Quarian Migrant Fleet was asking himself for an unknown time, where and how did it all go so damn badly, when it all seemed to start so well. It was no secret to the captains, Admirals and even many of the senior ranking members of Quarian Fleet, that the Migrant Fleet wasn't going to last for much longer, not after 300 years of non-stop operation, and so they started to search for solutions. The most obvious one was to try and reclaim their home world, like Rael and Han'Gerrel suggested, but it was denied, and instead a second option was put forth- formation of the Expeditionary Fleet. Their purpose was to move ahead of the Flotilla and find them a suitable planet to colonize.

It was a plan laced with desperation, but all knew that the alternatives were worse, and with the Council's stance on Quarians remaining the same as ever since they have betrayed them, Quarians had no choice but to find themselves their own home. Rael's personal history as a traveler and once part of Turian expeditions during his Pilgrimage made him a good choice to lead this fleet, and so he took command. Initially, they ventured beyond the unexplored Relays and stations, looking for a habitable, but also isolated spot of space for him and his race. First few weeks, all was quiet and well, until out of nowhere, they were pounced by a massive pirate fleet, which had cut them off from an escape route to the Migrant Fleet, and began to decimate them.

Despite what Council's propaganda may say, Quarians suffered from pirate attacks more than anyone, but this… This was something completely different, as there were no extortion demands, ransoms or threats, but simple determination to destroy them. It was clear this was no simple raid for slaves, but a direct hostile action against the Quarians, aimed at destroying them. But Rael would be damned if he or his family died in here...

"Captain, Oliea and Naraka are gone, sir!" One of his officers reported. "Kinetic barrier at forty… No thirty percent, we can't…" And then the ship violently shook, as several of the consoles short-circuited.

"Status report!" Rael demanded.

"Hull breach in the living quarters, fields' are in effect, but there are casualties, sir." At those words, Rael's heart sank, as he knew that his wife and daughter could've been among those injured or even dead, yet he composes himself.

"All ships capable of flight make a run for the Relay on the opposite end of the system!" Rael made the decision. "Anyone who can't… Keelah Se'lai, I am sorry, please buy us time." Rael said, and he heard a multitude of replies, as the remnants of his Expeditionary Fleet made a dash towards the Relay, while those that could not bought them as much time as possible, before being destroyed by the forces of the pirates.

"Let's hope what lies ahead, is better than these bastards." Rael hoped, as what remained of his ships reached the Relay and made their jump out of the System and into the expected unknown.


Exodus Cluster. Asgard System. SSV Nelson

Standing on the bridge of the relatively freshly completed Assault Fleet Carrier and lead ship of the new class, Drake observed the work of his bridge crew, quietly admiring how easily they've managed to settle into their duties and work with the completely new vessel. Like his son had promised, she was truly something else in every single way, and Arthur was granted the honor of commanding the very first of these vessels, though he had expected First Fleet and Arcturus to hog it to themselves. He suspected Alex had managed to pull some strings, but he didn't mind, so long as he didn't involve him too much in the politics and Admiralty.

Getting out of his thoughts, Arthur moved to the map and watched as his Task Group Nelson completed it's maneuvers and training exercises, finishing the extraction and landing of the small crafts. And those were as brand new as the motherships that held them, crafted with new tech and made to not just fly, but survive and win battles. The new fighter of the Alliance, F-7 Raptor was a completely different beast from the old UA-5, outfitted with an excellent combination of armor, barriers and armaments that made this fighter close to impervious to most GUARDIAN systems, and able to perform a multitude of missions. Interception, patrols, hit-and-run, direct engagement, precision and carpet-bombing – all of this was within the capacity of Raptor. The true beauty of this fighter lay in it's revolutionary modular construction, allowing it to be modified for specific mission parameters. Add to it reinforced ablative hull, kinetic field, top of the line drive core, new armamenets and a whole assortment of various payloads, and Raptor became a veritable jack of all traits fighter. The pilots themselves like these new fighters, saying that the Alliance was finally thinking about their survival and Arthur Drake could not agree more with it.

His time on the England gave him plenty of thought on the improvement of the Carrier and fighter operations, with much of it now implemented in the Nelson through construction or reorganization of the operations. Now all Arthur and the Alliance needed was a chance to see what these beasts can do in a real fight, but for now he settled on a quiet patrol.

"All squadrons report successful landings, all pilots are on board, sir." His CAG reported, with Admiral Drake nodding to her. "Closing hangar doors and launch tubes in effect."

"Fleet is in position, all ships report no casualties and all fighters on board." Drake listened to the next report.

"Good, extend my congratulations to all CAGs for their first successful naval training, and transmit out course to the rest of the Fleet. Set course for Skyfall Station." Arthur ordered, as he turned to the helm. "Lieutenant Shepard, bring us about, nice and easy. Rest of the fleet, assume escort-screening formation."

"Aye aye, sir." Lieutenant Hannah Shepard responded, as she brought Nelson about on the course to the Skyfall Station. "Permission to speak freely, sir?"

"When did you last needed that to voice your opinion, Lt?" Arthur asked with a bit of mirth in his voice.

"Since you've added a fresh pair stripes to your uniform, and a couple more pounds underneath it." Hannah joked, with Arthur shaking his head, allowing her this moment.

"Granted, and for the record, I've actually lost two of those pounds." Arthur responded, with Hannah simply giving him a smile.

"As the Admiral says, and I take back what I said about this beast of a dreadnaught. Sorry, Assault Fleet Carrier." Hannah corrected herself, as she tapped the console. "I expected her to handle like that megalodon Elbrus, if not even worse, but Nelson ain't half bad herself. Definitely feels far better than our previous commands, though she does need a delicate touch to her, what with that drive core she is packing. She may not dance waltz, but I wouldn't mind taking her out for a stroll or two, maybe even a dinner."

"You almost make it sound like you are in love with her." Arthur noted. "I thought you were strictly one class type of lady, Shepard." Arthur allowed himself to joke, though making sure, only she heard it.

"Just because I am fan of the frigates doesn't mean I can appreciate other ships and their capabilities. And considering that I'm stuck with you, I have to keep my options open, or otherwise what is there to admire and like." Hannah responded in a joking manner.

"You could always ask for a transfer." Arthur reminded her, as she chuckled.

"What, and leave you and this fine lady to some fresh out of Flight School greenhorn? No thank you, besides, who else can keep up with your maneuvers, sir?" Hannah asked of him, with Arthur nodding.

"Only the best helmsman in all of Fourth Fleet, that's for sure. Although by now you should already be a Commander, Shepard, especially with your service record." Arthur noted.

"True, but let's just say, you ain't the only one who caught the ire of the Alliance brass at one point or another, though you should already know about that." Hannah responded to him, before catching his questioning look. "Did Admiral Hojo never tell you, when he transferred me to your command, sir?"

"No, he only said you were the best pilot he had, and that you had a tendency to run your mouth at times." Drake responded. "He was right on all accounts, and I've never had a problem with a pilot who had their own opinion, but did their job. And you've done yours exemplary."

"Well, thanks for the kind words, sir. As for why I stick to the wheel… It's kinda personal, sir, so if you do not mind…" Hannah asked him, but Arthur interrupted her.

"Of course, Lt. Just know, that I will always have a spot in my fleet for you, in any capacity." Arthur promised her.

"Thank you, sir." Hannah thanked him. "And I know that Richard and Jane would like nothing more than for me to have more time for them, even if they don't tell me that."

"I know the feeling." Arthur responded. "At least you don't have to deal with the paperwork."

"Oh yeah, that's one thing I was never good at- filing." Hannah joked. "What about your family, sir? Still on Terra Nova, living the Colonial Dream?"

"Yeah, while Alex is building it." Arthur answered with a smile. "About your family, Shepard? Last I recall, your girl was on Skyfall, but I've heard nothing about your husband in a while."

"Our girl is staying with her grandparents, and Richard volunteered for the CDF program back in May." Hannah replied. "He's currently on Mindoir, training locals into Colonial Defense Force. Still surprised he actually went there, and even more so that the Alliance Parliament actually agreed to form it."

"Reality of our world demanded changes, Lt, and our Marines can't always be everywhere they are needed. Having capable auxiliary forces on site, trained and equipped for combat, would be a massive help, not to mention that it would show the colonies that the Alliance does care about them." Arthur responded, with Hannah agreeing with him. "Plus it also helps that Angelus Corporation covers much of the expenses."

"What would we do without them and their charity? No offence, sir." Hannah immediately added. "Don't get me wrong, I like them AngelCorp and all the good they've done, but this is the kind of thing that Alliance should be handling on its own, if you ask me. The Alliance was founded to protect and defend Humanity in space, yet all I see it often do is play politics with the Council, while someone else is doing their job. Hell, something like Colonial Defense Forces should've been one of the first things made a reality when we started out our colonies, yet the politicians decided against at first."

"I know, Lt. At least now they've agreed to it, and hopefully, this will save a few more lives from slavers and pirates." Arthur said, before the sensors came alive, and he turned to the sensors officer. "Report, what is it?"

"Sir, sensor array is reporting activation of Mass Relay Gamma, reading multiple ships in bound for the system on the long-range sensor." He got the answer, and Arthur quickly recalled to where that particular array led.

"Straight from Terminus Systems." Drake muttered, before he activated comm to all ships. "All hands, yellow alert! Man battlestations, alter course to intercept and block. Fleet assume engagement formation." Arthur commanded, and the fleet immediately moved towards the Mass Relay on full speed.

"Sir, reading 19 vessels coming out right now, ranging from freighter, frigate and cruiser classes." Sensor officer reported. "IFF reads as unknown and… Sir, sensors indicate massive damage on all ships. Three have just shut down their engines and are now adrift, sir."

"Can you recognize their markings or construction?" Arthur commanded.

"Running analysis… There are Batarian and Turian vessel types, but the markings read as… As Quarian, sir." That was quite a surprise to hear for all.

"Quarians? What would they be doing in the Traverse, much less in the Alliance's heartlands?" Captain John "Jack" Aubrey asked aloud. "I thought they only stick to the Terminus Systems, since the Council had kicked them out of their space."

"Something must've forced them to come here, and whatever it is, it had less than good intentions towards them, and a high enough caliber to shred their armors." Arthur responded, as he turned to Captain. "Bridge is yours, Captain. All ships, take positions outside just outside of our effective range."

"Sir, we have a hail from Quarian lead ship on all frequencies." Comms officer reported, with Arthur responding.

"Open the comms." Arthur responded.

"This is Captain Rael'Zorah of Taeron! We are not hostiles, I repeat, we are not hostiles! Requesting immediate assistance for my ships, we've taken extensive damage. Many of our systems are offline, life supports are failing, drive cores…" All heard the sound of desperation in Quarian Captain's voice, while the sensors read the damage.

"Sir, they've been through one hell of a meat grinder, and that's putting it lightly." Aubrey said, with Drake agreeing with him. "What do we do, sir? According to the Alliance Conventions, we are bound to offer assistance."

"But not in the case of Quarians, as they are recognized as a non-grata race within the Citadel Space." Aubrey's XO, Commander Walter Saltz, responded immediately. "As a member of the Citadel Council, the Alliance is bound by it's laws, and we must act in accordance with them."

"And what would you have us do, XO?" Aubrey asked of him. "Turn them down?"

"They are trespassing on our borders, sir. According to the Citadel Conventions, we are to take necessary actions to see them removed at once." Commander Saltz informed them.

"Repeating, this Captain Rael'Zorah of Taeron! Requesting immediate assistance and passage! Please, we have families, women and children, and many wounded! We…" At that moment sensors flared up again.

"Reading multiple new signatures emerging from the Relay! Confirming 67 ships, 32 cruiser types, and 1 Dreadnaught of Asari design, the rest are frigates." Sensor officer reported, with many looking at it with surprise and shock "Analyzing markings… No identification, sir."

"Do not bother. Zoom in on the dreadnaught." Arthur commanded, and he got the close look on it on holo projector. "Magnificent-class, Asari Republic's dreadnaught, supposedly decommissioned and mothballed 7 years ago. Previously considered the most powerful Dreadnaught in the Citadel Space and beyond, with one being enough to destroy and entire fleet on its own."

"And bristling with quite a lot of guns, more so than most pirate ships have." Aubrey responded, before turning to Drake. "They are making a beeline to the Quarians, and will intercept them in a few minutes. Your orders, Admiral." It took Arthur a couple of seconds, before he made his final decision

"Open a channel to the Quarians." Arthur ordered, and the comms obeyed. "Captain Rael'Zorah, this is Rear Admiral Arthur Drake of Systems Alliance, CO of Carrier Group Nelson, 4th Fleet. We acknowledge your request for assistance and are prepared to offer it. Be advised, there is a hostile force behind you and closing in fast."

"Those are the same bosh'tet that had decimated my fleet, Admiral. Requesting your assistance against them, we are prepared to surrender ourselves to you every security procedure, if you promise assistance and help." Rael immediately responded, with Arthur not wasting time to answer.

"Granted, you have my word now move your ships past ours. Fleet, move to take defensive position around the Quarian fleet. Red alert, launch first response fighters, weapons hot everyone!" Drake commanded, and the Alliance fleet arranged itself for battle. "Main caliber, prepare to open fire on the closest ship. Inform when the Dreadnaught reaches our line of fire."


Vicious Huntress. Magnificent-class Asari Dreadnaught.

Tiserria T'Loak was grinning from ear to ear like a vicious predator, as she looked at the holo map before her, seeing the last of the Quarians scurrying away, as her guns took out the stragglers, before moving onto the rest. Of all the tasks her mother sent her off to, this was by far the best one, one where she could fully indulge herself in blood and destruction of the weak. Hunting down the Quarians was fun, as was slaughtering them, and Tiserria didn't care for what reasons did her mother, Aria T'Loak, suddenly want to see this Quarian fleet destroyed. All she cared about what racking up her kill count, as well as getting as much prisoners and loot as they could, though with Quarians, there was little value in the latter two.

Now she had a completely new opportunity to satiate of her bloodlust and greed of her men, as they emerged in what her logs said was a Systems' Alliance Asgard system, home of Terra Nova and Angelus Corporation. Tiserria heard stories of the newcomers in the Traverse and this company, who were making massive amount of credits and resources from the colonies, making even some of the Salarian and Asari companies look like two-bit players. She been pestering her mother for years to allow her to go on a raid into the Traverse, but she refused her at every turn. Now, however, she wasn't here, and she had a serious armada at her back, formed from partially from her mother's fleet, her own flotilla and allied gangs, and all that stood between her and the prize was an Alliance fleet half her size?

She wasn't going to waste that opportunity, so she gave out commands.

"Full speed ahead! We'll break through these humans and plunder their world, after we've wiped the floor with those space rats." Tiserria ordered.

"Reading 38 ships, 20 cruisers, 17 frigates and 1 Dreadnaught. No, scratch that, it's not a dreadnaught…" One of her Salarian officers reported. "Some sort of massive hauler with cruiser class guns. Maybe an assault ship?"

"Who cares, if it doesn't have dreadnaught guns, it's just one sitting duck." Tiserria said.

"We are being hailed. It's the human Commander." She was informed, and she gave a nod to put it through, opening the comms.

"Attention, Pirate fleet. This is Rear Admiral Arthur Drake of Nelson Carrier Group, 4th Fleet of Systems Alliance. You are in violation of Systems' Alliance space. This is your first and final warning: turn back now, or we will use every means to remove you. You have one minute to respond, before we open fire." Tiserria heard and laughed aloud, before she opened a channel to him.

"To the Human fool, who dares to command me. I am Tiserria T'Loak, daughter of Aria T'Loak and the Bloody Princess of Omega, and I do not give a fuck about who you are." She responded to him with a predatory smile. "I would grant you and your men a chance to surrender, but I'm in no mood for being generous, and I'll get enough slaves either way from that pretty colony of yours. Better you just shoot yourselves, before we get to you, because me and my boys will plow through you like a Krogan plows a fresh virgin maiden!" In response, Arthur simply killed the channel, while her men cheered with glee at the real fight... until the first shots were fired, and they weren't hers, with four cruisers immediately lighting up and exploding in front of Tiserria's bow.

"The fuck was that?! Who the fuck fired?!" She demanded to know, when her kinetic barriers flared up for a second, nearly popping up like balloons, causing damage to power relays. "Where is that coming from?! You said they didn't have any big guns on that thing!"

"Th-they don't and yet…" At that moment another volley hit them, and the dreadnaught shook even more violently. "Kinetic barriers at…" Next volley, and the barriers were gone, as the dreadnaught took first hits, shredding her armor and haul.

"Reading collapsing bulkheads and multiple breaches on decks…" One of her officers reported.

"I don't give a fuck about that! Get us in range and…" Next volley and the dreadnaught began to careen, as fire started to erupt all over various decks, just as the rest of the Alliance ships engaged the enemy

"Reading multiple launches from human assault ship, ten, twenty, thirty… Over eighty small craft and counting!" Her Salarian informed her. "Fighters are on intercept, but… They are being shredded, enemy fighters are now closing on our flanks." The feedback began to come on the monitors, as Tiserria watched how her frigates and cruisers began to take massive damage, quickly being damaged, destroyed and obliterated, before one more volley came to her ship.

"We've lost propulsion and barriers are done for, life support is failing… We are dead in space!" She was informed, as Tiserria watched with purest shock and disbelief at how her mighty armada was being decimated by the Alliance. "Ma'am, Bosks' and Draken's armadas are withdrawing! Rest are breaking off! We must abandon ship!"

"No… No! No fucking way will I…" And at then the last volley came towards the enemy dreadnaught, finally silencing the mad pirate princess, and spelling doom to the pirate dreadnaught.


QMFS Taeron

Rael'Zorah and his bridge officers watched with a mixed sense of awe and terror at the ensuing carnage, feeling the satisfaction and joy at the sight of their pursuers being obliterated with such ruthless efficiency, and relief that this was not their enemy. When he first heard of Humans and how they've defeated the Turians in their First Contact War, Rael had chalked it up to simple luck, while also taking joy at the fact that Turians had been given a black eye. Now, seeing the Alliance Navy in action, and their behemoth of a flagship destroying the same Dreadnaught that took out close to a fifth of his initial forces, Rael couldn't help but rethink his stance on humanity and their capabilities.

Despite their lower numbers, they maneuvered and acted without a single problem, easily flanking and breaking pirate formation without a problem, while their fighters were akin to swarms of locusts, devouring fresh harvests. They were of novel design, able to both engage in dog fights and destroy enemy ships with some sort of heavy ordinance, while their barriers and armor made them nearly impervious to the GUARDIAN systems, and there were swarms of them. Yet what impressed Rael the most was the flagship, one identified as SSV Nelson, which served as the mothership of those fighters, and also the one ship that engaged the Vicious Huntress, the terror of the Terminus Systems and a flagship of Aria T'Loak.

It was speculated, that there were no ships that could take out that monster in the Terminus Systems and beyond one on one, yet this Nelson made it look easy, firing what looked like beams of pure energy at them, though Rael doubted it was a particle or energy weaponry. Still, it shredded and destroyed the Vicious Huntress without taking a single hit from her, and now it decimated the rest of the pirate fleet. Rael didn't know how long the battle had lasted, but by the end of it, it seemed as if the Alliance suffered only minimal damage and next to no casualties, while the pirate fleet was destroyed, with only a couple of the backline frigates making it back to the Relay and jumping away.

"Keelah…" Was all that Rael could utter, before the comms came back to live.

"C-Captain… We are being h-hailed by their flagship." One of his officers stated, and Rael signaled to him to put it through.

"Captain Rael'Zorah, this is Rear Admiral Arthur Drake speaking. What is the status of your ships?" Rael heard the man speak, and after a few seconds, he answered.

"W-we… We've sustained massive damage on all ships, many casualties. All ships won't make it out of this system, half are in no shape for interplanetary flight." Rael reported.

"Can you evacuate the crews of the damaged crafts to your operation vessels?" Arthur asked. "We are prepared to offer immediate assistance in form of shuttles, medics, engineers, medicines and are ready to take on board your people, with disinfection teams standing by. Transmitting you clearance codes for Skyfall Station, and coordinates for your ships. Assume the transmitted formation, and follow us to our station. We've transmitted a message regarding your situation, and they are preparing to receive you as we speak."

"I… Th-thank you, Admiral Drake. W-We follow your lead." Rael responded, as he slumped back in his chair. "A-Assume the transmitted formation with the Alliance fleet, evacuate damaged vessels to ours or the Alliance's, have disinfection and medical teams ready. Transmit data of those ships to the Alliance." Rael ordered, as he watched the Human ships send aid and help to them immediately, witnessing something he never thought to see.

For the first time in over 300 years, someone had stood up for the Quarians and offered them help, and they accepted it, showing trust to an outsider… And it was now paying off.


Sorry for a little bit of a delay, as you may have heard, we had some… issues here in Russia recently. Still, hope you enjoyed this chapter, because it brings quite a few things in. And before you ask, yes, I did take Ishtar and Ereshkigal (previously Rin and Sakura) from Fate universe (Because I'm a Fate fan and I love those two), and as for the Nelson-class, I'm going with Admiral's names as the ships names, not scientists. Never made much sense for me as to why would the Alliance use scientists' names for their carriers. I mean Einstein was a pacifist, with many being the same, so it made no sense to me, whereas someone like Horace Nelson is the easiest pick for a main ship of the Navy.

But most importantly… We have Plasma Reactors! Same kind that Imperium of Man uses, baby, and you know what follows after that? That's right, a whole plethora of awesome technologies of every variety. And as for Project Enterprise… Take a guess what it means.

And of course, we Have the Alliance showing pirates who's the boss in their neighborhood, and clapping Aria's daughter in a very unfriendly manner, all the while doing what Citadel should've done ages ago for Quarians.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and share your opinion on. If you have suggestions, questions or possible romance and story options, let me know. Your contributions help make it better.

Next time: First Contact and political consequeses; Angel VS. Spectre

See ya.

PS! Made several adjustments, changes and pointing additions to the chapter, for better cohesion. Thanks to Maglad for those pointers!