Chapter Four

The Chosen Few

Disclaimer: I don't own Mass Effect or any other works of fiction mentioned in this story, they belonged to their respective owners and creators.


The meeting ended on a good note, something that Tevos could appreciate from her entourages and associates. The hardest hurdle that she had to tackle, which is opening up the boundaries between both cultures and allowing them to naturally interact and blend has been lifted. Thanks to the efforts of her associates that dared to ask the most important questions early on.

This is miles of progress compared to the Yahg. There are talks that they might be opening up embassies at the Citadel, but she decided to save that for later appointment. There's no need for her to make assumptions, it is important for the humans to join the Citadel on their own volition. Strong-arming them into membership is a recipe for disaster, especially since they're unaware of the galactic political situation.

So far, she had only few inclinations regarding their common practice and policies, things that are on the surface level are acceptable, approved even. Although it does bring some worrying thoughts since a part of their culture is similar to the Quarians before the entire Geth uprising.

"So this is where you were", her accompanying spectre, Livea entered the room she is currently inhabiting. A quaint abode provided by the Sol council, a quick omnitool scan earlier revealed that it was not wired or under hidden surveillance. Plus, its walls are deceptively soundproofed guaranteeing maximum privacy, something she could appreciate and respect.

"Was having myself a nice relaxing time Livea, how's your day been?", Livea relaxed her posture as she sat across the councilor.

"Finished my evening walk just now. Taking my time enjoying the sight and experiencing the atmosphere. Things of that nature", she said as she fiddled with her omnitool. Before reeling back, surprised that it came up negative.

"Strange, no probes or wires hidden. Not even a hole designed specifically so that any noise could get out, no double sided mirrors or hidden peephole. This room is virtually soundproofed and visualproofed", Tevos chuckled. That was the same reaction she had.

"A sign of their good nature perhaps?", she jabbed.

"Perhaps, or perhaps it's them being either diplomatic or having proper decorum. The Salarians would take this as an insult I wager", Tevos didn't know many Salarians personally, but she agreed that her fellow councilor, Velwon would.

"Be it as it may, is there a reason for your auspicious visit? A report perhaps?", Livea straightened her posture. Before sending several pieces of information through her omni-tool.

"Yes, but that's not all. We're mostly arranging our return trip to the Citadel. I'm here to inform you that the Asari Republics have sent their diplomatic corps heading immediately as delegates to the Council of Sol. The Citadel of course, has sent their own, complete with their own security details arranged by Executor Pallin himself", Tevos nodded as she read several reports from her fellow councilors. As expected of Sparatus and Velwon, they acted quickly.

"Were the Sol Council informed of this arrangement?"

"I've sent for captain Weyla to inform one of their delegates, notably the one known as Theodore", Tevos read several reports regarding the news circulating around Citadel.

"Then we've covered our efforts in that department. Let's get to the matters of public opinion. Let's start with the obvious ones, how was the general reaction of the public in Citadel space?", Livea fiddled with her omnitool before sending several news to Tevos.

"Highly positive, councilors Velwon and Sparatus will hold a public speaking event tomorrow. Most of the Citadel have nothing but good words for the newly introduced humans. Well, humans and their associate species; particularly the ones who refer to themselves as, Eld", Tevos read some papers regarding the general interview of the Citadel inhabitants, most of them were Asari, and they didn't bother to hide their adoration for the people of Earth.

"What of the Citadel's government members?", she already had a clue on what the Asari Republics opinion regarding the matter. She's more curious about what the Union and the Hierarchy had to say.

"The Asari Republics opinion regarding the first contact is at an all time high. Since this is the first contact in centuries that ended with a good impression for both species. For the humans to possess a lot of similar traits to the Asari provided a lot of positive feedback, especially from both the Alien Cultural Research Association and the Alien Biology Research Association", Tevos nodded. Especially pleased that there are lots of positive comments and feedback given by both associations.

By the Goddess she dared not to venture into the comment section, just a single glimpse of the top most posts could serve as a prelude to an especially graphic erotica.

"The Turian Hierarchy as a whole was pleased that the negotiations ended on a positive note. Their younger generations showed interest in visiting Sol space, most are academics wishing to be the first batch of students to study the brand new species on all aspects of their culture. Particularly their martial traditions and history", as expected of the Turians. Leave it to them to jump first into untested waters, and be the first to ask what weapons they're using. Fitting.

"The Salarian Union is reserved, but the populace showed great interest in humanity's advancement in science. Particularly they've shown interest in the studies of FTL travel that humanity showcased earlier", standard Salarian respond. Judging just by the advancement of their faster-than-light travel, most other fields should be comparatively similar, if not slightly left behind, some socio researchers claimed that the development of their technology is a reflection of their cultural advancement as well, thus leading several students planning to apply as a student exchange.

"This is good, very good. And what of our associates?"

"It's still undetermined, however reliable sources have given a general analysis of each species, taken from their local extranet activities on each homeworld. Let us start with the Volus", several news articles alongside local open feeds were shown on her omnitool.

"In general the Volus showed little to no particular interest besides the new opportunity for trade. This especially true for the young businesses of Irune, reciting the possibilities of new materials and exotic goods. Most have set out to the Citadel to discuss possible trading rights", good, the earlier the trade routes were outlined, the faster they could integrate both of their civilizations. The Volus are masters of such matters.

"Khaje remains neutral about the issue, both the Hanar and the Drell are simply glad that there were no complications during first contact", unexpected, but a viable reaction. The Council's recent history regarding first contact has been a mixed result.

"And the Courts of Dekuun are believed to be ecstatic to welcome a new species into the galactic community", that one is more expected.

"Very well, then it's safe to assume there are no complications with the Citadel affiliates?"

"No reports so far, although we detect a few unsavory elements moving behind the scene. Both the Salarians STG's and our Spectres are taking care of it", good, as a new species, they're vulnerable to the machinations of galactic politics at large. It's better for them to take information at their own pace rather than being shoved with private agendas.

"And for those outside the Citadel?", Livea sent several Spectre reports sent to monitor the area outside Citadel Space.

"A few, the easiest would be the Krogans. Most of them remain indifferent to humanity as a whole. However, there are few private mercenary organizations that showed interest to work with them", Krogans being Krogans, she'd take it as good news.

"The Migrant Fleet remains distant, there's barely any information going between us and them. However, some Spectres detected several movements splintering from the fleet, perhaps this splinter group are the diplomats on a mission to establish contact with the humans", expected. The Quarians for the longest time have been the social pariahs of the Citadel Space after their exile, the dangers of A.I is a cautionary tale known by their people the most. This may prove fruitful if they could be the ones to warn the humans instead of them.

"And what of the Batarians?", Livea's expression soured.

"Officially the Hegemony welcomes the new species eagerly. On the other hand, STG operatives receive intel on various sponsored criminal elements that began to mobilize from the Attican Traverse. The Hierarchy were quick to pick this up and mobilize their fleet and tighten their patrol along the Mira System and it's neighboring relays", Tevos frowned as she calculated the patrolling force won't be enough, not with them being stretched so thin across council space.

"I will have to send word to the Sol Council of possible incursion into their space. Whilst our hands may be tied, the least we could do is to warn them", Livea checked her omnitool before sending a list to Tevos, further glance showed a number of active spectres available for deployment.

"Would you send a few to monitor the Attican Traverse?", tempting though, but Tevos shook her head.

"No, there's too much ground to cover and too few agents to spare. Not even the STG can monitor the entire Traverse, let alone a dozen of ours. Spectres are good, but they can't be everywhere", Tevos have to arrange a private meeting with the six soon.

"Anything else that needs our immediate attention?", Livea sent a missive of a request by the Citadel News Network.

"CNN just sent this a few hours ago. They ask for an arrangement to be made with the Sol Council for a permission to commit journalism activities inside their territory. Something to do with showcasing the new species to the rest of the galaxy", plausible, the humans have been quite open so far. However, this time she would need more than just the Asari, she needed both the Salarian and Turian to cover other aspects of human cultures the Asari could miss.

"I guess this means Nola would be the obvious choice to lead this team?", Livea nod.

"Yes, the CNN already forwarded the news to Nola, they've also asked the crew of the Alura to accompany and accommodate the journalist team since they are the first to make first contact with the humans", fair argument. This makes things easier for her to outsource volunteer work from the Citadel.

"Then that leaves us with the Salarians and the Turians, anyone you have in mind?", Livea pushed for several profiles to recommend. Mostly her known acquaintance from her days at the Citadel Academy.

"I can name a few, I can personally vouch for their expertise", Tevos glanced towards the provided profiles.

"Hmmm… would there be a problem? Did anyone here have some bad predisposition with foreign species?"

"If it were, I wouldn't recommend them. Most of them were friendly and cordial to even non-council affiliates such as Krogans and Quarians, some do have bad blood with Batarians, but nobody ever likes Batarians", Tevos chuckled as she approved six profiles.

"Send for them then, tell them to come here with our pickup ship, do inform them that they will fall in with the Alura for the rest of this venture, yes?"

"I'll be sure to tell them just that."


-Undisclosed Location-

"So… how are our guests faring?"

"They acclimate relatively well, their information regarding their physiology is accurate. No allergies, food poisoning, or hostile atmosphere and environment has ail them thus far."

"So we take it to the next step?"

"No, not yet. They have to be the first to offer, as of now we are lacking presence on the galactic scene, and we have no idea whether we could trust everything they've sent our way."

"The info has been true thus far, XI has been tampering with the Extranet for quite some time now."

"How much have you gleaned from the alien equivalent to the internet?"

"Around 54.39% of the entire galactic information that are deemed general knowledge, the Citadel Codex have made a good sum of various studies regarding the galaxy at large. We haven't gone deeper than the surface at the current moment."

"That is more than plenty, I assume the other species of the Council would acclimate with our environment as well?"

"Judging from a few videos I managed to obtain, they all relatively live in the same atmosphere without the need of special suits, barring a few exceptions. They seem to accommodate breathing the same oxygen as us and adapted well to our standard gravity."

"Then it's safe to assume that our only concern would be pathological threats. Something that could be fixed with vaccines and medicines."

"Patience XIV, we are not going so fast to accept them to Earth. They haven't even arranged for diplomatic exchange yet."

"Actually, they already did ask for an embassy. They've already contacted the Sol Council for accommodations, they're currently mustering the embassy party as we speak."

"Well that was quick, I would've expected the request by week two at the earliest."

"Then we have much work to do, we should increase the security around the moon and the system rim. Especially the region around the mass relay."

"So how does that thing work anyway? I thought for the longest time that it was a bunch of minerals encased in ice, how did our sensors never pick up anything until now?"

"High chances because it was dormant and possessed technology vastly different from ours. According to the Citadel Codex, mass relay operates in a semi-psionic agent known as element zero, with its effect known colloquially as the mass effect. Unless we possess the necessary tools to detect such materials, we would've picked up abnormalities on the relay."

"That's the thing, we do possess the means, albeit limited by the knowledge regarding the studies of esoterical sources of energies. I mean, we have magic, contracts, mystics, miracles, psionics and psykers, we also have Zro for God sake, how come we never picked it up despite having advanced studies regarding these sources?"

"At the current moment we are limited with our technology, as we studied element zero further, the issue of element zero emission detection will be discussed in later meetings. Can we agree on this motion?"

"Agreed."

"Motion carried, now how about those-"

"Yo Theodore here, sorry I'm late."

"You took your sweet time II. Still cozying up with the newcomers around the block?"

"Yes and no, I was still handling the debriefing with the Sol Council when Councilor Tevos suddenly asked for a quick meeting."

"For what purpose?"

"I think it would be better if I show you", Theodore pulled out a device that showed a 3D hologram of the aforementioned Asari.

"Greetings councilors, I thank you for granting me my request", the Asari bowed, graciously.

"Please Councilor Tevos, we are in an informal arrangement. Have a seat and join us", the voice of secretary general Dolores entered through the recording.

"I thank you for the offer, but I must decline. I am here to inform you that I will be returning to the Citadel in the next few hours."

"So soon? Is there something wrong?", Victor 's voice added.

"No, your hospitality has been extravagant. It's simply that my duties as a councilor of the Citadel calls for my immediate presence. I apologize for the sudden news."

"No, you've been a wonderful guest councilor Tevos. Please, at the very least accept the gifts that our people sent for you.", the voice of onw grand admiral Stahl said.

"I graciously accepted. Thank you grand admiral", Tevos smiled to the unseen councilors of Sol.

"We pray for your safe travel. I've also received your request for an embassy and the permission for a journalist team to travel our worlds. I am happy to inform you that we've already approved and sent for an arrangement for both. Particularly the details of the journalist team that would spend a few months here on Sol", Victor voice said.

"That is wonderful news indeed, I shall be watching closely from the Citadel. It would be a wonderful time to experience your culture, even through the lenses of a camera."

"We aim to impress lady Tevos. Would there be anything else that you require for your journey back home?", this time Theodore's voice spoke.

"There is one more thing… a complication if you may. Not for me and mine, but for your people dear councilors", the room's mood and temperature suddenly plummeted.

"And that would be?", the voice of emperor Matthias boomed.

"This complication involves several key factors that concern galactic politics. Something that I would prefer for your people to gradually adapt to, but recent events and unsavory elements of the galaxy have been making moves that could be considered worrying. So much so it gained the Citadel's attention."

"Should the Sol Council consider these elements as threats to us?", Emperor Matthias asked.

"At the current moment no, but should they choose to ignore our warnings. Then I highly suggest for your people to prepare and expect the worst."

"That didn't exactly help with our current situation, councilor Tevos. Would you mind to elaborate?"

"Gladly, first allow me to show you the updated map of the current galaxy", the hologram shifted into a map of the galaxy. A large swathes of it were outlined with territories marked with names unfamiliar to the humans.

"Currently, this is the map of the galaxy and the recently drawn territories of the human species. On the galactic south is humanity's space", the name Sol Council appeared on the familiar block of galactic territory.

"A few systems galactic west to the humans, are the Citadel Council's collective territory known as Citadel Space. It is currently split into two major administrations called inner council and outer council space", a large swath of territory on the galactic west were drawn into two areas, titled Inner Council Sphere on the south and Outer Council Sphere on the north.

"This means our territory is closer to the Inner Council Space then?", piped prime minister Amul.

"Yes, currently there are a few unclaimed systems between the Sol and the Citadel council. These systems are left mostly unexplored, for reasons that will be discussed on a later date. What concerns us were the remaining territories displayed on the galactic map", a large portion of the galactic north solidified into a single territory.

"To the farthest reach of galactic north, is the collective independent territory known as the Terminus Systems. In simple terms, it is a coalition of systems that are populated by a loose affiliation of minor species, united only in their refusal to acknowledge the political authority of the Council or adhere to the Citadel Conventions."

"Would you consider the Terminus Systems as separatists or a sovereign entity?"

"Neither. We recognized the sovereignty of the species inhabiting it. But the Terminus Systems is more of a front, they're not even organized or possess a structure to directly oppose the Citadel.", the last portion of the map, a vast expanse of territory cutting through the center of the galaxy and expanding the further east it goes.

"The last territory is known as the Attican Traverse. Essentially it is a frontier region that has not been claimed by the Citadel. It is believed to be originally the center of a once advanced civilization known as the Protheans which invented the Mass Relays. The abundance of relays in the Attican Traverse provided us with boundless potential colonies and resources we could acquire, were it not for a slight problem."

"The Terminus systems?"

"Yes, the Terminus Systems itself is an unstable region fraught with conflict. This environment breeds some unsavory organizations. Be it crime syndicates, mercenaries, pirates, and worse of all; traffickers", the room became deathly still. Seeing that the Sol councilors remain silent, Tevos takes it as her cue to continue.

"This causes the Attican Traverse to be highly hazardous to colonize. The constant threat of plunder and raids caused us to take a more conservative approach whilst we solidified our hold onto our core territory. While the presence of pirates on the Attican Traverse is lesser than in Terminus, they do still have a presence. This would not be too much of a problem were it not for one of our… I am obligated to say associate but personally, their less than stellar reputation leaves a sour taste whenever I have to refer to them as such."

"Amongst the species that inhabit the Terminus Systems, are the Batarian Hegemony. A species that possesses an embassy on the Citadel."

"Wait, so a species on the Terminus Systems could have an embassy on the Citadel?"

"Again we acknowledge their sovereignty, not their organization. They are free to establish trade relations with us as long as they abide by our laws in our territory, this necessitates them to establish an embassy on the Citadel."

"And the reason why they are not quite as popular?"

"A lot of reasons, most are inane to irritable. Nothing that would be detrimental in a professional setting, which the one thing we expected at the very least, the worst part about them is that they use loopholes."

"Loopholes?"

"Yes, loopholes. Technically, their trade and thus; their interest are largely protected by the Citadel laws, as long as they're not illegal or worse organized crimes."

"And they exploit this?"

"Technically all the species of the Citadel exploit this in a way, thus we expected it. It's just that the way they did is what infuriates us. Not just us Asari, but also the Turians and the Salarians too.", the room reeled back. It was one thing to be transparent. But this is straight up exposing.

"So what did they do? Aggressive diplomacy? Espionage? Threats? Blackmails? Manipulations?"

"No, none of that. Not too much that is. It is what we would expect and something we're prepared to deal with. And honestly it would've been better if that was the methods they utilize. No, they simply outsource."

"Outsource? You mean they hire third parties to serve as mediators between them and the Citadel?"

"As amusing as that sound, no. What I'm about to say is highly controversial and would appreciate it if it never leaves this meeting or at the very least, you didn't claim to hear it from me due to the diplomatic windfall in the events that this information leaks out. Can I ask you; honored councilors for that?"

"We make no promises for the former, but we shall honor the latter. None shall hear the name of the sources of this information", Victor voiced reassured the Asari.

"Very well then, in truth, despite us not possessing any blatant evidence; the Citadel Council suspects that the Batarian Hegemony outsources their 'dirty work' through cooperation with criminal syndicates and pirates that are actually affiliated with the hegemony. In short: Privateering."

"Those are bold claims, Councilor Tevos. Are you certain the hegemony is involved with the criminal activities in the Attican Traverse?"

"Yes. Whilst we never managed to attain any damning evidence, the testimonies of victims and survivors of batarian pirate raid can attest that the Batarians are conducting forced indentured servitude after they've sold them to their government, which the Hegemony always deflect saying that it's part of their culture since even their own species are a subject to this tradition of theirs."

"In short, slavery. Great", Amul Shastri voiced sarcastically.

"We shall try our best to monitor and intercept any, however we make no promise to contain them all. Thus I warn you to prepare your defenses, no doubt the Hegemony already sent for their contacts to do some 'acquisition work'."

"We thank you for your warning, Councilor Tevos.", Emperor Matthias replied.

"I pray for your people's safety, councilors. however, please allow me to take my leave."

"Safe travels, Councilor Tevos, we are honored by your presence here, may we meet again.", the hologram ended.

"Well, that was escalating quickly."

"II, do you have a map bordering the Attican Traverse?"

"Yep, there are a few unexplored systems between our collective territory and the Attican Traverse."

"Damn it, it's right next to the frontier and within Federation territory too. We have little to no presence there."

"The federation's stance is clear, we cannot force our agendas to any of the council members unless they request it."

"Emperor Matthias stated that he is confident that the federation joint defense force is capable of stemming the tide. But even he worries what those aliens can do if they manage to slip past the blockade. He is currently on his way to formalize an agreement with the federation leaders to receive support from the Sol Council", Theodore supplied.

"Do they want an entire battlegroup, a fleet or specialized task forces to seal the gap in their defenses?"

"A joint task force composed of the Sol Council's finest. They wouldn't mind if we're involved in this operation too."

"Welp that settles it then, you wanted me, V, IX, XII, XVI or I to go and lead the task force?"

"VI, we're sending a task force, not a fucking crusade."

"Aw shucks, I was ready to crack some alien skulls too."

"Although I agree that any one of us mobilizing would be an overkill, VI's word has some merit. We need to send troops of our own to support the task force."

"You're volunteering yours, IV?"

"My legion are siege specialists, although we are capable of building fortifications of our own, the unpredictable nature of the alien's raid would only stretch our numbers thin. VII would've been better suited for this job, that is if only the Federation allowed us to fortify their worlds in the first place. Which for the record, they don't."

"Should we send V's legion then? They are the quickest to respond to threats."

"If we're going with our standard procedure by operating alone, then yes. I can guarantee quick responses against any incursion, but we are not so good at cooperating with foreign elements that don't understand our methods, they would either only slow us down or can't keep up with our constant movement."

"I volunteer to send a portion of my legion to assist the task force."

"Any reason why XIII?"

"This task force's main duty is to respond to threats that couldn't be contained by the federation on their own. My legion may not be specialized on either defense or speed, but we are good with regimenting and logistics. Plus, we're trained to operate with multiple foreign elements. My warriors could coordinate with other members of the task force and deploy their troops as needed."

"XIII has a point, how many would you send to the task force?"

"A company of them would be enough. Due to the importance of this mission, I would like to recommend the 5th Company. They often operate on the far fringes of humanity, and are quite good at acting independently."

"Good, should we send more soldiers to support the task force?"

"The 289th Auxilia would be a good addition, they had a history working together with XIII's legion, they could support them and serve as a bridge between the rest of the Sol's volunteers and the 5th Company."

"Then it is settled. The Homeworld Defenders shall send the XIII Legion's 5th Company alongside the 289th Auxilia to support the task force. Any words of the Sol Council and their representatives?"

"There are still talks amongst the military of each council member. But I have heard that several of their top of the line units will mobilize as members of the task force", Theodore added.

"Really? How many did they send? Should we expect numbers the size of a planetary militia, or are we looking at an army big enough to cover an entire sector?"

"Somewhere in between, in fact the Council has forwarded the list just now", Theodore fiddled with his software a few seconds before a projection appeared in front of his wrist.

"Well, that is quite some names", he commented.

"So who did they send?"

"Let's start simple with the biggest voice of the council. The Systems Alliance sends several units from their core planets to assist the task force. Notably: the 12th Necropolis Strike Force, 5th Quinn Heavy Regiment, 3rd Rodia Assault Troops, 8th Tegea Strikers, and of course the N7 alongside their star child: one Captain David Anderson. And the head of the task force; Admiral Steven Hackett."

"Anderson the hero and old stern Hackett? Those two are pretty much the best of the best the Alliance had in store. Good choices."

"The Gaia Coalition is sending several of their most well-trained void warriors to assist. Starting from the Red Pride, Avern Trident, Voice of Lonar, Clan Wullison and their affiliates, the Polom Brigade, Redstones alongside the Wargusts Clan, Qryygul Wargrove, Fury of Tenoc, and the Blackhoof have been sent to assist."

"That's an awful lot of names, but then I remember that the Coalition have not fully adapted the standardized military regiment. I suspect it's more of a warband than a military unit."

"Yes and no. Most are indeed military units, but they acted more as specialists instead of regimented troops. Thus they prefer to be treated as such."

"The Earth's Custodianship are sending their 6th Battle Automatas, but they've also called units from their various members, notably: Tauris 3rd Advance Recon, 683rd Red Company, Clayfist and Arcan Brigade, 887th Assault Company, Theta Strikeforce and the 21st Sentinel Corps."

"We could always use the extra firepower."

"True enough, next would be the Void Union. They've sent for the 12th and 22nd fleet to assist the main battlegroup. Each possessing around a hundred voidships of various sizes below Cyrus class."

"That is more than enough to cover the entire sector."

"Since the theater would be on the Federation's territory, they couldn't send too many troops for the joint task force. But they do still commission some of their finest to assist. Big names such as David 1st Regiment, Clan Moegi, Altair Order, Skallind Reavers, House Marro and House Tigris."

"Some big names from the frontiers, excellent."

"Lastly would be the United Nations of Earth, they are sending the renowned 43rd Peacekeeper regiment, 21st Joint Armored Regiment, 11th Paratroopers, Task Force 414, NOVA 3rd Company, the Blackwatch 30th Company, and Team Rainbow alongside their top operative acting as supervisor and head of operations; Zero."

"Shit, they're not messing around. Are we the ones playing defensive or offensive here? Seems a bit overkill when we're dealing with just pirates."

"State-sponsored pirates, a.k.a privateers VI. I wouldn't be surprised if the Batarians decided to escalate the situation after their slave raid failed."

"If they do, I offer my legion to be the first in the frontlines."

"I'll be there to assist. My legion can serve as the forward strikeforce."

"Peace XII and XIX, we are here to facilitate peace and protection of the Sol Council. There's no need for us to jump to conclusions."

"The threat remains there, I highly suggest for us to dispatch agents of our own. The war of information has already begun and we're already far left behind."

"We shall abstain from sending our operatives to the Citadel Space until we've established an embassy in the future. It's the least we could do to honor their people, as for the ones heading our way from the Attican Traverse, those are up to your full discretion XX."

"Affirmative."

"So we're giving full command to Hackett then?"

"Admiral Hackett is known to be both a stern, yet relatively hands free commander. His history with captain Andersen showed that he preferred for each separate unit to operate independently as long as they stick to the end goal. A perfect candidate for this diverse task force."

"Then there is no need for us to get involved further. I hereby declare this meeting adjourned. We shall reconvene once XI fully decoded the Extranet or if there was an emergency. All in favor say aye?"

"Aye."

"The meeting is adjourned."

Welp, there you go. The Batarians are fucking around, now for them to find out.

Answers to replies:

Frankieu: Thank you. That is a story that would be explored in future chapters, stay tuned.

Coment9: Thank you.

shypunk: Thank you.

captain Orion Zete: Stimulants deployed.

Blaze1992: Luckily the Geth doesn't require a hardware restart, took them only seconds to get back on track.
Too late now, the Asari is now officially horny on main. Your welcome.
as for your suggestion, no. Not at the moment. the current humanity at this stage is still to big for me to just portray on a micro scale. But I'll appreciate any lore or information regarding any sci-fi franchise out there. I won't make any promise to include them, but at the very least I would be made aware of available options in the future. Since you know... Ships is kinda a big thing in the sci-fi franchise and Mass Effect already had the Normandy? It would be redundant to add specific ships since the main crew already possessed one as the main transportation.

Zandaino-Nova-Ari: Stick around for more shenanigans.

Mkfhda: "So, Richard if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?", "How do you Asari count your age?" "According to your calendar, I would be 2312 years old", "Oh, then I am currently 24 years old now", "Wonderful! How about you Alain? How old are you?", "I'm turning 9122 this year", "... I'm sorry what?"
By the way, the Asari thirst I've shown so far is not even the final form. Just you wait.

1arigato: Thank you, enjoy this one.