Chapter 8

Location unknown, terminus systems

Group ID Midnight Fenrir Corps, date UC: 0090 2300 earth time. Current geo location unknown. Number of active units: 10 Commanding officer: Lt commander Garret Shmitzer Battlion commander: Cornelia Vi Britannia

LT. Lou Roher looked around in confusion. Last he remembered they had managed to hold the line against alien invaders, those gray and red mobile suits firing almost data like beams of energy at his squad and the Knightmare regiment they were attached to. At least that was right up until they were caught in a dimensional quake. The Zeon mobile suit pilot glanced at his other monitors. His teams and allied units were all reported as still operational.

"This is Lieutenant Lou Roher, are you still there, command?" He reported as he scanned his surroundings while standing his machine from its crouching position. A briefly garbled message came through his comms.

"This is Cornelia, what's the status of your team Lieutenant?" Cornelia's voice chimed in as he turned his mobile suit to glance towards the BRS Camelot. The warship was already deploying a squad of Sutherlands with float units down onto the ground. "Fenrir actual, I'm seeing Tracer fire about twenty klicks away. I want your team to scout the area and report back."

"Of course, General." Came the response from Garret Schmitzer. His Zaku 1 glanced towards the other Fenrir units. "Blue team, you'll take the right flank. Gold team with me. Red team, hang back until we find out more but not too far. Hepner, Roberto you're with Roher. Sandra and Sophie, you're with Austin as the Red team. Everyone else is with me."

"Roger that, Blue team on me." Roher ordered as he rushed forward in his gouf custom, ramming home a fresh magazine of 90mm munitions. Nikki's Dom assumed position on his right flank as they activated their thrusted periodically in a run - boost - run. "Blue 2, your dom is faster. Scout ahead and relay the situation to everyone. Don't engage unless you deem it necessary. If you do, then just hit and run."

"Blue two wilco."

"Well, might as well send the Dom's forward. Sandra, Sophie. You two go ahead. I'll catch up." Austin sighed before glancing over to Roher. "Don't have too much fun out there Lieutenant."

"What and leave you all by yourself? I'll see you on the other side Matt." Roher retorted with a chuckle and gave the Zaku 1 a thumbs up before dashing forward. His old battle buddy sighed before pursuing after them. The sutherlands flew by overhead to reinforce the mechs outpacing them. Hopefully they'd know more in a few minutes.

"Minovsky particle density is low, all units are authorized to activate Radar." Cornelia's voice ordered over the radio clearly. Roher passed by the burned out husk of an infantry fighting vehicle or ASV. He wasn't sure which. The vehicle had been hit by rocket fire. Dead military personnel from a crashed vehicle of somesort.

It felt like forever since Nikki and the doms blazed ahead as he shifted his mech into a jog to let his thrusters cool for the moment. The environment was mostly fields and former farmland as he glanced around. The city in the distance became more clear. The blue and green tracers in the distance spoke loudly about two opposing sides.

"This is Blue two, I have eyes on the gunfire…and well…a picture is worth a thousand words." Nikki reported before sharing his video feed.

2185

James Vega grit his teeth as he leveled his M-96 on the sandbag in front of him as he popped shots off at the Krogan charging with a satchel charge. The blood pack members' armor tanked the first few shots before the face plate gave way, revealing the Krogan's face which promptly got a hole put in it. The Alien crumpled to the ground as he planted a hand on the ground to push himself back up.

"Not this time." The Marine huffed before unloading the rest of his mag into the stachel, causing it to blow up right next to the Krogan mercenary. "Hey Fly boy, how's your thermal clip supply looking?" He asked as he ejected the overheated clip and slapped in a fresh heat sink.

"I'm a pilot, I didn't get much combat training!" The dropship pilot retorted before checking his thermal clips. "I got two more." The pilot frowned. "These mercs are persistent." He had to duck as a mass effect projectiles pinged off of the pesco barrier he was using for cover. "How long does the alliance expect us to protect this colony for?"

"For as long as it takes!" Vega said before bringing up his omnitool to reach another member of his squad. "Franseca how's that MG coming along?" He asked while looking to his east. His HUD showing the status of his squad. 3 wounded and 1 KIA. The militia that had been formed in an impromptu minute were still holding strong and doing what they could. A low rumbling could be heard as the sand and ground near him shook a bit causing him to briefly look down as he raised an eyebrow. "Que?" He blinked before glancing back down range to put off a few more shots.

The Lieutenant reached down to his grenade holster on his right thigh and primed it before throwing the disc towards a group of vorcha using a rock to hide. The soldier looked over to see one of the human militiamen take cover as a mass effect round pierced the biotic barrier protecting them and slammed right into his shoulder. The rifleman next to him glanced over and raised his voice:

"Corpsman!" The private roared before picking up his avenger and laying down a steady stream of accurate fire. James helped contribute by adding in his rifle's firepower as his grenade exploded.

"It hurts!" The civilian cried out while clutching at his wound and hissing. The young man shut his eyes tight as he tried to not have a panic attack.

"You're doing good man. The pain just lets you know you're alive. Direct that anger onto the blood pack and focus on keeping your head down right now." The private said over the sound of the collective gunfire. Soon their corpsman rushed up and noticed the injury, knelt down and took out a packet of medi-gel.

"Just let it take time to set in alright? You're doing fine." Corpsman Eddie says with a bright smile.

"Frannie you there?" Vega called over the radio again before he got a garbled response.

"-set up- again?" came the female marine's voice before that Revenant opened up from the watchtower. Hearing that jamming on their comms, Vega flashed back to shortly after Shepard went missing. He instinctively glanced up and breathed a sigh of relief at seeing no collector ship overhead. Instead he saw five figures crossing over the sun. Then he glanced around and saw a huge single eye observing the situation.

"Son of a…" Vega muttered under his breath before he glanced towards the blood pack and resumed firing. "Don't panic at what's around us Marines! Focus on the Blood Pack!" Vega ordered. The hulking marine got up into a crouch and shouldered his weapon to pick off a vorcha taking aim with a rocket launcher.

"Uh…Sir…who called in the mechs?" A female militia member asked in a shaky tone.

"Not us Chica. And certainly not them." James quipped back. "So don't shoot the presumably giant robot." As he said that a pair of Vorcha took aim with their heavy weapons and fired them at the giant head. "Oh son of a bitch…" He'd faced enough Blood Pack to know a charge was coming soon.

2185

Nikki had been observing the situation in confusion as he glanced from the human figures towards the more alien figures.

"As they say…A picture is worth a thousand words." Nikki sighed. "Orders general?"

"Hmmm…We can't leave fellow humans to be attacked by aliens-" Cornelia hummed.

"RPG!" Nikki hit the emergency thrusters and spun away from his observation point as two streaks of blue shot past his Dom's camera. "Whew…"

"And that just cemented my decision. All forces press in and eliminate the Alien attackers in red armor."

"Roger." The midnight fenrir's said together.

"YES PRINCESS!" The Britannian knightmares barked enthusiastically before they detached from their float units to combat drop in. The 40mm assault rifles barked out as they were descending, acting as shields for the humans in the city.

"Don't let a single one through! We are Brittanians!" The non shielded vorcha were cut down in droves as they attempted to return fire. However the mass effect rounds were making significant dents on the armor of the Knightmare frames.

Nikki wasn't one to be left out as he set his dom to combat speed, cresting up over the hill with his Rakettan bazooka shouldered and primed to fire. A clump of heavily armored infantry caught his eye as he took aim and fired. The 880mm shell boomed out, causing the nearby barrier to pulse and fracture a bit under the concussive shockwave. The infantry he aimed at though attempted to scramble out of the way but the large impact and explosion left nothing but a red mist and chunks of shrapnel peppering that purple barrier.

A Vorcha picked up a fallen rocket launcher and took aim at the formation of Sutherlands.

"RPG, Sutherland team look out!" Nikki cried out as he activated his chest mounted beam scatter weapon. Beams of plasma sprayed out as the rpg fired. That blue plume spiraled towards one of the Knightmares in the center formation. The eject process starting as the munitions slipped past the forearm and impacted the cockpit. The machine went limp before collapsing in a heap. The ejection only partly happened, exposing a very dead pilot inside.

"The Captain's been hit. You alien scum!" The second in command of the squad barked over the comms before he dumped the remainder of his weapon's magazine before ejecting it and slamming home a fresh magazine.

"Marines! Press up and provide support! Think of them as walking tanks! Ooh rah!" One of the unknown humans barked before breaking cover and sprinting up to the downed machine.

"Sorry we're late Nikki." Sophie apologized before opening fire with her MMP-90. The projectiles caused craters where they impacted as did the spent casings as she made sure to avoid the city. She didn't want any spent munitions to cause a civilian casualty. However, seeing that downed friendly flipped a switch inside of her. "I'll just take out my frustrations on the Aliens!"

"Radar's picking up something approaching…Speed is consistent with a tank. Red two, let's engage them." Sandra suggested as she readied her dom's beam bazooka.

"Mobile suit and knightmare teams, The camelot is moving to engage inbound dropships bearing the same markings as those aliens. Avenge the fallen." Cornelia ordered. Soon after though one of the tanks crested a hill one kilometer out and its turret took aim at one of the defending knightmares before it fired. The second knightmare frame toppled over to the right as it lost its leg.

Nikki repaid that loss with a reply of his own in the form of an 880mm shell blowing up the tank responsible. He pushed his dom forward to provide covering fire for both Sophie and Sandra as they continued to deliver blitzkrieg strikes against the reinforcing aliens.

2185

James Vega frowned as he looked over the corpse of the human pilot, closing his eyes.

"Rest in peace soldier." He said before that RPG took out another mech, these pendejo's were brave for fighting without barriers of any kind. At least a shield could stop a single rocket or two before turning you into paste. A pair of Alliance marines were already rushing towards the down machine, checking on the pilot as the canopy opened, they helped haul him out.

The hell being raised further out certainly was music to his ears as more machines arrived, blazing past them to provide support further in. The way they moved reminded him a lot of the promotional vids for N7. Which meant the guys in the smaller machines were grunts. Still, they took rpgs for the colony so maybe they could talk over a game of poker later. The attacking mercenaries were beginning to rout as yellow streaks caught his eye. Dropships exploded in the sky above them as a saturation of fire carpeted the sky.

"Well I'll be damned…" He had to learn more now, and report this to Alliance command. "More paperwork. Yay." He grumbled. He walked over to the pilot as their Corpsman was looking the man over. They had it handled for the time being as he took a lookout position. Things were beginning to calm down as a warship came into view.

"Sergeant Francesca. Can you keep an eye on things here? I have to report this to Command." He asked over comms.

His gunner briefly grunted before acknowledging him.

"Understood sir. I'll take over for now. What do we do 'bout the mechs?" The sergeant asked as she kicked up her bipod to begin making her way down to ground level.

"Be friendly, I don't want to be on the receiving end of any of that artillery from up high." He joked lightly while issuing his order. He began walking back over to the comms relay in order to ask for instructions

2185

A few days Later

The Serpent Nebula, The Citadel, Zakera Ward

Jondum Bau glanced up from omnitool as he noticed The Normandy pulling in to dock. However the designation was now the SR 2 and it was in cerberus colors. He didn't want to believe that Shepard was working with a pro-human terrorist group. There had to be a reason for her disappearance and sudden re-emergence. However his assignment was to meet with the delegates from the unknown mercenary force.

A pair of sky cars landed shortly after, opening to reveal a fully armored Commander Shepard, and two men he did not recognize that were clearly not Cerberus personnel. Both had black hair, and sharp features. The only difference between the two seemed to be their choice of clothing and their eye color. Nearby the salarian could hear a drill sergeant chewing out some new recruits.

"This, recruits, is a 20 kilogram Ferrous-slug. Feel the weight! Every five seconds the main gun of an Everest class dreadnought accelerates this from one to one point three percent of light speed. It Impacts with the force of a 38 kiloton bomb. That is Three times the yield of the city buster dropped on Hiroshima back on Earth. That means, Sir Isaac Newton IS the most deadly son of a bitch in space! Now, Serviceman Bernstien, what is Newton's first law?" The drill sergeant paced irately while staring down a pair of nervous humans.

"Sir! An object in motion stays in motion, Sir!"

"No credit for partial answers, Maggot!"

"Sir! Unless acted upon by an outside force! Sir!"

"Damn straight!" The sergeant paused for dramatic effect. "I dare assume that you ignorant jackasses know that space is empty. Once you fire this hunk of metal, it keeps going 'till it hits something! That can be a ship, or the planet behind that ship. It might go off into space, and hit someone else in ten thousand years! If you pull the trigger on this," He held up the ferrous-slug and shook it for emphasis, "you are ruining someone's day. Somewhere and some time!" The sergeant looked from one Bernstien. "That is why you check your DAMN targets. That is why you wait for the computer to give you a damn firing solution! That is why…" He changed targets, getting into the other recruits face. " Serviceman Chung, we do not EYEBALL it. This is a weapon of mass destruction, you are not a cowboy shooting from the hip!" Spittle flew from the sergeant's mouth as he roared.

"Somebody sure slipped up…" The taller human noted while quietly adjusting his glasses with his left index finger.

"Perhaps a simulation goof? I mean given the holoprojectors and ads?" The shorter male noted while he looked around. Those sharp eyes noticed the Salarian observing them from his data pad. And that they were being watched from elsewhere.

"Commander Shepard, speak the password and win a prize." Jondum bau perked up as he lifted his head. He'd been tracking Kasumi Goto and here she was talking with Commander Shepard?

The two strangers glanced towards each other then to Shepard who sighed.

"Silence is golden." The younger of the two black haired humans simply held up his hand and excused himself quietly. The way he deftly navigated crowds spoke as someone who had experienced more than most. But what was most curious was he spoke to every person he passed while making eye contact. Emerging from the second sky car that had arrived however was one Dr Chakwas. Along with two humans, one of which was in a wheelchair.

"A pleasure to finally meet you Commander Shepard." Kasumi said right before that young man occupied the table in front of him.

"My apologies for the abrupt visit." The young man said with a dramatic tone. "But you wouldn't happen to be a member of the Salarian Tasks group or a Spectre would you?" Those sharp eyes gazing almost lazily at Bau as he glanced at the young man.

"What would make you think I'm a spectre?" The Salarian asked politely as he gauged the young man. The Spectre waited for the young man to respond which came promptly.

"Your gaze speaks to someone who is similar to the OSI. The Brittanian Office of Secret Intelligence." The young man said before reaching out his hand. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. Lelouch Vi Brittania. And I would like to ask you a few questions while Commander Shepard does her thing. A Tactician of the Dreikruz Autonomous Task Force."

Bau blinked as he observed that gloved hand before reaching out with his own.

"Jondum Bau. Spectre and representative from the council. I assume you're one of our mysterious strangers out on the fringes of the Terminus?" The Salarian asked as he glanced around and noticed odd behavior in the civilians around them. "Although is this really the place to talk about things of this nature?"

"Ah. A simple suggestion such as please go about your day and ignore any conversations I have is a relatively normal order." Lelouch shrugged as he looked the Specter in his eyes. "So we can talk freely. As far as they are concerned right now this conversation isn't happening. And don't worry, I won't be doing the same to you."

"And just what did you do to them?" Jondum Bau asked with a steely edge in his voice while trying to work through the way that was phrased. His hand resting underneath the table and grasping his hand cannon, pointing it at the young man in front of him.

"A simple suggestion that the following conversation should be ignored and to continue on their day. A day later the order will be lifted." Lelouch said simply before closing his eyes. "It's also rather easy to get someone to simply 'die'. It's just a matter of will power. A reasonable order or suggestion won't even get questioned." He sighed before he waved his hand.

"How do I know you haven't?" Bau asked as he continued waiting like a coiled serpent. Shepard was still talking to Kasumi. However, that other man was casually observing their interaction. "Clever. Your compatriot is watching over you. So this…ability of yours. Did you indoctrinate them?"

"I haven't subverted their will. If I wanted to, I could do exactly what you said. However, the more strict the order, the less responsive they are. And the less they'll care about whether they live or die." Lelouch sighed while shrugging. "Ordinarily, a Geass has limits in its function. That no longer applies to me as I have a couple of ways to remove a geass'd command. But at its core I can only give one person an order. There is no duration. So long as they live they would follow this order. For instance if I introduced a new habit to your routine, say always drinking one cup of coffee at six am in the morning earth time. You would do so without even realizing it."

"That's a bit too much caffeine." Bau chuckled lightly. Now though he was committed to learning more. "You didn't."

"What time is it, Earth time right now?" Lelouch asked while resting his chin on his left palm. The risk was too great for Jondum to not check as he glanced at his omnitool.

"Six am." Jondum confirmed while still thinking. There was no compelling urge to drink coffee. Although now he was curious. "Would I recall even doing the order?"

"You would not." The young man nodded. "I didn't Geass you. That's too risky, and I'd rather not die for a third time. It's rather inconvenient."

"A topic for another time then. For now, what can you tell me about your group's goal?" Jondum asked seriously.

"Down to the brass tacks then. Our group is displaced from our own universe. We want the freedom to explore the galaxy in order to secure resources. We are currently at war with numerous factions, several of which want to destroy our Universe and all living life." He tapped at his omnitool before transmitting the data to Bau's omnitool. "We comprise of a skeleton crew for a 2 kilometer long dreadnought + a full complement of crew for four other cruisers. And about one hundred pilots and an assortment of walking weapons platforms called Mobile suits, knightmare frames and super robots. We do not possess mass effect technology outside of what's already been confiscated from unprovoked attacks. Some of our affiliates are from other dimensions and are on contract with us in order to reach their home dimensions once again."

"Why do you wish to roam our milky way unchecked?" Although he could hazard a guess given just WHO he had been walking alongside moments earlier. "Is it by chance to help Commander Shepard and secure resources you deem valuable?"

"We want to establish diplomatic relations rather than open warfare. Currently the Dreikruz has no means to travel outside of our current star system. Learning how to operate Mass relays would increase our range of operations significantly." The young man said while continuing to look the salarian in his eyes earnestly. "My commander, Mitsuba Greyvalley, has little interest in upsetting the current galactic order, however she is not willing to establish trade relations."

"So these are demands." Jondum Bau noted. "Born out of necessity rather than a want." Given the language used thus far. He could easily assume that this was a special forces branch, given as much if not more authority than the Spectres.

"Unfortunately yes. We're cut off from the industry that would normally see us well supplied. We have the means to make our own, just without the means to travel freely. Well…I'm sure it's obvious."

"Do you have any tech that violates council law?" Jondum Bau asked seriously.

"I could tell you, but then I'd have to order you to forget everything we just talked about. We are not a threat unless provoked. We would like to help, so long as the stipulations do not violate the free will and autonomy of our group and its members in any fashion. This includes any sentient being with the concept of Individualism." Lelouch stated.

"And if the council refuses?" The Salarian Spectre asked. Though given that he'd arrived on a Cerberus color'd ship. "You'd have to go through the likes of Cerberus, who in turn would likely try to extort your group for technology for human supremacy."

"Among some others that already know of our existence. Yes. Having the knowledge of how mass relays work, lets us move freely." Lelouch nodded while searching through his omnitool for apps. "Mitsuba would rather introduce herself with words. Hence our courtesy visit."

"For this to be a trade as you want…would you be willing to grant military aid in the event of a Galactic scale attack?" Jondum asked seriously while leaning forward and laying his cards out on the table so to speak. "Just two years ago Shepard narrowly averted galactic extinction. But I fear it's merely been delayed."

"Two years ago…That would be the supposed geth attack led by Rogue spectre Saren?" Lelouch asked before getting a confirming nod.

"Mitsuba would have the final say, but if I have her measure correct. She'll agree so long as the council doesn't reneg a single inch on the terms." Lelouch nodded before quirking an eyebrow.

"I can get a welcome package in order, although I expect the council may want to meet with her in person to officialize the event. However I do have the authority to get the ball rolling." Bau confirmed.

"Thank you for your understanding. Make sure when you arrive that you tell Mitsuba that Zero sends his regards. She'll know who you've interacted with." The young man said with a nod. "However before you go, would you entertain me with a game of skill?"

Jondum Bau looked at Lelouch briefly before smiling.

"In the interest of Cross dimension communication, what game would you recommend?" The Salarian asked.

"If we go with the game I normally play, you may have to spend a few minutes to adjust to the rules and various tactics." Lelouch shrugged lightly.

"What game did you have in mind? I may have already played it." Jondum asked curiously.

"Chess." Lelouch smiled widely.

"Then may I suggest we move things to the presidium. So we don't cause unwanted attention here at arrivals."

2185

"Go ahead and meet me on board the Normandy. Seven, let's go introduce you and Lelouch to the council." Shepard started before she turned around and saw lelouch standing up and walking alongside a Salarian. "Oh for crying out loud…Ok…Seven go keep an eye on lelouch. I will meet with Counselor Anderson."

"Lelouch will be fine. I'll go with you, I'm interested in this council." Seven nodded before shaking his head. "Besides, Lelouch has plans of his own. I'm not being paid to be a Chaperone."

2185

"I don't think we should continue any more of this conversation until Shepard arrives. Captain Bailey has verified that she has arrived and should be here any moment." Anderson said resolutely as the door to his office slid open to reveal Commander Shepard in her N7 armor along with a business suit clad male with sharp eyes and glasses. "Commander, its good to see your face." Anderson smiled brightly as he met the Commander halfway in front of the other council members during their vid call.

"It's good to see you too Anderson. How've you been?" Shepard returned while extending her hand out to shake his hand firmly.

"Well enough. The council and I were just discussing you, they want to debrief you in person. And I take it this is one of the alien's you wanted to talk to us about?" He asked while glancing over the rigid looking operative. Shepard nodded.

"Correct Councilor. This is Seven. One of the members of The Dreikruz I brought with me. There are several others, one of which is in need of medical assistance." The Commander said before holding up her hand. "They're from a different dimension. I assume you've gone over the combat feeds I provided?" Shepard asked.

"We'll get to that in a moment. First, is it true that you are working with Cerberus?" Coucilor Tevos questioned seriously.

"I didn't have a choice. I was brought back to life and told human colonies have gone missing. If there were any other options I'd have taken it. We suspect the collectors are working for the reapers and abducting colonists." Shepard explained.

"And now you fly in on a Cerberus vessel, still spouting these mythological reapers as being factual?" Sparatus questioned seriously. "And to top it off, we have a time bomb in the form of these dimensional travelers."

"Who are more than happy to open lines of diplomacy-" Shepard argued back.

"Are they willing to abide by council law?" Councilor Valern asked curiously while glancing at Seven.

"We have looked at your laws while we were stranded near what you call the Perseus Veil. I cannot speak for the Dreikruz since I'm a displaced member. I'm seeking a way to my home dimension, however I can assure you that such a demand violates several members' rights to autonomy. As well as their continued existence. We have, as our allies, Artificial beings, Artificially intelligent beings, Cybernetic humans, and humans that have been enhanced either through evolving or through science. By the laws of their dimension, any dimensionally displaced individual is granted their right to choose if they follow an order. Any and all efforts are made to ensure our safety and rights to autonomy. Their laws state that any artificial being with a sense of self is sentient and subject to the rights as any organic. Commander Mitsuba was unable to attend herself as she had to look over those under her command. As such, this is a house call, done out of courtesy. All we request is the knowledge to activate Mass relays in order to source our resource needs." Seven paused as he pulled up his omnitool. "Have some of my personal combat footage to provide our side of any accusations lobbied against our group in case of any complaints of killing 'law abiding citizens'. This was an unprovoked attack against us by a dreadnought backed by carriers and supporting elements." The councilors piped down as that footage was put on display for all to see. "Commander Shepard was on board at the time as well engaging in first contact protocols." He said before glancing over to Shepard. "By the way. Even though we come from different dimensions, yours is very similar to our's." He directed his attention back to the combat footage as the beam magnum strafed the dreadnought. "A boarding party was launched at our flagship." As he stated, boarding torpedoes were launched by the dreadnought. The fighters clashed with giant robots but something was causing interference with both the footage and the targeting systems of the opposing Batarian ships.

"Why are the batarians firing so recklessly? Those missed shots are going to hit something eventually…" The Turian councilor asked while facepalming.

"Unfortunately, most mobile suits and vessels belonging to the Dreikruz, emit a particle that renders more traditional radar and guidance systems moot. This doesn't affect us as much since we have come to rely on visual fighting. As you can see, even my power armors' body camera was picking up the interference." Seven explained.

Soon enough a field of flak and CIWS fire erupted out, shooting down the attempted boarding. Seven stopped the footage though and nodded to Shepard.

"I wanted to introduce the Dreikruz to the Council while I was stopping by." Shepard explained. "Having spectre resources would make things easier on my mission."

"You put us in a difficult spot, Shepard. You are currently working with Cerberus, a known terrorist organization." The Asari councilor said diplomatically.

"We owe you a lot for saving our lives two years ago. We called you here so that you could explain yourself." Valern explained more graciously.

"Besides, we have no proof that the Reapers were behind the attack on the Citadel, if they even existed in the first place." Sparatus explained as he looked over data on his side. "Now we have an Alien militarized force on our doorstep that is saying the equivalent of don't get in our way. Perhaps if they were willing to share some of their technology we could exchange our own-"

"You'll have to have a representative take that up with Commander Mitsuba. I wouldn't hold your breath though." Seven spoke up.

"Does this Dreikruz even have the industry to machine the parts they require? Would it not be beneficial to share at least that much?" The Asari councilor asked.

2185

A crowd was gathering in front of the Krogan statue as they were watching a very tense chess match. Jondum Bau, in control of the white pieces, was staring at a stone wall. His Opponent, Lelouch of the Dreikruz.

"Impressive, your grasp of tactics would make you a formidable commander." The salarian praised lelouch as their chess match had evolved into a hardlight game. To break the stale mate, Jondum Bau would have to commit the offense, but there was no good position to do so. His leading knight was pinned with every potential capture leading to an advance of Black's position. His rooks and bishops all had potential but where they took would lead to a brutal counter. "I have to say, You're quite the stimulating opponent."

"I have to agree, it's rare that an opponent gets me thinking this much." Although with that Lelouch thought for a moment. "Seven should do fine with the Council…" The strategist nodded before he paused and analyzed that sentence. The Salarian then made his move, attacking his center.

Lelouch countered in Bau's commitment to his center, maintaining his pressure and discovering an attack on White's queen. The Salarian countered, pushing his queen up to assist his pinned knight. The small gathering they'd gathered looked on in awe at the pieces now flying off the board at near break neck speed. The salarian was pressured with an unorthodox attack on his queen side, forcing him to respond.

2185

"How about this, we'll send a delegation to meet with Commander Mitsuba to negotiate on our behalf. We have a spectre here on the presidium. His name is Jondum Bau. A salarian, however he seems to be held up at the current time. I wonder what's keeping him." Councilor Valern mused while glancing to the Dreikruz member.

"That would be agreeable. We should provide a way for Mitsuba to know that we talked. Perhaps some human vessels could be sent. Since we've arrived we've been attacked twice by hostile aliens." Seven proposed, expanding upon valern's offer.

"I could ask Admiral Hackett. He wants to know about Shepard's survival anyways. He's a good man, I'd trust him with my life." Councilor Anderson nodded to Shepard. "How many from the Dreikruz came with you Shepard?"

"Nine. Including three of their suits. And Two civilians that seem to be important to one of the pilots. He's currently heading to the hospital with Doctor Chakwas and Doctor Solus. As for why…I can't say I fully understand the science behind it." Shepard explained. "I'm on a mission to investigate the missing colonists in the Terminus systems. I figured having the Spectre resources would help."

"This is a difficult position we're in, Shepard. You are rumored to be working with Cerberus, even the Normandy SR 2 you flew in, sports their colors. They're an avowed enemy of the council." The Asari councilor began.

"Hold on. I'm on this council too, and I won't stand by while you white wash Shepard as if she were a war criminal." Anderson spoke up strongly, taking a step forward. The other councilors looked to Tevos, who sighed.

"We do owe Shepard our lives." Valern pointed out.

"Fine. Maybe we can come to an agreement. Not something of open support, but tacit." Tevos relented.

"Commander Shepard, provided you keep your investigation bound to the Terminus systems. You will be allowed to retain your spectre status. Also we would appreciate it if you could share the location of the Dreikruz so that we can coordinate with them and share the relevant codes, we would appreciate it greatly. Welcome to the Milky way, and we're sorry that your first greetings weren't done with more…candor." Sparatus straightened his back with his hands clasped behind his back.

2185

"Young man, I don't think I've ever seen such a riveting chess battle. What is your name?" The Turian spoke up as he had been watching the chess match between the Salarian and human in great interest. He was a bank manager on the Citadel and had been looking for investment opportunities.

"Ah, my name is Lelouch. And it was quite interesting getting to play someone of equal skill. Mister Bau is quite a skilled player." The young human laughed earnestly. "But what can I do for you, mister?"

"Vocus, Vocus Remicus. I'm a bank manager here on the Presidium. I was wondering if you'd be interested in a sponsorship for talented youths?"

"I'm afraid I just moonlight as a Chess player. It's a hobby of mine. Though a friend of mine is looking for a sponsor. I promised them that I would visit the citadel and look for one." The humble human said with a soft, fond smile.

"Oh? And who would this friend be?" Vocus asked curiously.

"I'll be sure to let them know about you. So if a person identifying as Zero approaches you…would you kindly do everything within your power to assist them?" It was a sensible request.

"Of course. That's simple enough. I'll have an investor's account set up for him and pass on the details once Zero makes contact with me." Vocus said with a nod.

The salarian spectre once again looked at Lelouch with a quizzical look. But for now he only said.

"I hope to have a rematch sometime, Lelouch. It's nice to have a stimulating match. Your intelligence is almost Salarian." Jondum Bau nodded before glancing at his omni tool. "Now I need to report to the Council and confirm that I've met with you. Until we meet again Lelouch."

"I hope that we do. Until then Mister Bau." The raven haired male smiled as he saw Shepard and Seven approaching.

"Ah, commander Shepard. I hope I didn't take up one of your squadmates' time with a game of Chess." The Salarian spectre coughed politely before nodding to his opponent.

"Not at all, we were discussing what to do about Mister Britannia's displaced force that he's here to represent. Given Mikazuki has been taken to the hospital, it might be best to leave his Barbatos here. It'll make the council at least somewhat happy to have one of those mechs to at least look at." Shepard nodded, causing Lelouch to sigh.

"If you can get Mikazuki to sign off on it, I have no objections." Lelouch nodded before glancing over to Jondum Bau. "He's a mech pilot, displaced so it's his choice what he does."

"Ah, I see. Different Earth if you will?" The Salarian Specter said with a hum before nodding. "I will make sure that he is not troubled and if he wishes, he can accompany me to help facilitate an easier time getting to The Dreikruz." Internally the Salarian thought to himself before bowing to excuse himself.

Jondum Bau made his way to the council chambers, passing by numerous citizens as he thought about the strange, charismatic young man he had just played chess with. There was something about him that made him very wary. As he rode the elevator up, Bau organized his thoughts. Today had been a strange day.

2185

James Vega glanced at the giant death robots. As well as the warship that was touching down outside of the Colony's defensive barrier. His troops were still recovering and scavenging what thermal clips they could from the dead. The hulking husk of one of the robots that had taken a direct hit from an RPG lay in front of him. It was clear from the impact that the pilot was dead. The soldier walked up to the machine and lightly tapped on it curiously.

"Holy hell, these things are huge." Vega whistled as he looked over to the other machines that were keeping watch. One of the taller, mono eyed machines glanced towards him. Or at least he assumed so with how that pink light swiveled in his direction. With an awkward laugh he waved to the robot. To his surprise it waved back with its free hand. "These pilots fight without biotic barriers. I'm not sure if they're crazy, brave, or both." He took a deep breath before raising his voice and pointing. "Bastardo de metal."

"Soy el que tiene una bolsa gigante de carne de arma." The green robot retorted while taking aim with its Bazooka before a thunderous boom followed. That massive projectile slammed into a mercenary tank, making the barriers pop. One of the smaller robots, wielding a lance, zoomed in and speared the tank from stem to stern before zipping over a hill.

Vega stared at what he just witnessed.

"Well that's one way to lance a boil." Vega sighed. "Who drive-bys in a giant robot?"

A no nonsense voice spoke up behind him.

"The Britannian royal forces. Standard operations for combatting enemy armor." Vega turned to look at the speaker. A Chica that looked as if she were molded into a steel Rose with its thorns intact. "Why are you distracting my forces during our counter offensive? I want to speak with the man in charge of this outfit."

"Chica, I AM the commanding officer of this unit. We appreciate the backup so no offense. But What the hell are giant stompy robots and speed demon robots." He paused to first point to the green robot that had retorted earlier, in time to see a magazine bazooka. The second, tactfully pointing to one of the intact smaller machines. "Doing here? Our comms are jammed." There were still blood pack trying to charge their lines but for the time being things were relatively safe.

"I was hoping you could tell me. We were on a defensive action on our Earth near Japan." She started while she surveyed the battlefield.

"Chica, are you loco? These blood pack pendejo's love mass charges."

"So an infantry charge is com-" At that moment a roar lept up from the distance.

"I AM KROGAN!" And soon a hostile alien was charging into the fire of the alliance marines. A battle line of krogan followed suit, some with damaged armor.

"Son of a…OPEN FIRE! Don't let a single krogan through!" Vega yelled before taking aim with his Mattock rifle and beginning to make suppressive fire. His marines joined in with their assualt rifles. The Chica next to him drew a sword and took aim alongside him before pulling a trigger. The resounding yet muffled bang was very familiar to him. A .357 magnum was built into the sword. The Krogan's biotic barriers flared with each successive hit before it popped.

"Gloucster's open fire on the reptilian battle line. Use of anti tank and slash harkens permitted." She ordered. "Corneilia to the Camelot, Anti air and missile support danger close on my position. Help these soldiers repel the assault. Fenrir's take out their escape vessel, Cripple their command structure!"

The bellowing krogan charged in and shoulder rammed Vega before turning the unarmored woman. To both the Krogan and the marine's amazement, the blood pack merc soon found himself disarmed and beheaded. A shadow loomed overhead as that warship fired its missiles and anti-air weapons to put down a withering field of fire.

"Marines! Are you going to let these foreigners show us up? Lets kick some ass!" Vega said into his comms before intensifying his own fire. One of the Gloucsters hit a krogan, knocking it down before the merc tried getting back up, promptly being shot again, dying. To make sure, the pilot shot the body several more times with its mech sized assault rifle.

In the distance a number of ships started lifting off in an attempt to escape only for a veritable barrage of tracers shot them down one by one.

"Damn…was that the Fenrir? They certainly don't mess around." Vega whistled. He glanced back to that green colored mech and read the words Midnight Fenrir Corps surrounding the image of a blue and white furred wolf.

"I can give you a proper introduction once things are wrapped up here." Cornelia said simply. "And exchange what we know for what you know."