The Warp To Citadel Space - 02
The Tower was shocked when the order for all Guardians to return to Earth came through, it was hidden from the Last City that the end of humanity might be here in just a few days, yet Guardians all over knew something was brewing.
Another ripple of surprise came when the other great Dawnblade Guardian Osiris and his Ghost Sagira showed up wanting to speak to the Vanguard and Fireteam Starfall.
The classic M3 Valkyrie ship of Fireteam Starfall came down through the clouds and transmatted the team onto the Tower's loading zone as Ikora walked to meet them. Rico-77 greeted her along with the rest of Fireteam Starfall.
"Well, let us not waste time and go meet with Zavala," Ikora said after greetings were had. The group made their way to Zavala's perch.
Zavala was mostly facing the Traveler while next to a Guardian that had gold-plated armor with feathers and a strange hood up. His Ghost was floating next to him and had intricate spikes going out to either side with some smaller details.
The two Guardians turned at the sound of the footsteps approaching and inspected the incoming Fireteam. His ghost spoke first.
"Ikora! Great! Glad to see you!" The ghost had a pleasant and happy female voice that was very expressive.
"Hello, Sagira! Good to see you as well...Osiris." Ikora said, less inviting to Osiris than Sagira.
"Hmmph," Osiris grunted then continued, "So this is the Guardian, Hero of the Red War and her Fireteam. A fellow Dawnblade," he said with small amounts of curiosity and even a slightly mocking tone that turned to respect as he finished with her subclass.
"It's an honor to meet you Osiris and Sagira," Guardians' Ghost replied.
Sagira spoke up immediately, "You know in a different timeline we took up the same body so you could save me and Osiris, so thank you!" she floated in front of Kira's Ghost as she said that.
"Uhhhh, what? Timeline?" Ghost asked with confusion.
"Sagira... let's at least start from the beginning," Osiris said in his grave voice.
"Look, I have been on Mercury for a long time now," Osiris began. "I was there during the Red War and it turns out the entire planet under the surface is now a Vex supercomputer with access to something called the Infinite Forest. It shows different simulated timelines being run as an experiment for the Vex to take over the Universe."
Silence.
"Anyways, I knew of the coming Darkness, hell even the Darkness on the Moon. But there was one timeline, one amazing scene that has a chance of happening." Osiris said.
Sagira continued, "We believe events have so far been completed and there is one test that we can do to set off these events."
Osiris once again took the lead, "There is a chance since we are so defeated as a species, that we can join a different timeline and join humanity in their struggle against another form of darkness. Perhaps many years in the past."
"That would be incredible, taking another chance at surviving the Golden Age more intact," Zavala said wistfully.
"Well not exactly, this wouldn't be our timeline, we might never exist as we have in this timeline," Osiris warned.
"Are you sure this is worth it? It sounds ridiculous." Rico said.
"I would have to agree with Rico-77, we do not know any variables here or even how it would work," Ikora said.
Osiris spoke up, "Look, this Infinite Forest is something special, it has literally infinite simulations, empowered by light and Vex minds. It is something to behold, but we can get into that later."
Osiris waved at Sagira who took it as a queue to "Well, the chance we speak of requires nothing but energy. It would require all of us to channel our light into the Guardian, and her directing it at the Traveler. IF this is the timeline that this can happen, the Traveler will respond to our plea." Sagira's voice became nearly desperate.
"If this doesn't work then I am going back to the Infinite Forest to find another timeline where it does," Osiris said.
"Uhh that is an untested way of using Light...it could be incredibly dangerous. Not just for us, but the City itself," Sam said while hovering above Rico's shoulder.
"I think we need to see if this is that version, or we will never know. And we can do it right now," Osiris said nodding at The Guardian.
"Zavala, what do you think?" Rico asked his Vanguard. "It seems too good to be true."
"It sounds dangerous with a host of different problems that we can't even begin to see," Zavala replied.
"Damnit Zavala, this is what I am telling you! If it works, none of our problems would be anywhere close to what they are right now. I have seen it myself," Osiris pleaded.
"You stumbled upon one timeline where this worked in a simulation machine. How do you have any proof there isn't more?" Zavala asked.
"It's all about how the Infinite Forrest produces its information. I created millions of copies of myself and began splitting them up all over, through millions of timelines! This was the only simulation that branched in this direction, and it starts right here." Osiris said. d
"We watched the ritual ourselves, if you ever wish to trust us Zavala, now is the time," Sagira said.
Ghost spoke up, "Well, it shouldn't be too hard if you just focus on neutral light before it is turned to your individual energy type."
Ikora spoke up after contemplating all the information, "We are desperate right now, if this works then our immediate destruction is off the table. I say we go for it, Zavala."
The Titan stood in thought for a while, then he looked over to Fireteam Starfall. The Guardian stepped forward and nodded once at him.
"Alright, we go through with it, you two take the lead," Zavala said to Sagira and Osiris.
Sagira then directed "Great! Let's start with the Guardian, you need to be upfront, with your Fireteam on your six, one hand each on your shoulders. Then Osiris was directly behind them and Zavala and Ikora were behind him. Great that's it!"
Everyone fell into order behind the Guardian, facing the Traveler.
"Start back there, wait till you feel the Light enter before you channel forward," Osiris said.
"Wait! We need to call The Redemption closer, it needs to be just above the Ring of Guardians," Sagira said noticing the one difference in the timeline.
Zavala nodded and contacted Ana Bray and had her move the Redemption closer. The massive ship was visible in the sky above them in minutes. Rasputin was close but not exactly in the right spot until directed. The Warmind didn't question why it was told to move slightly but complied all the same.
Then it began, Ikora and Zavala channeled their Light into Osiris, who added his own and sent it to Rico and Kessa. They also added their own and sent the wave forward onto The Guardian.
She began to form a ball of Light in front of her until a peak was reached, and her Ghost said, "YOU HAVE TO RELEASE THAT, it's too much power!" The building of power had begun to draw attention from all over the Tower and the Last City. The bright light became a second sun, one of pure white light.
The Guardian then pushed out with her hands, palms straight forward, and the ball of energy split, and a beam of light raced forward out into the air. The constant beam of light grew in size the moment it impacted the Traveler.
"THIS IS IT SAGIRA! I KNEW IT" Osiris yelled over the sound.
Sagira yelled back, "YEAH, RIGHT! I WAS THE ONE WHO CALLED IT!"
Then the beam stopped and The Guardian seemed to nearly collapse, everyone feeling drained, but the amount of Light she just channeled was monumental. The Traveler responded and a white energy barrier went up and covered it. The power that the Guardians sent seemed to bounce around and grow larger and more physical. Then all at once, the Traveler seemed to wake up again as a light wave burst and it came with the sensation of falling as the planet shook. The energy wave continued well into space, lighting up The Redemption, then it was done and there was silence.
Year: 2183 CE
Sol System
On Board SSV Everest - Everest Class Dreadnought
Flagship of the Alliance Fifth Fleet
Admiral Hackett's Ready Room:
The Admiral was once again looking over the report of Commander Shephard's death. He remembered when he finished the grim duty of marking Commander Shephard KIA. The first human Spectre was spaced after being attacked by a ship of unknown origin. Many perished alongside the Commander and it was a sad day for humanity to lose someone as heroic and powerful as Commander John Shephard.
Lost in thoughts Admiral Hacket was staring at the report detailing what little they knew of what happened 5 months ago when the Red Alert Claxons began blaring. He donned his cover and made his way to the bridge as the Captain made an announcement.
Over the loudspeaker, Captain Richard Lang spoke, "Prepare for impact! We have an unknown energy wave racing towards us, it will impact in 10 seconds! Brace yourselves now!"
Admiral Hacket had just enough time to get behind a bulkhead and pray that this impact wasn't catastrophic enough to be negated by the Mass Effect Field the ship used to sustain their location.
The mark hit and a wave of white Light passed through the ship with no consequences. The Admiral stood straight and began making his way to the bridge again, wondering what that was. It passed through the ship, through him, without leaving a mark.
"Damage report, Stations full diagnostics." Came over the loudspeakers.
Admiral Hacket made it to the bridge in time to hear multiple stations reporting no damage, no injuries, and all is green.
"Captain, what was that?" Hacket asked as he walked in.
"Unsure sir, we are scanning right now." Captain Lang responded immediately.
"SIR! I am picking up readings that don't make sense here...and something that shouldn't be possible!" One of the bridge crew said panicking.
"On screen," Lieutenant-Commander William Thorpe, the XO of the ship ordered.
"I am picking up another Earth, but it's on the exact opposite side of the sun and its moon seems way smaller and currently sitting right next to the surface. There is also a massive ship that is turning to face us." A Crew member said.
"How massive?" Captain Lang asked.
"Thousands of Kilometers across, makes the Citadel look like a ceiling fan... and it's turning towards us."
"How far is it?" The XO asked.
"It is next to the other Earth...Orders sir?"
"Try to hail it," Admiral Hacket said, knowing he can talk face-to-face better than deal with a massive potential weapon turning into an attack position.
"We are connected Sir, putting it on screen." Just the image of the second Earth with this massive ship appeared on the viewing screen.
"This is Admiral Hacket of the SSV Everest, you have come into Alliance space and you are turning to face us, do you have hostile intentions?"
{{I AM WARMIND RASPUTIN}}
Nearly everyone on the bridge jumped with the twisted base-filled English, that was obviously synthetic.
{{I AM GUARDIAN OF ALL I SURVEY, GUARDIAN OF HUMANITY}}
{{I HAVE NO EQUAL}}
"Well we are humans, so once again do you have hostile intentions?"
{{HUMANS?}}
Another much less intense and much more organic female voice came forward as well.
"Wait! Rasputin put on the viewer! Let me speak to them!"
Rasputin complied and the Alliance was then looking at a darkened room illuminated with glowing Orange holographic panels. The room seemed to be a platform held in an open space in a tilted cube.
"Hello, I am Ana Bray, Guardian of the Last Tower...you are human?" Ana asked as her image connected to their viewer, they were also transmitting their image.
"So are you it seems, I am Admiral Hacket, Systems Alliance, do you mind explaining the presence of this massive 'Warmind Ship' and how a planet just appeared here in the Sol System?" Admiral Hacket asked.
"What? Oh my, umm, I have no idea, let me have the Tower contact you, Rasputin will not attack unless fired upon." Ana explained.
"What is this Tower, and Rasputin is your ship's name?" Admiral Hacket asked.
"Uhh, I am not sure what is happening but the ship's name is called The Redemption, Rasputin is an old Warmind from the Golden Age that reawoke recently and resumed protecting humanity by taking over this ship...But wait, you should talk to the Vanguard. They can answer all your questions," Ana answered nervously but confused as she looked at these humans in strange uniforms. She felt the explosion of light race through, but the readings she was getting on the system scans were completely different.
"Sir we are getting hailed from those two oncoming ships," One of the bridge officers reported.
"We will talk again Mrs. Bray, let us answer this hail," Admiral Hacket said. Ana nodded and closed the connection.
"Connecting on screen now sir."
"This is Admiral Hacket, Systems Alliance of the SSV Everest, to whom am I addressing?"
A pale blue face with white eyes appeared, with heavy armor and a deep voice spoke through the speakers.
"Greetings, I am Commander Zavala, Vanguard of the Titans and the Last City. It seems we have arrived in your system. We do not mean any harm, but may we come to speak face to face, we have quite the story to tell."
Hacket exchanged glances with Captain Lang, "Alright, come to the SSV Everest and please have that massive ship turn away from us."
"That should not be a problem, may I bring a Fireteam of Guardians and an advisor as well?"
"How many is that? Soldiers?"
"Just three plus an experienced Guardian and yes they are all Guardians of the Light and Humanity," Commander Zavala responded with a proud yet stern face.
Admiral Hacket raised an eyebrow but nodded still. Zavala returned the nod and cut the communication.
After the connection was closed, the XO spoke up.
"Sir, you should see this, there seems to only be one massive city on that planet, but it doesn't have a moon-like Luna, it has this weird white sphere above the city giving off incredible thermal energy, and above that is a swarm of nearly 160,000 small craft, none larger than a frigate. This is the strangest sight I have ever seen," Lt. Commander Thorpe said.
"This is crazy, most of the planet indicates it is Earth, but...it looks like it would be Earth after a few hundred years of war, continental drift, and erosion...this planet is ravaged more or less. It is in ruins," An analyst said.
"What has happened here..." Hacket said under his breath.
A few thousand Kilometers away from the relay gate, a Salarian STG spy satellite noticed the system-wide explosion of Light that didn't cause damage, yet traveled beyond the relay into open space. And then it picked up the existence of a ship larger than the Citadel many times over. Then it picked up the second Earth that appeared in the same orbital path, yet just opposite sides of Sol.
STG agents had received the message and began to relay information.
Liara T'soni, the one who loved Commander Shephard, had lied and helped the terrible Cerberus organization steal his dead. She did it because the Illusive Man came forward and promised to try to save him, as long as she could keep it away from the Shadow Broker and the Collectors.
She had passed the body of her deceased lover off to the Illusive man and planned to either take down the Shadow Broker or drink herself to death. But before she could decide she got a message about a second Earth showing up in the Sol System. Liara felt that a distraction might be exactly what she needs right now. Putting her ideas of drinking or conquering aside, she packed some bags and got on her way to the Citadel to get more information.
The reception team on the SSV Everest was standing in the hanger observation room, just inside the Airlocks. Admiral Hacket, Staff Commander Kaiden Alenko, and a squad of Marines shifted nervously. This hanger had been cleared for the two ships on the way. When they landed everyone was trying to get a good look at them. Word of Asari-like humans had caused a stir throughout the ship.
The first ship to land was a small craft with a fairly decent-sized cockpit, while the other could fit a squad of troops. They waited for a hatch or cover to open but it never happened.
A bright light appeared to the right, where 5 strangely armored individuals appeared, one with no helmet but blue skin. Another was an older-looking human that had a strange bird-like hood and a scarf covering the bottom of his face. The Marines got a bit jumpy as they appeared in a flash of light like Star Trek.
"We come in peace," Admiral Hacket recognized the deep voice of Command Zavala, but he spoke up before any of the Marines panicked.
"Stand down," Turning his head slightly to say it indicating that he was speaking to the Marines. He used an authoritative voice to project his will to calm the men.
Admiral Hacket walked forward with his hand out, "Commander Zavala."
"Admiral Hacket," Zavala returned the handshake and respectful nod. "This is Osiris and Fireteam Starfall."
Admiral Hacket nodded at the four other Guardians. "Welcome to the Everest Commander. We have a conference room prepared if you would follow me right this way." He led them down towards the Conference Room.
As they walked the Marines eyed the weird-looking 'Space Knights', one even had a sword on her back and another had a bow. They had a strange combination of ridiculous and dangerous as the armored beings walked. It was like seeing someone in cosplay, only to realize this armor is real and so are those weapons.
The graceful movement of the females and the powerful determined strides of the males seemed to prove the sense of danger the warriors gave off. They also kept their eye on the crazy looking one with a bird for a helmet, feathers all over, and a weird shoulder ornament that floated.
Osiris had Sagira floating just above his left shoulder and he was scowling at anyone who looked at him as per usual with the surly guardian.
Fireteam Starfall was having a conversation in Fireteam chat, that only they and their ghosts could hear. Standing right next to the Marines they could have a full conversation and no one but them would be aware.
"They look just like normal humans, I wonder how many there are?" Rico asked.
"Probably billions! Could you imagine!? I bet they have amazing dance clubs!" Kessa said, ready to start dancing on the spot.
"It is surprising though, this ship is registered as a Dreadnought but it's only 888 meters long, I don't want to compare it to Oryx's Dreadnought, but..." Ghost said.
"That might have been the exception, it had Oryx's Entire Throne World in it," Sam said while remaining hidden within Rico.
"Either way, It will be incredible to see a society that isn't plagued by hundreds of years of war," Rico said.
"They seem to have a different type of technology...not more or less advanced...just a different tech path altogether," Adam stated, not manifesting but still able to speak while subsumed in Kessa's light.
"Yeah, it looks like they might be at the beginning of their own Golden Age," Rico said, excitement clear in his voice.
"Well, I just hope the Darkness didn't follow us here, this place feels like a fresh start for all of us," Ghost said.
The group walked into the conference room and sat on opposite sides of the table though only Zavala and Osiris sat down, Fireteam Starfall remained standing.
"Well, Commander, I can only hope to express how many questions we all have but can you perhaps start with the obvious," Admiral Hackett started.
With an accepting nod, Zavala began to speak, "Well, let me start by asking you a question. What year is it?"
"2183 CE."
Zavala nodded gravely, "Well, in our time it was 2761, and we have been at war for nearly 300 years. A war of survival against powers that we should not have survived against at all. A war we were losing."
"You are from the future?" Hacket asked.
"Not your future, but a different timelines' future," Sagira said happily.
Hacket raised an eyebrow at that but didn't comment.
"To give you a brief as possible account of events, nearly 300 years ago we were in our Golden Age, spreading throughout the system, and our population reached approximately 55 Billion," Zavala began to explain.
"Our technology advanced drastically, and thanks to the Traveler, we became stronger. Until the Pyramid ships of the Darkness came and wiped most of us out. Currently, only 5 Billion humans are remaining, and only 150,00 Guardians to protect them."
Admiral Hacket raised his eyebrow, and with an accepting nod from Zavala, he continued.
"And one reclaimed star-destroying warship operated by a Warmind from the Golden Age. But we only really knew about it for a week or so," Kessa said from within her helmet.
"So you are human?" Kaiden Alenko asked abruptly.
"Yes, just a different type. Three races fall under the classification of "human" in our society. The standard humans, like you and Osiris here," Zavala said, while Osiris pulled down his bandana and his helm disappeared in light. He scowled at them.
"I am an Awoken, a branch of humanity that escaped our system during the Collapse and have partially returned to Earth. Kessa here is also an Awoken, Kessa would you mind showing them your face?" Zavala asked over his shoulder.
Kessa shrugged and pulled her hood back as her helmet disappeared. All the Alliance humans were surprised to see a human that looked like an Asari. Kessa was not just a beautiful woman, but a goddess among mere mortals in the eyes of the Marines. Her dark blue hair was in a braid, and her purple eyes looked at the Marines as if measuring their reactions. Kessa smirked, just as her Ghost spawned over her shoulder.
"Don't get any ideas! She is MY guardian!" She embarrassingly grabbed her Ghost and pulled it to her chest.
"Ahem, sorry about Adam, he is quite protective of me," Her voice would register as a graceful British-sounding accent to some, except those from there. It only made her more attractive in the eyes of the Marines.
"She looks like a human and an Asari had a kid," Kaiden Alenko said in an awed tone.
It was Zavala's turn to raise an eyebrow.
Admiral Hacket answered, "One of the races on the Citadel Council is called Asari, they are pretty much blue or purple-looking females that have...well skin instead of hair," The Admiral shrugged.
"The Citadel Council?" Zavala questioned.
The Admiral gave a brief explanation of the Council and promised to go into more detail later.
Zavala nodded and continued, "The third race of humans that makes up the Last City are the Exo, Rico-77 here is one."
Rico nodded and stepped forward as his helmet dissolved into light. The group of Alliance personnel was surprised to see what looked like a machine or a robot, with blue lights on his black and white metal frame.
"You are an AI?" Alenko asked.
"Nope, I am a human that had their consciousness uploaded into this machine. It's my body now and I feel comfortable in it." Rico said casually, he was never worried when talking about who he was as he stretched his body a bit.
"Interesting, so three species of humans and what might I ask are these floating constructs, some sort of VI or AI?" Admiral Hackett asked.
"No, they are alive and bonded to each Guardian. It is living Light from the Traveler," Zavala explained.
"And what is the Traveler?" Hacket asked skeptically.
"That is the sphere that sits above our city, the Traveler was the only reason humanity even survived the Collapse...we have been gifted our power from the Traveler and part of that bond comes in the form of our Ghosts as they are called. Mine is named Targe, he is a part of me as I am him." Zavala did the palm-up ghost summoning.
Targe materialized and floated above his palm and seemed to nod once then disappeared again. Zavala chuckled, "He is rather shy, forgive me."
They ended up discussing much more including Rasputin and The Redemption. Admiral Hacket had convinced Zavala to tell Rasputin to maneuver above the sun at the distance of Mercury's orbit to act as a bastion or overwatch to the solar system. Rasputin agreed immediately and was given a list of the members of the Citadel Council that are allies, to not target them should they enter the system. They spent some time discussing rules of engagement and made sure to input the shape of the Reaper ship that attacked the Citadel with Saren with orders to attack on sight.
Rasputin was thankful for the intel and within a minute, the multi-thousand Kilometer ship was above the sun in its new overwatch position through unknown warping means.
The continued discussion turned back to how the planet had shown up from a future and distant timeline.
"Osiris and Sigira here came to us today...well today in our timeline, and told us of a possibility. A potential future. Osiris if you would," Zavala gestured at him.
"Where do I even begin?" Osiris looked down at the table as he thought.
"With Mercury and the Vex maybe?" Sagira started.
Osiris nodded. "There is a race of beings made of liquid that the Guardians call Vex milk, they build robots that they can fill with the Vex milk and use as infantry. The Vex like to take over small, mineral-heavy planets and convert them into supercomputers to run timeline simulations. In our system, the Vex did just that, and turned Mercury into a supercomputer running thousands of simulations."
Sagira took over, "And in the simulation, which is called the Infinite Forest, and he is incorrect, the minimum amount of simulations would number in the Trillions to an uncountable number. When we were delving into the Infinite Forrest we discovered this timeline-" Osiris interrupted.
"Not this timeline. We saw the possibility to leave ours...coming here was just what happened." Osiris said.
"Okay, that is true, so we did see a certain picture of events so to speak that could allow us to escape not only the Vex but the coming Darkness as well," Sagira explained.
"It involved the strongest of us channeling our Light into the Guardian of the Red War here and she sent the power over to the Traveler and it essentially caused a chain reaction that enabled a power build-up to teleport us, or rather dimensionally shift us to this reality," Osiris finished.
Hacket looked at the Hero of the Red War curiously, she was the smallest Guardian in the room, clearly female, but held herself perfectly still. She had a helmet that could be a futuristic version of something from Ancient Sparta. She had no visor or eye-opening on her helmet, just a singular line of fluctuating light running vertically down the center.
Hacket decided to not comment on that, and instead went with his most burning question, "When you say you wield Light, what do you mean? Biotics? Kaiden here is also biotic."
"Hmmm, I am not sure what a Biotic is, but if you can wield the Light you would be able to turn it into a certain element that suits you the best. For me, it is the Arc. I am a Titan Class Guardian with the Striker subclass." Zavala raised his fist and it lit up with lightning.
Hackets eyes went wide as Osiris suddenly had a sword made of orange light and fire and was casually holding it up. None of the Alliance Marines reacted badly, they were more in awe.
"Would you mind showing us these biotics? perhaps they are similar," Zavala asked Kaiden Alenko.
Kaiden looked to Admiral Hacket who nodded at the empty chair on the far side of the room.
Kaiden casually launched a blue orb from his hand that lifted the chair and it floated around.
Kessa immediately walked towards the chair as her Ghost scanned it with white light.
"Fascinating, it seems that the energy here is triggering some sort of fluctuation of mass. It seems as though that power is being used to essentially remove the mass of the chair, or perhaps how gravity affects the mass of the chair. This could have several interesting applications including gravity manipulation, perhaps molecular disruption, and even more. It is not Void Light, being several magnitudes weaker in how it seems to interact with other objects. Very interesting," Adam said as if making an audio recording of his findings.
"It looks like Void Light doesn't it?" Rico asked, and Sam spoke up as she materialized and floated over to Adam. "While this might appear that way visually and have similar effects it does not equate to Void light."
The other few Ghosts seemed to begin communicating silently with Adam, as Admiral Hacket cleared his throat.
"Yes well, it is common throughout the galaxy, called Element Zero, and exposure to a certain amount at the right age can either kill you or give you Biotics. We have also developed implants which can enable one to use them better with more precise control."
"It seems to be rather dangerous to acquire such things, though I can say it is more so for us. Our Ghosts choose Guardians from the dead. You must die to become one, but now that we have been reborn we can be rebuilt entirely even if not a single atom is left. As long as we have Light we will survive." Zavala said.
At this statement, the Marines started to exchange looks and shook their heads. Even the Admiral seemed skeptical.
"Well, we have no reason to lie," Zavala said.
At that, The Guardian removed her massive hand cannon that looked, unlike any weapon they had seen, being much more ornamental than just slapping a logo on the barrel. The Marines reacted but were shocked when the barrel went to her head, but before she could pull the trigger the Exo, Rico-77, pulled the gun from her hand as if he was waiting for her to do just that.
The Guardian whipped her head towards him and put her hand on the hilt of her sword on her back.
"Kira, you know this is not necessary, we will show them when it happens...not casually. You know I hate that," Rico's helmet was on the second he started to talk about Light and the private Fireteam chat was active so no one but them heard her name. Rico had a feeling that Kira would be annoyed by the conversation and would do something a bit over the top when the Marines were doubting Zavala's claims. So the second she moved he was ready to stop her.
The atmosphere was tense as everyone could tell there was communication happening between Rico and the Guardian that was silent to all others in the room. Kessa's helmet appeared on her head. The three Ghosts had turned and were watching the Guardian.
"Come on Kira, you know he hates when we screw around with death like that. Especially in front of strangers," Kessa said in a nervous but playful tone also in the Fireteam channel so no one but the three and their Ghosts could hear.
Zavala was watching them behind her, "Guardian, this is not the best time for a demonstration, perhaps."
"Is everything alright Commander?" Hackett asked, his stoic face not showing the nervousness he felt.
"Forgive us, the years of war take its toll and few Guardians have the patience for drawn-out discussion," Zavala said with compassion.
"Understood," Hacket replied simply.
Before any more conversation could continue a page to the Admiral came from the speakers, "Admiral Hacket, there is the Destiny Ascension and a fleet of Turian ships coming through the Mass Relay, the huge ship is facing them and is demanding we prove that they are non-hostile, orders, sir?"
"Alright, patch them through in thirty seconds. Commander, would you contact Rasputin and tell him these are friendlies?" Admiral Hackett said.
"Of course," Zavala said and did just that.
On the screen on the wall behind Hacket a blue female-looking humanoid appeared, "This is Admiral Hackett of the SSV Everest, how can I help you Matriarch?"
"Admiral, I am Matriarch Lidanya of The Destiny Ascension what is your status?"
"We are currently in a first-contact situation with a version of humanity claiming to be from another timeline. They have a lot of evidence. As you can see." Admiral Hackett gestured behind him and Command Zavala got up.
"Greetings Matriarch Lidanya, I am Commander Zavala, Vanguard of the Last City on our Earth."
Every Asari head in the room had their eyes fixed as he spoke, many gasped at the accent and deep tone of the bald-looking human that resembled an Asari.
The Matriarch collected herself the fastest and replied, "Greetings Commander, what is the massive structure that is currently targeting us and demanding we prove that we are not a threat?"
"Ah, I have sent word that you are Allies, it is a Warmind named Rasputin from the Golden Age of our people who then took over a ship and renamed it The Redemption. He has promised to protect humanity by any means necessary, however...he has an aggressive personality to those who would test him."
"So, it is an AI?" She asked with a look of wide horror. A ship...which shouldn't be possible to make so large, especially one that is controlled by an AI.
"Admiral Hackett, you know the council's policy on AI correct?" Matriarch Lidanya continued.
"We spoke a little about that, but it seems that this ship is beyond anyone's technology at this time," Admiral Hacket said carefully while turning to look at Zavala who had joined him in front of the screen.
"Yes, well we are all wary of the Warmind, but he has done nothing but try to help clear our Earth from Cabal and Fallen. There are many there and Rasputin has been supplying weapons to Guardians to help fight off our invasion. He only just finished the ship he calls The Redemption." Zavala explained.
"Your world is invaded right now? This second Earth?" Lidanya asked incredulously.
"Why don't we all meet up and discuss this in person I'm sure the Council would also like to know what is going on." Admiral Hacket said.
"Agreed, How about we go back to the Citadel, perhaps out of an active war zone?" Matriarch Lidanya asked.
"Let me contact the Vanguard, Osiris I assume you would like to go back to the Tower?" Zavala asked.
"Yeah. I have my ship."
"Alright, I just need to contact Ikora," Zavala said.
The Guardians shocked everyone when they asked to go back to the hangers only to turn their ships into Light and they disappeared into their inventories. Then Osiris transmatted his ship, the Sails of Osiris, out onto the deck. He turned and nodded to Zavala and disappeared in a burst of light. His ship took off moments later.
Kaidan Alenko had been their escort and invited them back to an observation lounge to wait for the transit to the Citadel. It was only a couple of hours with docking time and travel queue even with the obscene amount of ships entering the system.
Kessa had been relentlessly questioning Alenko about clubs and different places to go dancing on not only Earth but the Citadel. Despite his usual depressed mood since Ashley had died, he found himself cracking a smile at the beautiful Awoken female. On top of losing Ashley, he had just lost Commander Shepard, who had been more than a mentor to Kaidan, he had also been a friend, a brother even. But when this upbeat blue girl started interrogating him about dance clubs on Earth he felt a flutter of his mental state wake up.
Admiral Hackett realized that Kaidan was struggling with losing so many friends recently, and he was doing his best to keep Kaidan close and busy. People with as much potential as him cannot be lost to despair. So he had been personally assigning his missions. The Admiral made Kaiden in charge of their security for the trip. Even if the talks had only been peaceful so far, this would be the first time Kaiden looked forward to something in the last 5 months.
The SSV Everest, Flagship of the 5th fleet, followed the Destiny Ascension and a host of Turian ships through the Mass Effect Relay. Hacket knew he had to lead the expedition to speak with Councilor Anderson and the rest of the Council. As soon as the Guardians left the room he contacted leadership and exchanged information.
Teams of people within the Alliance began to take note of the possibilities of this new Earth. The world was war-scarred, but nothing was unfixable. Yet that was far down the road, first, they had to figure out how to absorb all this new humanity into the Systems Alliance and clear the surface from invaders.
"Here is your pistol, but please, you know I hate pointlessly death. If it is to save something or people or to take down an enemy, hell even in the Crucible I am fine with it. But if I ever see you kill yourself for a joke or a casual demonstration again I will have to hold onto this pistol for a while," Rico said as he talked on Fireteam chat so only they and their Ghosts could hear.
Kira's Ghost spoke, "Well, they probably would have believed us if she went through with it."
Rico just glared, "I mean casual suicide and deaths. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. You shouldn't do that."
Kira's head snapped up to look at him and it was clear just by the body language that she was upset.
Kessa was still speaking with Kaiden but she had her eye on the duo as her Ghost sent the conversation to her mind along with his feelings and emotions as standard in the bond between ghost and guardian.
She could tell Kira was hurting or was at least frustrated, but she needed to hear that. Both Kessa and Rico hate the casual disregard for life that is common among many of the Guardians. They have all lost people, but knowing that many Guardians just kill themselves for fun or just casually was disgusting to them. At least The Crucible had a purpose. The Iron Banner was founded to train Guardians to get stronger. The other three-man Fireteam that had accompanied them practically lived in the Crucible.
"Look, Kira, that's the one line I don't want you to cross, do that one thing for me," Rico said, and Kira's Ghost spoke up as he appeared and looked at her, "And me. I hate that feeling you get when you think about death, I feel it too, and if you can help it then I would like you to take it more seriously."
Kessa could feel Kira's gaze coming from under her helmet, she turned and nodded in agreement with a solemn face that was missed by Kaiden as her smirk came back right after she looked back at him who was explaining things about Earth's nightlife.
Kira stood taller, looked Rico in the eye, and nodded once. Then she accepted the Sunshot Handcannon that Rico offered back to her. She replaced it on her hip. Rico put his hand on her shoulder, knowing she wouldn't want to be hugged in public. The single touch was enough to convey his emotions.
Commander Zavala was asked to join the Admiral on the bridge and was told the basics about what the Mass Effect Relays were and how they led all over the Galaxy. The Commander was shocked to learn how far this version of humanity has traveled.
They spent some of the time going over the different races and subraces of the Council and what the Commander could expect as far as AI laws, the political positioning of humanity, and how he could expect to be received.
The Everest went through the Mass Effect Relay with a smooth transition, not a 30-minute flight to this Citadel. They arrived in an open expanse with no nearby stars or planets as another Mass Effect Relay spat them out. In the near distance was the massive Citadel, floating amongst silvery-purple and bright orange space clouds.
Docking at the Citadel was an impressive sight. Not that any Guardian hasn't seen things like this with the Leviathan, the Almighty now renamed as The Redemption, and Oryx's ship The Dreadnought floating around in their previous timeline, but it was still impressive to see.
The station itself had 5 arms that were nearly 45 KM in length, while the ring that held them together was around 7 KM in diameter.
The SSV Everest was moving through the center of Citadel space and finally docked at a place called the Presidium. Where the Citadel Council meets and many species Embassies were. It was a beautiful area that was filled with open terraces looking over fountains and lakes of water on this artificial ring, holding the station together both physically and metaphorically as its leadership resides here.
The group of Commander Zavala and Fireteam Starfall followed their escorts which included Kaiden Alenko, and another squad of a Security Force called Citadel Security, or C-Sec for short.
Staff Commander Alenko was introducing the Human Councilor as soon as he walked up, "Commander Zavala this is Councilor David Anderson."
They shook hands, "It is an honor to meet you, Councilor," Zavala's deep voice said.
"You as well Commander," Councilor Anderson's deep voice also said. They talked for a few minutes, a bit of history and small talk before Anderson moved on, "Well, the rest of the Council is in session and ready for us if you are ready."
"Of course lead on," Zavala replied.
As they walked through the people were interested in this new first contact group, but many Asari especially were staring with open curiosity at Commander Zavala. Asari and humanity always held an attraction for each other, basic shapes and mannerisms, but seeing a male human that had the skin tone of an Asari was something new and incredibly attractive to the pansexual race. They were stopped by an Asari in impressive-looking blue and yellow Armor, with several other Asari commandos behind her.
"Councilor, I am to escort you and your party the rest of the way to the Council."
"Spectre Vasir, please lead on," Anderson replied curtly.
"We will need to confiscate any weaponry before you enter the Council chamber of course," The Spectre said while looking at the heavily armed people.
Kessa snorted and her helmet dematerialized while she pulled her hood back, "We will not give up our weapons, as we are protecting the leader of our kind. I hope you understand that a Guardian always has a weapon."
"We cannot let you openly carry weapons into the Council Chambers," Spectre Vasir said.
Before Tela or Kessa could continue Zavala spoke up, "It's fine, just stow your weapons for now, Guardians." In his calming yet authoritative voice. Tela was once again shocked when all the weapons disappeared into particles of light.
"Right, well let's go then," Tela said and began leading the party to the Council chambers.
Anderson and Zavala exchanged glances, nodded, and continued on their way.
They entered a temporary Council chamber as the original one was destroyed with Saren's attack not too long ago, and was still being rebuilt. Anderson had joined the rest of the Council to begin introductions.
Zavala was introduced to Councilor Tevos of the Asari Republics, Councilor Sparatus of the Turian Hierarchy, and Councilor Valern of the Salarian Political Network.
Zavala gave introductions and explained the three races of humanity and the Vanguard and their ghosts. He was very specific in his wording to avoid discussion of Artificial Intelligence, but he also spoke of the long wars with the races that destroyed the Golden Age and have been constantly assaulting humanity up until the Traveler itself pulled them from that timeline into this one.
Even though he wanted to avoid it, Rasputin became a topic of discussion. "It comes down to the fact that Rasputin is stronger than anything we have, and is helping humanity now that he is back online. We would have no way, chance, or hope to defeat The Redemption, its hull is nearly impervious and it was originally made to destabilize stars by consuming planets. I believe the Warmind has no ill intention to anyone who does not attack humanity in the Sol System and will not attack unless provoked," Zavala explained.
"Surely there is a way to disable Rasputin and remove the AI from the ship. It would be ideal if we could study it for ourselves," Councilor Valern said.
"Listen, you would be playing with fire if you did that, there is nothing worse than antagonizing something that can destroy planets, stars even. I cannot imagine the ship has grown weaker since Rasputin has remade it," Zavala said.
At that, the council quieted and Zavala continued, "I described some of the events of the Red War, but this ship originally looked different. Guardian, will you allow your Ghost to display some of your fight on The Almighty?"
The Guardian with the full helmet covering her face and intricate gold and blue robes just nodded and pushed her left hand forward, palm up, summoning her Ghost.
"Greetings, this is the approach to the Almighty." He projected a holographic image of their original approach a couple of years ago. The massive ship made the whole scene seem unreal.
"This ship was originally designed by the Cabal to consume celestial bodies, collecting resources to turn into fuel which powers an energy beam capable of linking with a star. The energy beam weakens and destabilizes a star's magnetic field to the point where it can no longer support itself. It then Collapses into a system-annihilating, artificial supernova. The final moments before the star collapses, the Almighty could sever its link to the star and the ship could warp out of the system, avoiding any damage," Ghost explained.
A hologram showing the dimensions of the Almighty, nearly 3400 KM wide, and the relative size to the star in the system was terrifying. It began to break apart the closest planet to the sun and they watched the beam launch into the star. It took a few minutes before they realized that it was the actual video of Mercury being devoured. The image then changed as the ship was disabled and forced to decouple from the star.
"As you can see, the Guardian here disabled the ship. Later, when one of our Hunters discovered the Warmind Rasputin was activated he promised to turn the ship into a defender of humanity. We had thought on the off chance something good could happen to the wreckage before the Cabal could retake it, and potentially repair it, would be worth it. We were always skeptical of its intentions, but it has been nothing but helpful. Rasputin has been supplying humanity with weapons to combat other threats as well," Zavala continued.
"I can't say that I like the fact that there is a ship with that much destructive power just sitting above your star like some giant turret, but do we know what destructive capabilities it has now?" Councilor Sparatus asked.
"It is unclear at the moment, but the weapons he makes are very powerful. It would cost very much to try and destroy the ship, much less take it over and it will not leave the Sol System," Zavala explained.
That seemed to be the end of the conversation there, don't bother it and it won't bother you.
"Well, let us talk about your Earth, I have a report from Matriarch Lidanya that it is an active war zone?" Councilor Tevos asked.
"Yes, there is only one city left on our planet and it is called the Last City. It is a city that is surrounded by a circular wall that is extremely tall. We have the Tower, stronghold of the Guardians on said wall, and floating above the city is our savior, The Traveler," Zavala began to speak, at the same time Kira's Ghost put up a blue holographic image of the Last City.
The hologram then highlighted the Tower in gold and then grew in size as Zavala mentioned the Traveler. The massive sphere that had been floating above the city was then revealed, with many pieces floating on white tendrils of Light around it. The image zoomed out further to see a massive swarm of ships floating in a circle just in orbit above the city.
"Above the Traveler, is where the Guardians sleep in their ships, so-called the Guardian's Rest, ready to go out on a strike or raid at a moment's notice," Zavala explained.
"There are nearly 200,000 ships here, many are empty and just in storage or abandoned. Some are a monument to lost Guardians. Many will contain full Fireteams of three to six people, like Fireteam Starfall here," Zavala explained.
"That is interesting, what are your plans for Earth in the future?" Councilor Valern asked Zavala.
"That is classified!" Someone said from off to the side.
"Udina! Damnit, get out of here!" Councilor Anderson said.
"I have every right to be here!" Udina said.
Commander Zavala just looked confused.
"Spectre Vasir, would you please remove this human," Councilor Tevos requested.
"What? You can't do that!" Udina said.
"This is a council session, please keep it that way." Councilor Sparatus said.
"I second that request," Councilor Anderson said.
Vasir obliged.
"As we were then, I am not sure of the plans for Earth besides trying to keep it safe. Now that there are a lot more humans, perhaps we can begin to clear it from the races that scavenge its surface or are in hiding still from the Red War," Zavala explained.
"There are other races on your Earth? Can you tell us about them?" Councilor Tevos asked.
Zavala nodded and Ghost changed the hologram to display images of different types of invaders on earth. "Currently there are mostly Fallen that take up residence in caves and abandoned structures. They dig in deep and use drones to secure their caverns. The next is Cabal, they are usually remnants of the Red War, their supplies are dwindling but they have several large encampments. There is also a small amount of Taken and they potentially can be the largest threat, despite how few there are since they can turn other species to their cause. They use the power of Darkness and they can be very deadly...even to Guardians," Zavala explained.
"Well, this might be a good place to get some experience for our ground forces," Councilor Sparatus thought out loud.
"It is a very dangerous place and there are also a few small encampments of humanity. That being said, I am sure that we would love to have help reclaiming our world with the hope to turn it into a peaceful place," Zavala said.
"Hmm, I am sure that some Asari Commandos would be willing to help in this endeavor if only to get experience fighting with your Guardians. What do you say Councilors?" Councilor Tevos asked.
"I am sure that would be welcome, although we would need to discuss technology found and recovered from their Golden Age, they obviously have technology that could be dangerous in the wrong hands," Councilor Anderson said.
"We would love to send some STG squads and maybe even some other things that could help including reconnaissance satellites. I will have an STG leader contact you, Councilor Anderson," Valern said terrifying excitement in the Salarian's eyes.
The meeting went on for another hour as the groups discussed various things, including how to integrate into the Systems Alliance and how they will interact with the council. They would join under the umbrella of the Systems Alliance but still rule themselves. The Guardians would be their own recognized defensive force.
They also discussed how Guardians fight and how it is not like normal soldiers. They had agreed that any team, squad, or group from the Citadel Forces would have to be accompanied by at least one Guardian Fireteam. It was easily accepted and people were excited to gauge the newcomers' martial strength. It was hard not to look down on a race that was being pushed back to the very smallest place of their last city, but how could anyone understand the things they had gone through?
Peace prevailed at the meeting of the Races and there were plans to help move many humans from the Last City to places on Earth and start them with Refugee benefits. There was also a not-too-subtle hint at the obvious attraction from Asari when Tevos added that if there was an excessive amount of Awoken humans, they would love to host however many on Asari worlds.
Councilor Valern wanted to send scientists to the Last City to learn about its technology, history, and culture. Councilor Anderson said that that could be worked out with a team of human scientists, it should be a communal effort to reclaim this planet by the Alliance and the Citadel.
It was at this point that Zavala came up with an idea. "That would be welcome as long as the Last City remains the capital, as the Traveller is still there. That being said, I would send out invitations to those who wish to live there, I cannot promise safety outside of the walls, as we have lived in that warzone for hundreds of years. But I can guarantee Guardians are willing to fight to protect any who live there."
"Interesting, you propose a city that would represent all?" Councilor Valern asked.
"That would be welcome, there are many destroyed parts of the city, perhaps working with the Citadel races we can create something better than what was before. The Last City already stands as a monument to many lost cultures on Earth. I would love to invite all the sentient races of the Citadel to come and show a piece of your culture there at our Last City," Zavala said as he geared up for a long speech. The idea was intriguing though, what could they build from the war-torn world? It would have to represent everyone.
Fireteam Starfall plus Zavala stayed on the Citadel for nearly a whole week while talks went on with the Council. At some point in the first couple of days, the Guardian had received a list of all of the hospitals at the request of her Ghost. While Rico stayed with Zavala to act as his protection, Kessa joined the Guardian to visit all of the hospitals on the Citadel. It started at the Presidium.
Dr. Karin Chawkwas was having a rough day. It started with the air-car accident that took out a mail truck but ran straight into a touring ship. No deaths, but nearly 30 were severely injured and one was in a coma. She had been in bed for nearly 3 hours before this accident happened and was awakened to come in and help. She was on her way back to the Emergency Ward within 5 minutes of waking up again.
She had been having a rough go of things since Shepard died. She survived and watched as the Normandy was ripped to shreds by that horrifying spaceship. How did she survive? How did she make it but Shephard didn't? If anyone deserved to, wouldn't it be him?
Karin had been on the brink of a nervous breakdown, but everywhere she went more people needed help. Karin was immediately pulled to the most severe room where the most injured one was, a severed spine with horrible internal bleeding.
She stopped the bleeding on this poor Asari child who was at the worst spot for the impact, she was launched across the cabin of the touring ship. Couldn't be more than 6 years old. Her mothers were watching with horror as the body of their daughter was barely holding on. It was then that Karin felt it.
Almost as if the sun from Earth decided to up and leave and literally walk through the door. A being dressed in intricately armored robes, looking like some sort of space goddess with wings of actual fire came in. The ground around her was igniting with the same golden flames as the ones on her back. Everyone in the room had gone silent as the energy took over their emotions.
The being stepped closer and the entire floor of the room lit up with glowing white light as warmth and love encased everyone. The being didn't say anything, just held her arms slightly out as if channeling this energy that was healing everyone. The people in the office, including Karin and her nurses, were in tears as they watched.
Feelings of comfort poured into them, and their exhaustion and sore bodies were immediately cleansed and energized. They stared in awe as tears freely ran down their cheeks while this being healed helped everyone.
"Mommy? Is that an angel?" The perfectly healed girl stared in awe at the armored being.
"Oh, goddess! Sera! You are alright!?" The Asari mother said as she and her human wife rushed to hug their daughter.
The Guardian's head tilted slightly as Chawkwas stared at her. "Who are you?" The doctor asked.
A different Guardian, this one draped in black leather with purple highlights, walked into the room. She had a hood up, but her glowing purple eyes were startling as she scanned the room, "We are Guardians from Earth! Don't worry, you should all be healed as long as you stand in the light."
While the angelic being had a helmet on, Kessa did not and everyone watched as they both left the room to heal others, each room down the hall igniting in healing light. The Guardian just nodded and walked out of the room, but the light remained for nearly thirty seconds. It dimmed and felt like a warm memory that they would never forget.
Karin followed her. Stories of a Guardian Angel of Fire and Light spread at incredible speeds as everyone was healed without question or concern.