Chapter 1

Alright, I've been working on this for quite a while on and off. The inspiration came from a few stories with advanced humanity, yet where timelines did not seem to be right, rushed, or something else just bugged me. With that in mind, I got curious as to if I could make a believable timeline for a 50,000 year more advanced humanity and now after however long this has been in the works, getting edited now and then, you get it to read.

The Reapers are, despite the horrors they deliver, amazing machines, they have for billions of years cleansed the Milkyway every 50,000 years of sapient life, but they are the creation of the Catalyst, which in turn is the creation of Organics. For amazing as it claims to be, the Catalyst is imperfect alike its organic designers, and this flaw is apparent in its own creations, the Reapers, meaning very rarely, the unfathomable Reapers make a mistake. One such example of an error made by the Reapers is Humanity, a species that they missed for ascension when the Protheans ruled the vast abyss that is space.

51,176 BCE (Before Council Era), 2026AD

Humanity, having entered a new space race that is among privately funded companies, lands their first human on Mars for an eight-month research period, the achievement is considered to be one of Humanities finest moments, akin to landing man on the moon.

With feet on the ground, advanced research is undertaken to establish what will be required for a permanent colony on Mars. As this is also a privately funded mission, with some focus of the researching being in determining how to make money, the planet is surveyed for valuable materials available for mining with current automated mining technologies. Mars is determined to be rich in iron, chromium and magnesium, among a few other uninteresting elements. The largest surprise is the abundance of Titanium, this only acts as encouragement for the companies to mine Mars and reap her riches.

All these discoveries pale however when a man named Richard Mackee finds a single cell living organism on Mars. The science discovery is hailed as one of the Humanities most important.

2029AD

With ever expanding spaceflight capabilities, and a desire to increase human presence in space, The United Nations along with the approval of most non-member nations allows for companies to apply for permission to mine astronomical bodies, including Mars. The only exception to this rule is the Moon and any bodies which pass within 250,000km of Earth.

Any mined body also must not be brought within 250,000km of Earth; this is to provide a buffer zone in case-control over the body is lost, meaning if it approaches Earth measures can be taken to destroy the body or even re-establish its orbit. Numerous companies complain that this rule is over precautious, with an acceptable limit being 125,000km, but their complaints land on deaf ears.

2031AD

Numerous companies combine resources and launch a permanent mining colony on Mars, initial population, 6, all of which are female due to numerous studies proclaiming women would handle the close confines of colony life better than males. The colonist's main task on Mars is the operation and maintenance of automated mining equipment. For the foreseeable future, this is a one-way journey for the 6 colonists. Life-giving resources such as food will be delivered every 9 months from Earth.

2032AD

3D food printers are developed, allowing for a wide range of foods to be created from organic materials, they can create a wide array of foods from fruits to certain meats. While good for a newly developed technology, many complain the printed foods don't taste quite right. In other news, a test run to harpoon an asteroid to bring into a high orbit around the Earth, (No closer than 250,000km) is successful. Plans are drawn to harpoon a bigger asteroid for mining.

2035AD

Mark Watney, a NASA astronaut is stranded on Mars after a mission goes south, he is rescued by personnel from the privately funded colonies.

2039AD

Mars permanent population now exceeds 13, established hydroponic farms, state of the art 3d printers and new recycling technologies now mean the colony is less reliant on Earth for resources. Estimated to be self-sufficient by 2060 at earliest. Asteroid 241 Germania is 'harpooned' by a private space mining company, but efforts to bring it into the 250,000km orbit around earth fails due to a catastrophic hardware failure. A second attempt is scheduled for 2042AD.

2042AD

241 Germania is successfully harpooned and slowly dragged to the UN established mining zone. Significant Wars between India, Pakistan and China break out, cited reason is rising tensions between the three superpowers due to a trade war. Rest of the world watch with trepidation as the three nuclear powers brutally clash.

2044AD

With Pakistan on the edge of defeat, it launches a biological attack. The attack is successfully halted by US, Chinese and Russian missile defence systems. Nato and Russian forces in an unprecedented move blitzkrieg Pakistan in a joint peacekeeping mission. Tensions rise between the peacekeeping forces and China. India wisely backs down.

2045AD

China backs down against the peacekeeping forces due to overwhelming opposition. The 3-way war, as it has come to be known, is officially ended with the signing of a peace treaty. Death tolls are barely below 100 million.

A room temperature superconductor finishes testing and begins mass production, allowing for ever cheaper, more efficient and faster processor units.

2046.

A Large biological attack in China re-ignites the 3-way war between India and China. Peacekeeping forces once more step up and quell the fighting. A DMZ is established along the India-China border.

China, wanting to gain an unprecedented economy advantage over India funds a mission to mine numerous astronomical bodies. It is high risk considering they will need to divert large funds from their military. With a large percentage of Chinas GDP being diverted to Military and Space spending a famine begins.

2056AD

Mars is now self-sufficient and has a population of 28 but regularly receives luxury goods such as meat and hard to produce fruits and vegetables.

2060

A post stamp sized satellite is sent to the nearest star system to Earth using a Large Laser Array to propel it to unfathomable speeds. It will hopefully arrive in 20 years.

2085

Humanity cheers as it receives the first images taken in a foreign solar system. Messages to and from the post stamp-sized satellites take 4+ years.

2098

Mars has a population exceeding 50, most of these are engineers and scientists.

2099

Fearing a potential food shortage for the ever-growing population, the UN, with Australias blessing begins to convert vast swathes of Australia into farmland.

2102

A theory of FTL Technology is proved to work, in theory, the limiting factor is generating the energy for a device to test the theory. Research into new energy types for the FTL tech is given the green light and becomes the new 'space race'.

2109

An AI is successfully created, it is called Adam and has the intelligence of a rat. Work is conducted to increase its intelligence.

2116

Adam graduated from pre-school. 3 AI are now in existence, bill of AI rights is drafted for future AI, heavily based on bill of human rights. It is initially signed in 2117 by 31 Nations. Many still oppose AI.

2121

A rebellion begins in China to overthrow the regime in control, and peacekeeping forces from the UN and Russia aid the rebels. This war will be known to future generations as the War of Fire because of the mass use of incendiary devices. From this war, leaps and bounds is made in treating burn victims and radiation sickness. Medigel is one such medical invention from this war.

2125

With 99.999% of the human population still effectively confined to Earth, efforts begin to fix the mass damage to Earths ecosystems. Laws are started to be pushed in many countries which aim to return Earth to her 'glory' days.

2138

Titan, a moon around Jupiter, is colonised by European businesses in a joint venture, that is publically and economically backed by the EU and UK governments. Behind closed doors, the governments funding the mission want to conduct research that is illegal on Earth, particularly related to genetic engineering. At the same time, heavy mining begins, along with research into methods of mining Jupiter. No plans are currently in the works to mine Jupiter, this is all theoretical.

2153

An AI is constructed entirely of nano-bots. It differs from other AI because its intelligence grows as the number of nano-bots in the system grow.

2154

The nano-bot AI finds new ways to control, replicate and use nano-bots. Research is made on making a nano-bot that the body will not reject for its medical potential.

2156

UK rejoins the EU after the defunct system that governs the countries involved undergoes major reforms to reflect the current world. The EU is renamed to 'Allied nations' [AN] as more and more countries outside of Europe mainland petition for membership.

2157

A space elevator is proposed by the Allied nations to be constructed in the North Atlantic sea, and member nations overwhelming vote for its construction, hoping it will give the AN an unprecedented advantage in the space ventures. This construct will make the AN capable of launching space missions for next to nothing when compared with current techniques. The USA not wanting to be beat at their own game starts plans for their own elevator.

2162

A researcher named Frederick Iowa implants himself with a nano-bot AI, called 'I' with its permission after research allows nano-bots to exist in the human body without issue. The researcher can mentally interact with the AI that uses the man's body heat for energy.

In the same year, genetically augmented soldiers begin to quietly enter service in a handful of European countries, the research to create these augmented soldiers is credited to the research base on Titan. Each generation of augmented soldier is more powerful and dangerous than the last.

2163

The public is won over by the idea of implanting nano-bots when it is shown 'I's bots can heal Frederick's body at an unprecedented rate. Someone with embedded AI is referred to as a Symbiont. The USA begins its space elevator.

2178

AN Space elevator completed six years behind schedule after unseen problems arise, a spaceship construction yard in space is the next project for the AN. Additionally, an antimatter reactor is created on Titan, but suffers a catastrophic failure, destroying the colony in a flash of light that can be seen from Earth. 10,126 lives are lost in the tragedy, resulting in all antimatter research being banned on Earth and her colonies, fearing a repeat of Titan.

2183

USA space elevator complete with help from the AN. Plans for a joint venture between AN and USA to mine Jupiter is put forward but dismissed as Earth currently has enough resources coming in. India begins construction of their own Elevator after seeing the mega construct can be created.

2185

Humanity is shocked when a baby born by two nano-bot implanted parents is born with an AI created from both parents nano-bots, essentially creating a new AI naturally. With the help of the AI in its body, this child develops mentally far faster than most humans and can be considered a genius. This is the first of many children born with AI.

2187

The Augmented soldiers are discovered by other nations, forcing the practice to come to an end under revised geneva conventions.

2189

Element Zero is produced at the SLHC (Super Large Hadron Collider) in Switzerland by mistake. New element causes an uproar in the science community for its unique ability to defy the law of physics by changing mass of objects around it when an electric current is applied to the substance. Nano-bot implanted community now exceeds 1 million. The number of children born with AI is now in the thousands.

An AN spaceship named ANV Dream deep in space successfully contains an Antimatter reactor, named AMR for 2 hours. Power generated by AMR far exceeds expectations. In the same year, this ship explodes with a flash of light that can only have been produced in an anti-matter explosion. 108 AN researchers presumed lost as no debris of the Dream is found. The public is strangely motivated by this failure to conquer antimatter once and for all.

2190

ANV Dreamer's Vengence launched with the mission to conquer Anti-matter. AMR2 shows greater promise at containing the dangerous material.

2193

Antimatter strikes once again and destroys Dreamer's Vengence, AN and USA vow to conquer the substance and state this is an unfortunate event, but research will go on. Artificial gravity is created using element zero. Quantum entangled communication (QEC) is cracked and allows instant communication from any point in the known universe.

2201

A ship manned by a dumb intelligence is sent to Alpha Centauri. Element zero is used to reduce the mass of the ship, and massive ion engines propel it to 5% the speed of light. It will arrive in 20 years.

2215

Anti-matter is considered conquered after a research ship named ANV Conquerer contains an AMR for 10 years without issue. Conqueror deliberately causes an antimatter explosion in its final days when testing the limits of the reactor. As everyone is vacated from the ship there are no deaths.

On Mars, terraforming begins in a small sphere of influence 5 miles in diameter, the area is protected by a huge EM shield. Initial forecasts of terraforming show within 10 years, the sphere of influence will have an atmosphere capable of supporting some basic biological life, and within 50 years be breathable by a human for a short time.

On Earth, a cargo waggon carrying element zero crashes and leaks a small sample of Element Zero into a reservoir. People surrounding the water body and who use it for drinking water come sick overnight. Within days the cause of sickness is identified, and a crisis is declared as 10 million have potentially been exposed to lethal amounts of radiation. People with nano-bots seem unharmed as the bots repair the damage caused by the radiation rather quickly.

2216

First biotic human is born.

2222

The Dumb AI arrives at Alpha Centauri and begins pre destined research. The system is relatively boring when compared to Sol.

Russia after much-heated debate joins the Allied Nations.

48897 Before Council Era,

Javik enters stasis. Prothean empire is now considered defeated. Reapers return to dark space and the Collectors to the core of the galaxy.

2234

Augmented soldiers appear once more in many nations as youths with biotic powers come of age to join their respective military. Soon, every soldier on Earth is expected to have augmentations of some sort.

2249

With a reliable miniaturised Antimatter reactor created a ship is built to test the FTL device envisioned in 2102, surprisingly the device fails to move the ship any faster than 4.1% the speed of light. Astonishingly it is discovered power requirements are still too low, and a new approach is needed.

Most of humanity are now implanted with AI in the form of Nanobots.

2261

A new FTL test uses a small ship with huge superconductor capacitors to store charge, and 18 external high yield anti-matter reactors to charge them. The ship, which is unable to charge its capacitors on its own accord is propelled 15LY in 2 minutes. A dumb AI on the ship confirms its location via QEC. Humanity celebrates conquering FTL travel.

AN and 2 private companies put forward a 1 Billion credit reward for whoever can come up with a solution to the current FTL power requirements. The challenge is called the Vangher Challenge after the man whose method of FTL they are using.

Using the same approach as the earlier test ship, that being to charge it for FTL externally, the AN send scout ships to their nearest stars and begin mapping the galaxy. They average two test ships a year as the cost to send a ship is mind dizzyingly high. Ideas are put forward to construct the reactors required to power FTL in alien systems, but is shot down due to the mind-numbing cost per reactor.

2300

With a flourishing biosphere in spheres of influence on Mars, thanks to the terraforming, more and more civilians move in. Research is made to change the gravity experienced by the colony to a more habitable 1g.

2301

A reward for the Vangher challenge is claimed by a team from Ukraine. They proposed a new theory of FTL travel and the maths checks out. It requires the use of huge 'Element Zero Relays' to transport a ship from one sector of space to another. Energy requirements are far below the other method of FTL and constructing a relay is considerably less expensive and resource intensive than the huge AM reactors for 'traditional FTL' means.

The Allied Nations with the aid of the USA begins construction of two relays, one will be sent to a destination using the current proven FTL technology, and the other will be put into a geostationary orbit around Pluto. Construction is estimated to take 50 years for one relay as they require so much element zero. New facilities are constructed to create element zero from smashing atoms together; it is inefficient work but the only known method of forming the element.

2303

USA and China join the AN.

2339

With the new facilities dedicated in creating Eezo (Nickname for element Zero) Relay 1 is complete 12 years ahead of schedule, relay 2 starts construction.

2361

Relay two is constructed. The relay begins to be charged to be sent to its destination, Proxima Centauri, which is the nearest solar system to Sol with a planet in the habitable zone.

The terraformed habitat of Mars now has a bedrock laced with element zero, creating gravity of 1g. A new habitat is in the works for new colonists.

2365

With the huge relay's supercapacitors charged, it arrives at its destination in under 3 minutes. A dumb AI sets it up so that a test ship can be sent through the 'Relay Highway'.

3 Months Later a ship passes the relay highway and promptly turns heel to return to Sol, it is the first ship to come back to Sol after leaving.

With more and more nations joining the allied nations, armies become smaller and smaller, with the focus being on quality over quantity, this has resulted in 'super soldiers'. These 'super soldiers' are career soldiers with advanced genetic augmentation to make them stronger, smarter and faster than the average human, these soldiers would have been deemed highly illegal in the early 21st century.

2366

A human expedition to Proxima Centauri is underway, the first words spoken by a human (Symbiont) is "Per Aspera ad Astra" Meaning: Through Hardship to the Stars.

97.9% of humanity is implanted, most from nano-bots in their parent's ovum and sperm during conception. Ideas put forth to have two sets of humans, Symbionts, and Naturals. Plans shot down, fearing the labels would cause unneeded prejudice.

India joins AN a few days later.

2400

With eight relay highways in operation, Humanity continues to expand and explore the stars as a real space faring nation.

2441

A relay detonates in Hubble 6x0015, causing an explosion the size of a supernova. 17,953 colonists are caught up in the explosion, along with all the life native to the planets in the system. Attempts are made to find out why the relay exploded.

2442

With humanity fearing a repeat of Hubble 6x0015, the Relay orbiting Pluto is removed from Sol. All efforts possible are made to conjure a feasible energy source for the first FTL method convened by humanity.

2444

Immortality for all! Death from old age is no more. Most people choose to remain in their mid 20's, using their AI's nanobots to halt ageing.

2445

It is determined the relay that exploded was struck with an asteroid the size of a car going 112,500m/s, which caused its core to rupture. All known relays are worked on to add a titanium composite armour and protection against future collisions.

2446

The relay once orbiting Pluto is returned to its old orbit. It now features thick armour and a mass effect field that can be turned on and off to deflect items on a collision course. To travel the relay the ME field needs to be deactivated. Additional safety measures will be continued to be added to the relay as new technology is developed.

2500

With no known nano-bot free human in existence for 29 years, the definition of 'Humanity' is changed to include the nano-bots. The change of definition is made on the 2,500th new year celebration.

2517

A small Prothean ruin is found on a colony world. Earth sends its finest computer engineers to bring the alien computers online, and to begin mining them for information.

2519

Jake leans back in his chair as he looks at the monolith of a tuning fork that is positioned just outside of his space ship, "Well," Jake says as he then looks around the bridge, "I guess we found what we were told to look for."

"Sir," A younger none commissioned officer (NCO) asks of him after a moment of silence, "Is this what I think it is?"

"And what would that be?" Asks Jake.

"Well," the NCO begins, "That thing has all the signs of a relay, yet if my sensor readings are correct, it is positively not human. That," The NCO points out the forward observation window, "Is an alien construct."

Jake nods, "That would be my initial conclusion as well, but this is a science ship, not a hypothesis ship. Radio, I want an update to Highcomm, inform them we are investigating an unknown construct, and to wait out for a sitrep." The use of 'radio' in this way is funny to some, this is because radio's have not been used for primary communications on space ships for the better part of 50 years now as QEC over took it years ago.

As the communications officer reports back into High Command Jake continues to make orders to study the device, but he doesn't get far, "Sir." The 'radio' operator speaks up, "I have Admiral Thawn requesting to speak with you."

With a nod the communication officer patches the Admirals video call through to the bridge, "Sir," Captain Jake Ping salutes when the Admiral's image appears on the forward observation screen.

The admiral returns the salute, "Captain," The admiral then says, "What we are to speak of concerns you and your entire crew, from this moment onwards, you are all under none disclosure orders regarding this construct, with the most severe penalty for those who break this order." Death for those who speak. "The construct is to be considered hostile and is not to be approached under any circumstances. You are to await reinforcements from 2nd Patrol Fleet which will relieve you, and then you will take all recorded data and return to Military Complex Sierra Uniform 6 immediately."

"Understood, Sir." Jake replies, "In order to understand the situation better, may I request any information you can spare on the construct and time for reinforcements?" He is more than curious because at this moment in time, humanity does not have a true warship to provide 'reinforcements', instead, they have a small fleet of gunboats, which patrol cargo routes for pirates. While they may be armed with a limited selection of guided missiles, very few would consider them vessels of war when compared to heavily armed and even heavier armoured ships that once sailed the seven seas.

The admiral looks down to something on his desk before looking back to Jake, "We sent you to where you are now to confirm if the construct you are looking at was real, and we sorely hoped it was not. Captain, this construct is to be considered unfathomably dangerous, I want every sensor you have pointed at it, and you will continue to do so till reinforced…. Your relief will be arriving by weeks end. That is all."

After the call terminates Jake sits down and blows out a sigh, "Well," He then says, "You heard the admiral, 2IC, make sure section commanders inform their teams of none disclosure orders, I want 128 letters on my desk by days end confirming that each individual understands the orders, every letter hand written, dated and signed.

Furthermore, considering how spooked the Admiral is regarding this construct, we are to remain 500,000 km from it, I want us ready to flee at any moment, so engine capacitors are to maintain charge at all times. All communications are to be restricted to Highcomm only. All information gathered, previous and future, is to be encrypted, I want no one looking over it outside this bridge. You have your orders people, make it so."

2520

Humanity secretly declares war on an entity known by the name of Reapers. Plans are put forward to build their first true warship in space, a ship which is capable of handling more than just pirates and crooks. The cited reason for creating a warship is to protect humanity from 'Unwarranted aggression'.

2521

The Allied Nations is now recognised by all of the Humanity to be the dominant power in human space, but not reflective of all humans, especially those who live off the home planet. Reforms are made and the AN evolves to become the Systems Alliance.

All expansion into unknown space is quietly halted in order to hide from the Reapers.

Cerberus is created with the sole purpose of ensuring Humanities survival.

2589

The knowledge of the Reapers is 'leaked' to the public when nationalism is high. Support for warships grow. The leak is the possible work of Cerberus.

2592

A one-child policy is adopted on most colonies when the population becomes dangerously high from people not dying from age. Earth imposes a 0 child policy.

In the same decade, colonisation starts on Venus, as its surface is too hot, and with an atmospheric pressure equal to that 1km underwater on the surface, the colonists live on huge cloud cities.

2609

The generations-old power problem is solved! Using some super complex science, scientists from Wales use dark energy to power a ship into FTL. Earth celebrates the historic announcement with a year of celebrations. The science team behind the announcement will be immortalised in song, culture and name.

2810

"Do the impossible!" Is humanities moto. A transporter is made, not fit for use on live subjects as it tears the atoms down and rebuilds them at a second location. Most agree the person rebuilt is not the same person, but a replicant.

Most of humanity does not work as there is a basic income for all which is rather generous. Those who do work are held in high esteem and paid ludicrously well. Most manned jobs are in government, science, entertainment, military, and engineering positions.

4107

Mars atmosphere, no matter the location is now breathable. A Mass Machine slowly starts to change Mars gravity to 1g outside of the element zero treated bedrock.

4269

A weapon capable of causing stars to go supernova is created in secret, Cerberus destroy all evidence of its creation, and its creator mysteriously vanishes overnight.

4781

A transporter that does not tear atoms down is created, the age-old power problem renews to power the device.

4888

Venus is now an entire cloud city like something out of a sci-fi book.

4944

The power issue is fixed, allowing a human to transport to any location they wish in the blink of an eye in the entire universe. High operation costs limit range and render this product for the insanely rich, or governments.

With this invention, Humanity surpasses any other civilisation in technological prowess that the Reapers have previously harvested. The Reapers still slumber in the dark space between galaxies, blissfully unaware of the growing giant in their galaxy.

5220

Humanity creates their first Enforcer, this is a genetically engineered super soldier who can command humanities war assets with a mere thought. If you anger humanity, it is the enforcer's job to pacify you.

Each colony have their own enforcer to protect it, and every colony must provide war assets to a fleet commanded by another Enforcer. Unlike other Enforcers dedicated to protecting colony worlds, this additional Enforcer, referred to as the 'ET Enforcer', is to deal with alien affairs and lead any offensive against external threats, including the Reapers.

5371

With the huge amount of resources being mined from local systems, a huge 'halo' 1km wide and 30,000km in circumference is constructed around Mars, the halo will serve as a giant shipyard and living quarters. Considered one of Humanities many wonders when complete. Plans are also in the works to transform a barren colony world called New Sahara into a mega city like some fictional stories of the past imagined.

5933

Prothean scientists sabotage the Keepers on the Citadel, they will no longer respond to Sovereign's calls.

7,145

New Sahara is now a giant city, capable of housing trillions of humans. Mass immigration occurs since there are no rules or limitations in producing offspring on this planet-city. This world will become the most populated human colony by the year 7,311, and overtake Earth shortly after. Many will argue New Sahara should replace earth as the Systems Alliance homeworld, but most cannot deny the lure of Earth.

12,818

Pure energy shields are cracked, they could withstand a blast from a dreadnought and barely flicker. Warships are retrofitted with the technology and the Enforcers are given a portable version.

12,910

A Prothean team awakens and detonates dozens upon dozens of eezo bombs on the Asari homeworld. They hope by saturating Thessia with eezo they will force the Asari to become natural biotics, allowing for every Asari to be a capable warrior.

13666

A top-secret bio-mechanical weapon is constructed with the hopes it will never need to be deployed, the scientists working on the project call it 'Xenomorph'. The weapon is incapable of targeting humans unless directly ordered to by an enforcer.

14,111

Wireless energy for all! Who liked wires anyway? Enforcer uses this technology on their shields, allowing a huge dark energy generator on their homeworld to power it. Enforcers shields are considered impenetrable to all but the most powerful of weaponry.

15,093

It is discovered most galaxies have their own 'Reapers' in some form or another. Andromeda has the deceiving Remnant, NGC 2419 has the Flood, and Barnards Galaxy has the AOC. When powerful enough, Humanity will rid the universe of these entities. The most dangerous entity known is the Ales of Kepler NF544 who are tens of thousands of years more advanced than the reapers.

26,977

After 300 years of brutal training, Jane Shepard becomes Humanities latest ET Enforcer after the previous enforcer stands down to raise a family.

31,506

Humanity, running out of resources begin to mine stars and expand to a few additional systems barren of all life for automated mining. All precautions are made to ensure the Reapers are not in the systems they expand to. If a planet is mined, it is literally torn apart and delivered to where its resources are required. After mining finishes, a planet will be destroyed, and unrecognisable from an asteroid field.

A Second halo begins construction with a diameter of 100,000km and 500 km wide, it will act as Humanities primary military establishment and will orbit Sol in a carefully established orbit between Mars and Earth. This orbit is selected so the halo's gravitational pull does not disrupt the orbit of any other planet in system.

47,489

The Asari discover the Citadel, resulting in the Catalyst awakening Sovereign to watch over the current cycle.

The collectors begin to collect genetic samples of the Asari in preparation for the harvest.

47,602

Humanity discovers the Asari and Salarians on long-range sensors; efforts are made to discretely learn more about the species and astonishingly genetic samples gained by the ET enforcer reveal the Asari are genetic cousins to humanity. Plans are made to protect the species. In studying the Asari up close the ET Enforcer unwittingly creates the B'Sayle bloodline on Thessia.

47,965

The Citadel Council is formed, the Salarians and Asari are the first species to hold a seat. The ET enforcer sends agents to infiltrate the two governments. The agents are observers only, they are prevented by the Enforcer from trying to influence the law.

47902

The Rachni war erupts. Humanity watches on with trepidation and prepares to step in if necessary. Currently, humanity is unknown to the rest of the universe.

47,981

A Prothean ruin is found with Protheans in stasis, many have died in their slumber, but medical nanobots are a wonderful thing and can restore them to life. Humanity sends the ET Enforcer to wake them.

/.../

Jasair groans as he sits up while opening his four eyes, "Ugh," He moans to the other Protheans in the room who are also just awakening. "How long were we under?"

A Prothean falls out of his stasis pod before scrambling to his feet and checking the ancient computer that is flickering on a wall near the pod he awoke in. "This can not be right!" The Prothean says, "48,762 years."

"No," A third Prothean speaks, "I have the same here. Why were we not awoken earlier?"

The first Prothean gets out of his stasis pod and checks his own console at the bottom of his pod. He checks the code of the VI running the system. "The VI malfunctioned. We appear to have been awoken by an unknown entity."

This causes everyone in the room to stiffen, "Unknown entity?"

"Yes." The man replies while blinking his top two eyes, "I am checking data feeds now..." The man worked for a minute before the system crashes. "Damn this VI, if only I could shoot it out an airlock."

The second Prothean sighs heavily, "Maybe it was the primitives, they should have evolved to being space capable by now."

"Yes, and maybe it was Iovkaslad," Jasair buts in, causing the entire room to chuckle a little despite their situation. "Whatever, or whoever awoken us we will surely find out soon. For now, we take stock of our situation. Find out who is alive and who isn't."

2 hours later Jasair is in high spirits, somehow, despite their scientist's estimations of 30% survival rate, and the fact power to the stasis machines should have cut off a long, long time ago, everyone is alive. Not that he is complaining, but he doesn't like it, something is wrong and it's probably due to the entity that has awoken them. "Cale, how is the facility?" He asks a younger Prothean when she returns from checking the bunker over. In this bunker, there are far more females than males, its primary goal was to ensure Protheans lived on after the harvest.

The Prothean female says, "Several facilities have caved in, but have been dug out relatively recently. Someone has been here, Jasair!"

"Then they are probably watching us. Have our men ready to greet them."

A blinding white light forms in front of the Prothean leader and a feminine figure emerges from the light. "That will not be necessary," Shepard says in perfect Prothean. "We woke you because we wanted to save your species, not fight you."

Jasair knows of the 11 primitive species that should have evolved into this cycle, but he is unfamiliar with the one standing before him. "What are you?" He asks.

"A human," Shepard responds, "When the Reapers harvested your species, they missed mine while we took our first steps into space. We have been preparing for their invasion for just shy of 50,000 years."

"Good," Jasair replies, "Then you will defeat them. We determined that the Reapers are technologically stagnant, being ten thousand years more advanced then we were. If you speak the truth, your species should be far more advanced than them."

"That is the hope." Shepard smiles, "Now for why I am here. We want to help you return to your former glory, and if I get your word our ambassador will not be attacked, we will begin talks on how we will do that."

Jasair looks around the room, many of his people were discretely aiming their weapons at the alien. He wants to reject her offer, it is an insult to believe they would not be able to return to their former glory on their own, but right now his people do not need to make enemies when they are in dire need, any help would be appreciated. "You have mine, and my people's word." He then says with a hard look at his people, letting them know she and her ambassador are under his protection.

"Good." Shepard says before a white light forms next to her and a second figure walks through, this one is a male. "Ambassador Udina, this is General Jasair of the Prothean Empire, General, this is Ambassador Udina of the Systems Alliance."

"Thank you Shepard." Udina replies to her before saying, "You're dismissed, good day Enforcer." After a mere nod to say she heard Shepard vanishes in another flash of white light, but while she is not in view, she will keep a close eye on the ambassador and jump in if he needs her.

47,982

As the Rachni rampage across the galaxy the Salarians uplift the Krogan in desperation, and soon with the warrior race at their back, the war turns in the Councils favour. Efforts are made to save some Rachni before they are made extinct, and a Queen egg is brought to a human system. Under human guidance, the Rachni will once more thrive, but this time with a guiding entity they will be a force for peace.

47,983

Humanity growing bolder unleashes a virus into the citadel systems that will remain hidden while mining data. The galaxy is still unaware of the hiding giant. The Virus detects a heavy presence of Reaper code in the citadel, confirming the Prothean suspicion that it is a Reaper device.

48,676

Krogan rebellions plunge the galaxy once more into war, Turians join the galactic community and fight for the Council.

49,831

Genophage released by the Salarians causes the Krogans to end their war. Humanity develops a cure within hours of confirming the bioweapons existence but does not deploy it, wanting the Krogans to unite under their hardship.

50,416,

The Geth war starts.

While the wider Galaxy is distracted with the Geth, Humanity reveals themselves to a Krogan Mercenary.

/.../

Wrex looks at his omni-tool and grumbles miserably, his current contract has him hunting some rat of a Vorcha on Omega, and he is up to his knees in shit, filth, corpses and who knows what else in the shit hole of a sewage system he is wading through. Afterlife better have a good supply of ryncol tonight as he will need it to forget the smell of this place.

Wading further into the place forgotten by the entire galaxy he spots something moving in the shadows and raises his gun, but a voice calls to him in perfect Krogan, "That will not be necessary, Urdnot Wrex." The lack of hissing tells the Krogan it is not the Vorcha he is hunting.

Wrex shines his omni-tool at the figure, and tries to reveal its face, but a helmet masks it from him, "And why is that?" From the figure of the alien, he assumes it's an Asari.

"I know all about you," Shepard says as she starts to circle him in the dark tunnel, like a predator. "Such as why you did not blindly shoot me, like why you are still listening to what I have to say, and your plans for the Krogan people," Shepard notices Wrex tighten his grip on his weapon, "Do not threat, I like what words you are saying."

Wrex keeps his shotgun aimed at her, "And what am I saying?"

"You're speaking of the need to unite the clans, to forget your vengeful ways and rebuild your civilisation. They are goals I can get behind."

"Hah," Grumbles Wrex, he lowers his shotgun when Shepard stands still a few feet in front of him, "If only my people could listen."

"That can be seen to, but I want you to answer me now," Shepard removes her mask with a mere thought, causing it to collapse in on its self down her neck, and says, "Do you mean it?"

Wrex is startled by the odd alien, "What are you?"

"Potentially your people's salvation. Now tell me, do you mean it?"

"I may be Krogan but I ain't stupid, if we keep going how we are we won't live to see the next millennium. Now, why have I got a feeling you are about to offer me something?"

Shepard immediately transports the two of them to a satellite station around New Sahara, from the station tens of thousands of warships can be seen orbiting the megacity below. Wrex is physically startled at being transported and looks around with his shotgun in hands. "Where are we?" He demands, "What have you done to me?"

"I've brought you to my base of operations, I was getting nauseous in that wretched tunnel." Shepard approaches a counter and pours Wrex a drink of ryncol, and herself a good whisky from 100 years back. "Wrex, my people are a resourceful bunch, and we know a war is coming to the galaxy the likes it has never seen before. We need the Krogan in fighting condition."

Wrex holsters his shotgun as he looks around, the number of ships in orbit around New Sahara obviously show that this odd aliens people are a warmongering bunch, or highly protective of their stuff, he hopes its the latter. "A war with who."

"I can not disclose that information yet, for your own safety you must understand, but it is not with the Council or any species you know of if that is what you are fearing."

"Pity," Wrex says with obvious sarcasm, "But what does this have to do with me?"

"I am going to help you unite the clans, and when you have them under your thumb and on a path to a more peaceful existence, I will cure the genophage for you."

Wrex eyes her carefully, "Careful, alien; we do not joke about that."

"I know you have your doubts," Shepard nods, "If you agree to help us, you will find a package waiting for you in your apartment on Omega, it will demonstrate we have the capabilities to cure your people. Just please test in discrete, the last thing you want me to do is ensure our secret stays secret."

"Alright," Wrex says, "I'm game. What do you need me to do?"

"First of all, forget all you have seen here, my species does not exist. Once you have done that I will be in touch shortly, for now, return to the Citadel, we have a meeting set up with someone who can aid you, and Wrex?" The Krogan grunts in response, "Do not fail me. If your people become violent and risk galactic security again, I will not hesitate to put you and your people down." The Krogan for some reason gets a chill run up his spine, he knows in his bones that this alien means what she says, and he does not doubt she will not follow through with her word. "This war that is coming will need all of us to work together."

The next thing the Krogan knows he is back in the dark smelly tunnels with a flash of white light. checking his omni-tool he finds the contract on the duct rat has been completed and the credits for the job are loaded into his account. Not knowing what to think he heads back to his apartment, and inside he finds a small white box, laying on his wooden plank of a bed.

Approaching the box he opens it carefully and inside he finds three needles fit for use on a Krogan neatly stored, with a piece of paper saying, "Proof of our cure, do not fail me Urdnot Wrex. Your mysterious friend."

/…/

50,420

The ET enforcer 'kidnaps' a Quarian live ship. Initially the Quarians reject any help from their kidnapper but eventually they are won over by the Enforcer. These Quarians establish New Rannoch and do not require bio-suits. They are confined to within human space.

50,502

The head of STG rubs his right horn unconsciously as he thinks, the genophage has unexpectedly failed, the Krogans are now immune to it, and any variance of the disease, and while it appears like a natural immunity, he doubts it. Natural immunity would have been discovered long before now and nipped in the bud before it could affect the entire Krogan population. No, this must be the work of an outside source, but who? The Krogan are not developed enough in bio-engineering to develop a cure, the Turians are vehemently for the genophage, probably wanting it harsher than it already is, and the Asari while not fans of the genophage, understand it is a necessary evil. So this leaves either a lower member of the council or an incredibly smart and resourceful body not sponsored by a species government.

But if this were the case, then the STG would have gotten wind of it. Work in this field would have left traces, it would have required samples, and years upon years of work, and finally for someone to release it. But in every STG investigation, nothing is found. Not even a slither. Yes, one or two entities were found to be working on a cure, but they were a hundred years away from developing a basic one, the one in circulation is advanced, if not more advanced than the Genophage its self.

It is certainly a mystery for the STG head to ponder on, and in other news, who is the mystery Asari helping the Krogan develop into a civilised species? The Asari who goes by the moniker 'Enforcer' has appeared next to Urdnot Wrex numerous times now, usually at events of great importance to the Krogan and appears to be a guiding figure. All attempts to identify her have failed miserably and agents sent to dispatch of her have all met a swift end. The name Enforcer is a curious choice too, it infers that this Asari is working for another organisation, but which organisation would that be?

It is also possible that this 'Enforcer' is the same entity as the mysterious contractor, going by the same moniker used by the most powerful people in society, but that can not easily be proven. All the STG knows about her is any attempts to kill or capture the Asari has resulted in numerous dead agents.

Yes, it is fair to say the STG is currently stumped with the situation on Tachunka.

Meanwhile, Wrex laughs heartedly with some friends over some ryncol as they celebrate the construction of a university on Tachunka, the first in a few thousand years. Working with the humans had really paid off, he is now in control of Tachunka, and in his opinion leading his people back to their once glorious former selves. Their people now have some culture once more, along with something concrete to fight for, and it is a fantastic feeling.

As he tried to unite the clans, he was informed of numerous Spectre, STG or commando assassination attempts, but each time the mysterious human stopped them before they could even get close to him.

When he had successfully united the clans, directed them onto a peaceful path and began rebuilding Unka, a now glorious city, the human released her cure, and almost overnight his people were cured. It was a pity it required the assassination of many of his opponents stuck in their vengeful old ways, but his people are better off for it now.

When it came evident to the council that their weaponised disease had failed, they tried to claim they removed the weapon because of their good behaviour, but Wrex knew better. While he wanted to tell the truth to his fellow people that it was the humans who helped them, the mysterious alien told him to accept the council's lie, so he did, even if it pained him to do so as he knew they have tried to assassinate him numerous times now.

As Wrex celebrates on the surface Shepard is disguised once more in her Asari image, and has a Spectre cornered in a dark room in some caverns deep under Unka. "What are you?" Asks the Asari in terror as she fires round after round into the human, the rounds do nothing against the human's impossible orange shields.

Shepard raises her hand and the Asari is captured in an orange field of pure energy, preventing her from escaping. The Asari could struggle all she wants but she would never escape the Enforcers field. "Have you not killed enough Krogan?" She asks the Asari.

"They've killed billions of us!" The Asari splutters.

"And you have killed trillions of them. Everything they have done has been because of your own doing." Scolds Shepard as she pinches the bridge of her nose. "Can you not let them continue this peaceful path they are on? What will detonating that nuclear device win you?"

The Asari is silent so Shepard lets her free of the energy field. "If you or another spectre set foot on Tachunka again with the intention of mass destruction I will not be held responsible for my actions. Also, I am sick of killing your kin to protect Urdnot Wrex and myself, so we are off limits too, understood?"

The Asari tries to hurl a biotic throw at the Enforcer when she thinks she has a chance to injure the alien, but the energy is deflected by the energy field surrounding the human. This failed attack causes Shepard to tilt her head slightly and say, "Sometimes, you need to know when you are beat, Vasir, it is about time I teach you that." The Asari will not forget the brutal punishment she receives that day.

50,601

Humanity detects Sovereign colluding with a Spectre, all efforts are made to slow the Reaper down while acting from the shadows. Before the Reaper can launch an attack on the citadel it is destroyed by an enforcers battlegroup. With Reapers now certain of their existence humanity begins final preparations for the coming storm.

50,602,

A turian patrol in uncharted space finds a Human relay and mining operation.

/…./

Captain Dients Ntrol of the Turian rapid response fleet looks at the construct that opposes his vessel, it is undeniably a Relay, yet it looks different from what he is used to, this device has patches of armour protecting it, and a more boxy design. Obviously built for function, not aesthetics, he thinks before ordering his men to, "Prepare our ships to go through, and someone, inform the council."

After a few 'Yes sir's' Dients watches as his ship approaches the relay, but instead of being flung to a faraway place his ship shudders and groans, while throwing anything not bolted into the ground forward, crew included.

"Report damn it!" Demands Dients as he stands upright, a hand held to his head rubbing a sore point.

It takes a sensor expert a few seconds to work out what happened, "Captain, we have run into a barrier of some sort that encircles the machine. Sensors are struggling to determine its nature."

"Barrier?" Demands Dients, "What relay has a barrier protecting it?"

"This one apparently. For now, I can not see a way through."

Dients growls in classic Turian fashion before saying, "Then order all ships to pull back to a safe location and blockade the relay, the last thing we need is an unknown coming through in force and catching us in water."

As the ships form a blockade around the relay, the sensors expert speaks again, "Captain! I have an inbound vessel, it's... it's 20km in length!"

"20KM!?" Asks the captain with a mangled voice, "Hail them! And order formation A2 facing the target. Leave 2 vessels to watch our flank."

The crew waits nervously for the hail the be answered, but no one picks up, and the ship continues its path to the relay. Not wanting to antagonise a species capable of building a 20km long ship Dients allows the ship to venture the relay. "Captain, I've triangulated the ships origin point, it's a planet not far from here."

"Send a scout."

two days later the Council are in disarray, the scout ship found a planet being torn apart and mined by autonomous machines, and every attempt at communicating with whoever owns the machines has failed as they simply have not come across the owners. But they have made efforts to resolve this issue. First of all, they have hidden probes in the mined material that will inform them where the relay directs to, but this fails, the probes never respond once they enter the alien super ships. So then they come up with their latest plan. They have discovered when a ship from the mined planet ventures the relay the huge devices barriers form a hole big enough for it to pass through, so when a ship goes through the barrier, they will send a scout ship with it. Or this is the plan, and they should be ready to go in 3 days.

one day later

Qxiaem was having a boring day, Deep Space Traffic Control had noticed a few issues with a human relay they were using in a mining system, and he was sent to find out what was wrong. If you asked him the humans should be dealing with this, but hey ho, those humans probably have some plan in forcing his people to look after their relays. Dropping from the relay his day changed, definitely for the worse. "Spirits!" He mused to himself at seeing the large fleet facing him down.

"Qxiaem, we are being hailed," The ships VI called. While Protheans accept the humans are one with AI, it did not mean his species liked it, so they stuck to smart VI's for now.

"Answer the primitives, and inform the Higher Echelons of my situation." The Prothean Empire may have recovered some in the two thousand years they have been out of stasis, but it is not at a state to wage war with an alien civilisation as they lack the numbers due to their slow reproduction cycle, and are certainly not in a state to face down the Reapers.

The VI accepts the hail, adapting the alien code for use in its own systems, and a blue human-looking female appears on a view screen before Qxiaem, saying, "Surlak Vaks, up Nah iheem dasgi."

"VI, do your job!" The Prothean instructs.

The speech was translated for him into text form, ~ "Unidentified vessel, state your intentions."

The Prothean grumbled a bit about having to declare his intentions in Prothean space but responds none the less, "This space belongs to the New Prothean Empire! You are to leave immediately." He commands.

When the humans agreed to help the Protheans it was on one condition; they would rebuild in a designated section of space, where the Reapers could not find them. While being limited to space they could expand in was not ideal, the Protheans ultimately accepted this deal, as the Systems Alliance promised help they could not turn down, mainly unlimited resources and ships for the defence of their new homeworld.

/.../

When Ambassador Irissa got informed she was needed in this dark stingy corner of space, she expected to find a primitive species early in its space age. What she did not expect was an abundance of 20km long cargo vessels, and for when the first contact is established, for the word 'Prothean' to be thrown around, along with a vaguely recognisable alien. The Council's most powerful translator software managed to translate the alien's speech into standard galactic quickly. "Scan the ship," Irissa says off camera after listening to the aliens demands, ", and send its design along with a picture of the alien to Matriarch Sat'Tone, then get me a direct line to her."

After a few moments, the Matriarch answers the ambassador, voice only. "Irissia, this is a lovely surprise..."

"Matriarch Sivia," Irissia says, using the matriarchs title and a tone told Sivia that this was a professional call, with anything else being off the table. "I've sent you a file, I need you to take a look and tell me what you think, and time is of the essence!"

Sivia mumbled about being disappointed before saying, "A ship with Prothean art decorating the hull? Where did you find this? And this alien, I have only seen anything like this on planets with Prothean monuments."

Irissia immediately replies, "Your insight has been most helpful, but I have to go," Turning to an officer she says, "Contact the council, tell them we possibly have made contact with the Protheans." She then turns to another officer, "Re-open comms,"

/.../

Qxieem taps his long narrow fingers on the controls of his ship as he listens to the alien's response, "Prothean Surlak, Loi merge Irissia li Asari tigha, ut nak z bagh usas suuvi jovif sans livion."

The Prothean wonders at times why they rejected the humans AI's, for surely they could do a far better job at translating this garbage real time.

~"Prothean vessel, I am ambassador Irissia of the Asari Republics and by extension the Citadel Council, we are here to establish peaceful relations between our people."

Qxieem checks to see if the Higher Echelons have replied, or forwarded him instructions, they haven't. Just as he is about to order the aliens out of Prothean space again, the human ET Enforcer orders him to placate the aliens, and that the Prothean Echelons will shortly dispatch a diplomatic team. He is to stay opposite the alien ships in the meantime. Before this cycle, the Protheans would not have taken orders from another species, but he is wise enough not to disobey the orders of a Human Enforcer, that is a sure way to make a dangerous enemy. After reading the enforcers message he speaks to the aliens, "You will wait for our diplomatic party. Do not make an attempt to approach the human's relay or further disturb our mining efforts. Do not contact me again!"

/.../

To Qxieems frustration it is a week and a half before a Prothean diplomatic vessel arrives, but calling it a diplomatic ship is a bit of a lie. The ship is nothing short of a warship, and the Protheans best flagship at that. After all, they need to intimidate these primitives into siding with them.

Irissia meanwhile gasps a little, the ship that has just dropped out the relay is slightly larger than the Destiny Ascension and as angular as a Turian dreadnought. Energy readings of the ship are off the chart. She does not doubt it could tear her own ship, and maybe fleet, apart without much effort. "Hail them," She orders after giving a second to swallow her fear.

"No need, my lady, they are hailing us." A maiden replies formally.

Irissia straightens out her dress since after all first presentation is everything in this day of age. "On screen."

A second later a Prothean appears on the screen. "Asari Vessel," The Prothean says in perfect galactic as it eyes the aliens on its own view screen, "I am Ambassador Ital Rmat of the New Prothean Empire Navy. State your intentions in our space or prepare to be moved on."

"Thank you Ambassador Ital Rmat for coming to speak with us; I am ambassador Irissia of the Asari Republics and by extension Citadel Council. I come with the hopes of establishing peaceful first contact."

"You have many warships here for peaceful intentions, ambassador."

"Rest assured they are for defensive purposes only."

There is a pause as the Prothean reads some instructions from an enforcer off-screen. "Asari, you will come aboard my vessel for continued talks." The screen then cuts off, and a data package informs Irissia of where she needs to go, and what she can bring.

"They are most arrogant," The ship's captain says, and Irissia blinks in agreement. "Yes, they are even allowing a full squad of commandos to accompany me." Granted that is only five personnel, but 5 Asari commandos are more than capable of holding back a horde of angry Krogan in the confined corridors of a space ship.

"If they are Protheans however, they have 50,000 years of development to their name. They were walking among the stars while we were living in caves. We can not blame them for their arrogance."

"Yes, I suppose so. Sensi, I am going to substitute a few of the commandos' for Prothean experts if I may. Armed of course."

The captain blinks to her, "As you wish, just be careful Irissia. These people could be more dangerous than anything else we know of. Ensure peace."

"For peace, I will sacrifice, for war, I will bleed." Smiles Irissa, citing the Asari ethos when dealing with foreign bodies. "I will leave now."

/../

Ital Rmat is stood tall in his ships hanger bay, he is a proud Prothean, and it shows. His maroon armour is polished and shining, his rank is proudly displayed, and his hardened cretin like plates that protect his vital points are scrubbed clean as any good Protheans should be. The rank of Ambassador is new to the Protheans since usually, his species dominates indiscriminately and then establish themselves as the new species leader, but this doctrine died with the old Prothean Empire. If the New Empire tried that the Humans would leash them in with what would likely be an iron fist. He hates to admit it, but the humans are their overlords right now, not too unlike how his own species were to many other races during their cycle.

When the Asari vessel docks, he stands a little bit taller and glances a quick look to his guards at his sides before moving forward a few paces and waiting outside the shuttle. When the door hisses open he remains where he stands and gazes his four eyes on the Asari. When he gets a clear view he suppresses a sneer, these Asari are just replicants of the humans, and he can tell just by looking at them that his species would, could dominate them if not for the humans. With a suppressed sigh at not being able to solve this with big guns he says, "Asari, welcome to the New Prothean Empire vessel Dominator."

The Asari who is carrying some flowers smiles before saying, "I am most grateful to be here. Please allow me to introduce my fellow companions, this man here,..." She gestures to an aged Turian who has served most his life as a diplomat once he served his six years in the Turian navy. "...Is Ambassador Folarian of the Turian Hierarchy," The Turian thumps his chests right side while saying, "I look forward to bringing our people together." Once the Turian said his bit Irissia then gestures to a Salarian on her right, "And this is Ambassador Zaerm of the Salarian Union,"

The Salarian brings his three-fingered hands in front of him in a traditional Salarian greeting and says, "Greetings, I hope we can find grounds for peace and the sharing of knowledge between our societies from these talks."

Before the Prothean can say anything in response Irissia holds out some flowers and says, "Illia Flowers from Thessia, a symbol of peace to my people."

Ital Rmat takes the hint after Irissia holds out the flowers for a moment and takes them. He could feel their importance to the Asari, but he does not care. "A meaningless gesture. Your actions will show your intent. I have been instructed to... talk with you." He hands the flowers to his nearest officer, who in turn moves to hand it off to the lowest ranked person in the room.

Irissia could tell the alien was not the most social of creatures just from his super tight posture. "Then let us talk."

"Yes. Follow me." Irissia blinks in agreement and follows the Prothean with her escort. As they walk through the halls of the ship Ital cannot help but notice how many of the Asari guard are poor warriors, they have allowed themselves to be absorbed by the ship design, especially the younger one.

Ital directed the Asari to a room with a few chairs and a teardrop shaped table, inside the room a few pieces of Prothean art decorate the walls. The room typically would be the captain's mess as Protheans are not known for talking with lesser species and do not have a room designated for talks. "Let me start," Ital says as he takes a seat at the head of the table, "My people do not appreciate your... questionable fleet in our space." It was a laugh to the Prothean to call this a fleet when he thinks of the human ones that patrol their area.

"And when we are assured of your peaceful intentions, we will leave, but let us not ponder the fleets," Florarian says.

"Do not challenge my people, Turian. If we do not resolve this issue here, then we shall flood into your galaxy as the Reapers did." This is a bluff, but the Asari do not need to know this.

"The Reapers?" Asks a younger Asari in the escort.

Ital sighs, "My people were once the rulers of this miserable galaxy, we ruled the stars while you drivelled in your caves with sticks and stones. But all good things come to an end, and the Reapers were nearly our end, as they shall be yours."

"I suspected as much," The younger Asari replies before Irissia could, "Your species just vanished as if overnight, all my evidence points to you being conquered by a far superior force."

"We fought for hundreds of years!" Snarls Ital, "To call it overnight is a great insult to my ancestors."

"Please forgive me!" Begged the Asari with a bowed head.

Ital ignored the Asari and turned to Irissa. "Asari, these are our borders," The Prothean pushes a datapad to her, "Retreat past those lines, and we can continue further, if you remain reluctant, you will leave me no choice but to open hostilities." As he speaks, he gives her a look that lets the Asari know he looks forward to showing them the power and prowess of his people in battle.

Irissia looks at the line the Protheans have drawn as their border, the lines are acceptable, and do not infringe on Council or her member states space. It could be a show of good faith to move there now, plus she doesn't want to start a needless war with a species some 50,000 years older than her own as Goddess knows what technology they could call upon. "We will comply, let me make a call."

The Prothean waited while she instructs the fleet out of Prothean space. "Now could we continue while our fleet falls back?" The Salarian asks, he is impatient, as is the majority of his species.

Ital blinks his top two eyes, "Yes. Our borders are not to be trespassed against at any time. In return, we shall respect your borders."

For now, this is most acceptable, "We will recognise your borders as out of bounds to our people, but I would like to think we could change this one day."

Ital was going to reply, but a message on his personal computer gained his attention, it is from an Enforcer who is no doubt watching this interaction. "We expect nothing less, Asari. For now, I can welcome a small diplomatic vessel of yours to Prothean Exclusive Space; there are people who are wishing to talk with you. The Little Bird will do, she has a QEC."

Irissia does not want to think how the Prothean knows The Little Bird has a QEC onboard, so she says, "We welcome your offer and gratefully accept."

The Salarian quickly adds, "So we may prepare adequately, who are we to meet?"

"People beyond your comprehension. You can leave now, and we will escort you through the human relay soon."

/.../

Back on their shuttle Irissa turns to Liara, "Maiden, did you need speak your thoughts?" She asks hotly while emphasising 'maiden' to inform Liara of just how angered she is.

Liara blinks in return, "We have learned more about the demise of the Protheans from my single questions than a few thousand years of studying the ruins have ever revealed."

Irissa sighs heavily, "I know this must be your ultimate dream, speaking with a live Prothean, but please, this is a delicate situation. Already one of your questions hit a sensitive spot; we do not need any other potential issues."

"I am sorry Matriarch; I will hold my tongue from now on."

Irissia smiles, "You are the child of Benezzia," 'And Athetya' she adds silently to keep the young maidens true heritage secret, "No, you will not."

/.../

With the Prothean dreadnought escorting them, the ambassadors travel through the human relay before emerging in a small three-planet system. One planet is a gas giant; the other two are garden worlds. The Prothean vessel directs them to the second planet from the sun.

Meanwhile, as they approach Irissia hears a crewman manning visual sensors say, "Oh Goddess!"

"Yes?" The Matriarch asks, expecting the Maiden to share what has her startled.

"Leali Focus in on 082445,126900,105503." Soon the view screen is showing an enormous angular station in orbit around the world they are heading to, the station's colours are grey, with a purple stripe running down its middle, which unbeknown to the Asari represent the ships home system. Purple represents New Lilya, the Prothean homeworld. Most Prothean ships do not follow the practice of colouring ones hull to show their home system, but as this was once a human ship, it is an exception. "That thing is over 25km long, widest point 8km, deepest 3km." This juggernaut is an Enforcers battle station from 10,000 years ago, it is manned by a crew of a twenty thousand men, and contains enough forces inside to wage war on a planetary invasion scale. Now, the station is a Prothean hub; they use it as a docking port for ships too large to land on their new homeworld.

Irissia is thankful that she managed not to provoke these aliens now more than ever. "By the Goddess."

"Matriarch, we have landing coordinates. Appears to be in the middle of a city on the surface of the planet." It surprises a lot of them that they are not landing on the station. Most species on first contact would house them on a station above their world before inviting them to the ground. This allowed them to ensure in a safe environment that no contaminants would be brought ground side.

"Prepare a shuttle, and have the ground team join me." Before Irissa leaves the bridge, she turns to the ship's captain, "Captain, we cannot risk a war with people that can construct a ship like that. No matter what happens, do not do anything hostile, peace at all costs."

"I understand," The captain blinks, informing the Ambassador that there will be no rescue.

Landing a short time later the Asari are buzzing to get out the shuttle and find out more of the Protheans, and they are not disappointed, they are greeted by a half dozen Protheans, all armed, who lead them directly to their higher echelons chambers. A room where the Protheans most senior government officials gather.

As they enter the room and look around in awe at its grandiose, they fail to notice the Protheans waiting impatiently. "Let us begin!" The most important Prothean in the room says with slight irritation in his voice, gaining the Asari's attention.

"Yes," Irssia turns to the Prothean in the middle of the room, who is curiously at the lowest point in the room. Unlike the councillors who stand on a podium, this room seems to be in reverse to galaxy norm. The less powerful you are, the higher in the room you are seated. As the Asari are foreign diplomats they are in the centre of the room, at its lowest point and where all eyes can see them. "Let me first say we are..." The Asari stops as the most powerful Prothean holds his hand up in an obvious demand for silence.

"First, I must ask that we remember our ancestors, who allowed our civilisation to continue through their sacrifice." The room enters a moment silence, with the Protheans raising a fist to their chest. After a moment the lead Prothean continues, "Let me be the first to welcome you to our most sacred halls. It is on this ground our ancestors planted our flag, and it is this very spot we have built our new empire around. It is no small honour to stand where you are; only one other species has done so."

"We are honoured to be invited here," The Salarian representative replies respectfully, "We come with the hope of peace between our people, and to establish a mutually beneficial friendship."

There are a few murmurs in the Prothean ranks, to 'hope' as openly as this Salarian is a sign of weakness in Prothean culture. The leading Prothean stomps his foot slightly, silencing the muttering of his people. "In our culture, hope is viewed as pitiful, sacrilege even, we do not need it. As for your desires, we can respect those. In this hostile galaxy, a friend cannot go amiss."

"Hostile galaxy? You have mentioned we are not the first species to stand here, yet all I have encountered so far is your own species, is there a sombre story to be told?" Asks Irissia, hoping to pry some history out of the Protheans.

The Prothean leader looks to the highest level in the room; he looks to a human enforcer who is leant against a marble column. She does not react to his gaze, so he continues, "My people were once great, we spanned the galaxy, we fought, and we conquered all those who stood before us, but alas we encountered vermin that made us fight in the shadows." Unbeknown to the Asari, this is a play on Harbingers words, that the Reapers numbers will blot out the stars.

"Yet here you stand." Tries Irissia.

"Yet here we stand," Repeats the Prothean, proud his species will be able to have a second shot at beating the Reapers. "Ready for the vermin to crawl out of their hiding space, so we can strike them down and have our vengeance."

"You did not defeat your aggressors?"

The Protheans in the room all laugh at this question, "Asari, our empire of trillions was reduced to a mere 3 thousand souls. Our... aggressors considered us conquered and left our galaxy, but enough of this sorrowful story. What would you want our friendship to involve?" The way 'Friendship' was spoken suggests disgust at the idea both cultures could become friends.

"Yes, our friendship. While I do not have the authority to sign documents outside of an initial peace agreement, the people I represent would like to have open borders between our people, trade deals arranged, and maybe for you to join our council."

The Prothean seems to think about it for a small time before saying, "The details can be negotiated, but no Prothean will step foot on your prized citadel to do so."

"Oh?" Asks the Salarian, "May I inquire as to why? Surely it was once a grand Prothean hub?"

This once more got those in the room laughing, "Lizard, you have no idea. The Citadel is... alien even to us. When you meet the humans, I am sure they will tell you what you need to know."

"The Humans?"

"As much as it pains me to say it," The Prothean starts, "The humans are this cycles elder. At this moment in time, we are all their primitives. If they so desired, they could conquer us all and we could do nothing about it."

/.../

After being dismissed from the Grand halls the small group of Asari, Salarian and Turian representatives are directed to a secondary room, in this chamber, they find three figures standing, two of which are Prothean, but the third character is confusing.

"Welcome," One of the Protheans says with an unusual upbeat voice that is a pleasant change from the usual Prothean downbeat drivel. "Salarians, if you would, come with me." The Salarians, not given much choice in the manner follow the Prothean. The Turians are asked to follow the second Prothean, leaving the Asari and the third confusing character.

"Are you...?"

"Asari?" Asks the figure in an older dialect of High Thessian, the dialect is more commonly spoken by respectable Matriarchs of an old bloodline, "Genetically yes, my mother rescued me from Omega when I was but a child."

"From Omega?" Irissia asks for confirmation, "And how did you end up here?"

"My adoptive mother," The Asari begins as she takes a few steps forward, "Found me abandoned, and her species are very protective of the young."

Irissia connects a few of the dots, "Your mother is Human?"

"Yes, and yes, she has visited Omega, the Citadel, Thessia, Palaven, and every other planet your species have set up colony."

"So why are you here now?"

The younger Asari smiles a little, "I asked to be here, and my superiors allowed it." Superiors in this instance is Shepard.

"But you are barely a maiden?"

The Asari nods her head, a human gesture, "Yes, but I am not your standard Asari. Now, I am yet to share my name, so please allow me to introduce myself as River Shepard."

River Shepard sounds very alien to Irissia, but she doesn't dwell on the fact and introduces the Asari in her team. Once introductions are out the way, the young Asari leads them to a door, "Please, this way." The other Asari follow, "Now I understand that the Asari value culture over science and war, so when my counterparts show the Turians what the Protheans are capable of bringing to the battlefield and the Salarians what scientific marvels they have, I will show you some of the things you will find value in."

"Surely," Asks Irissia, "A Prothean would be more adept to this role?"

The Asari shakes her head, "Possibly but I doubt it. Protheans do not find value in the things you do; they are a militaristic species, more so than your Turians, which thrive on asserting one's dominance. Think of them as Krogan who don't fight each other." The Asari leads them out of the building they are in and into a sky car, "But when you know where to look, the Protheans culture can shine."

As they ride in the sky car one of the Asari guards asks another quietly, "Is she?" The other Asari blinks, the pheromones of an Ardat Yakshi is almost impossible to mistake if not masked. Irissia would have brought this up earlier, but she decided that asking the Asari would not be a good idea.

The first monument River takes the group to is the monument of the Ancestors. A statue dedicated to those who fought the Reapers, the statue itself consists of 3 Prothean figures that look frozen in the middle of combat; they have weapons in hand as they shoot over some invisible cover and their feet are consumed in flames. Every one of the immortalised figures is injured and bleeding. "The Protheans call this the Forefathers, it is dedicated to those who died so this colony could exist."

Liara is silently amazed as she takes who knows how many pictures and 3d scans of the statue, "With all Prothean statues, the fire around the feet signifies their world lost, but they fight out of defiance, and their wounds the fact they fought bravely to the end. The three figures represent the three forefathers, the three bloodlines. The one on the left is the Tata bloodline, a historically fierce and primal bloodline that made the brunt of the Prothean armed forces. The middle figure is that of Elder Nauit; these Protheans would provide the empire with the science and technology needed for their wars, and the final figure, represented by Binso, the working class Protheans who fed and provided for the two other bloodlines." This information is enough for Liara to understand dozens upon dozens of Prothean art she has found over the years, the faces of the three figures are ones she recognises from other Prothean artworks.

"Who were they fighting?" Asks Irissia, curious as to who could make a Prothean world fall.

"The Reapers?" Adds Liara

Irissia notes the grim face on the Asari, "Yes, the Protheans call them Reapers, but we do not know their real name. They crushed the Prothean empire 50,000 years prior, and this colony is all that remains."

"50,000 years ago? I wonder why we have found no existence of this species?"

The Asari nods her head in understanding, "The Enforcer will give you more information on the war at hand, but for now I must continue my tour."

"Enforcer?" Asks Irissia.

"One of if not the most powerful entities in this galaxy. They are dedicated to war and the protection of Humanity."

Irissia frowns, "Is it usual for the first contact with humanity to be with an enforcer?"

"Yes." Says River, "If the enforcer determines you are not a threat to her species, you will be able to open talks with her people."

"And if we are considered a threat?"

River shakes her head, "You cannot afford that, but considering how primitive you are to them, it would take a considerable effort to make yourself a threat."

After some further exploration, showing the Asari things they would like to possibly trade in, and know, Irissia and her team are led further out of town. They continue their journey outside the city till they come across a river, on the peaceful river bank at a wooden picnic table sits an odd creature with a red mane, but when it stands and turns to face them, the Asari raise their brows, the creature looks remarkably Asari. When the Asari team are within a few yards the enforcer removes her sunglasses and bows her head in traditional Asari greeting, "Good day," She says when she raises her head out of the bow and puts her glasses back on. "Sit," She then gestures to the chairs opposite her on the table, and the Asari take a seat, all of them feel like they are maidens meeting a powerful Matriarch for one reason or another. River sits comfortably close next to the Enforcer.

As they sit, Irissia says, "You are a human, correct?"

"A symbiont," Corrects Shepard, "'Human' refers to the biological part of my entity, and humanity is our entire species as a whole." If you called a symbiont a human, most 'Humans' would accept it without pause. Shepard is only nitpicking because it is a technicality that the Asari need to know.

Irissia frowns, "I do not understand,"

Shepard leans forward slightly in her chair and rests her arms on the table; her fingers are intertwined with one another. "I am part AI," She watches the Asari become stiffer than a plank of wood, which was expected, "Part biological, as is the rest of my species. We are symbiont with AI."

"How does that work?" Asks Liara, genuinely curious.

Shepard untwines her fingers from one another and raises an open hand; some nanobots make their way to the surface of her palm, casting it a dark shade of grey, the grey then begins to dance around her fingers. "I have billions of nano-bots flowing through my blood, the nano-bots collectively form an AI, and I interact with the AI up here." She taps her right temple. "We are one."

"This will disturb my people." Irissia reluctantly tells the human.

Shepard nods, "Yes, they will also dislike the fact I personally cured the Genophage and have saved the Rachni from extinction. But this does not matter in the grand scheme of things."

"That was you?" Asks Irissia almost hotly. "And the Rachni?"

"Yes, your people are going to need the Krogan more than you can imagine soon. We need them in fighting condition. As for the Rachni, we are keeping them in line; we simply dislike sapient species going extinct."

"For the Reapers?" Asks Liara when Shepard finishes speaking, and Shepard blinks to her.

"Yes. The Reapers are but on the doorstep, ready to knock. Already we have been fighting the war against them in the shadows, I have terminated numerous of their agents in your space, and disrupted their Nazzara's operations. I've delayed their arrival as long as possible. I let you find the Protheans because it is only a matter of years now till the Reapers invade."

"Why didn't you warn us sooner? We could have prepared better."

Shepard smiles in response to the Ambassadors uninformed request, "Let children be children, and had we revealed ourselves the Reapers would have arrived far earlier than they have. By curing the Krogan I have prepared you the best I could. The Krogan have some of their numbers back, and you have increased your fleet sizes along with active military personnel in case they try anything."

Irissia rubs her forehead, the Protheans said the humans were advanced, and curing the genophage is some evidence, but she is curious as to how advanced. "It takes an advanced species to cure the genophage."

Shepard laughs audibly, " It took us less than an hour to cure the thing and any possible variance you could come up with." Shepard raises her second hand to be on the same level as her first, "This is advanced," A dark bloodish red string-like entity forms between both her hands, moving and flashing as if it has a conscious of its own. "You are the first of your species to bear witness to pure energy." It took 40,000 years for Humanity to crack this feat, and it still bamboozles the egg heads as to exactly how they did it. Really, they stumbled across this discovery by accident.

"You can manipulate pure energy? Amazing, we don't even have theories on this."

"Give it another 40,000 years, and then you will crack it." Shepard smiles before allowing the energy to fade. If she didn't let it fade correctly, then the pure energy would turn incredibly volatile, and nothing good happens when that occurs. "But alas to say, you do not want to make an enemy of us."

"We wish no such thing," Irissia tells Shepard.

"No, you want no such thing." Shepard responds, "But council doctrine would have your people declare us a galactic threat, just as you have done with the Geth,"

"The Geth..."

Shepard holds her hand up in an obvious requirement for Irissia to stop talking, "Do not bullshit me, Irissia, I have lived longer than your council has existed and watched as your civilisation has grown into the entity it is today. The Geth have not left their small corner of space since the morning war. While I can agree that you should have precautions in place, your people declared a genocide on them for just being AI."

"The Quarians..."

"Don't. Bullshit. Me. The Quarians attacked a sentient species and said species fought for its survival. Your council have not even sent a peacekeeping mission to determine the true nature of the war and listened only to the Quarian people. If we were not preparing for the Reapers onslaught, I would have intervened in the war. Then don't get me started with your treatment of the Quarians."

It took the Protheans a considerable time to learn that bullshitting humanity got them nowhere. Every time they tried it Shepard would punish them somehow, usually by publicly embarrassing the top brass who tried to lie or deceive her.

"That is a bold claim."

"Yes," Shepard responds as she takes a sip from some drink, and guessing from the smell, Irissia knows it must be alcoholic. "But as no other species, or body, is willing to be the party for good, it falls to us. Now," Shepard takes another sip of her beer. While it would seem most unprofessional for the first contact to be held over a beer, Shepard has done it on purpose to give a clear indication that this is a trivial if not unimportant event to Humanity. "I need to determine if it is safe to let our people interact."

"I must reiterate, we have no quarrel with your people, and only want to live in peace with you."

"You believe that," Shepard agrees, "But I do not yet think your council do." Shepard's enhancements allow her to read Irissia's vitals and determine if she speaks the truth or not.

"Then show us why we are wrong about your people."

Shepard thinks for a moment before nodding, "I will give you a chance." Shepard herself will meet this council and take it from there. "Now, from history, I am under the impression you will have been given instructions to invite a diplomatic party to meet with your esteemed Council, yes?"

"Then you know what I am to offer."

"Yes, then you will take me," Shepard pauses for a moment and gives her adoptive daughter a quick glance, ", and River."

"Just the two of you? No guard?" This is unusual; most diplomatic parties take a small guard at least.

River smiles a little as she says, "An Enforcer is an army of their own." She is smiling because she has always wanted to visit the Citadel and see others of her own kind.

"When you meet with your comrades, the Protheans will ask you to leave their system, and it would be wise for us to do as asked promptly. They are quite the territorial bunch, and they have a nasty bite to go with their bark." Shepard stands, shortly followed by the others sat around the table, "River, you can continue as planned. Diplomats, good day."

"How may we contact you?" Asks Irissia.

Shepard's response does not surprise Irissia, "I will contact you."

/.../

To say meeting the Turian and Salarian diplomats was an interesting experience would be a slight lie, the Salarians began to rattle off theories as to why the Enforcer looks so like an Asari, ranging from genetic engineering to look more like the Asari and even shared ancestry. The Turian diplomat meanwhile was bristling and testing of the Enforcer, trying anything he could to get her to reveal information on humanities war assets.

And here she is now, sitting in their own shuttle, small rucksack between her feet and a Lancer Direct Energy Weapon (LDEW or DEW for short) collapsed around her neck. Next to her sits River, who looks far more excited than the enforcer.

Arriving on the diplomat's vessel the aliens scan Shepard's and Rivers bags and bodies for weapons, but they do not really know what to look for when it comes to the Enforcer, and Shepard smuggles through her Lancer weapon without issue. As the saying goes, no enforcer is ever without their Lancer, the weapon is a directed energy weapon, capable of delivering huge devastation. Like her shields, it is powered by a facility on Earth; the power required for the device is transferred to the weapon wirelessly. The Lancer is every Enforcer's primary ground assault weapon, it could deliver the energy of an old gun powder bullet or the equivalent energy of a Turian dreadnoughts main cannon. The only limiting factor of its energy output is how much energy the Enforcer can be near when it goes bang.

/.../

As Irissia is the head of the diplomatic team that was sent to establish contact with the Protheans, it is her job to report to the Council of her progress. "Councillors," Her holographic form starts after the Matriarch bows her head in respect, "I come bearing news of my exploits past Relay 1071."

"Ah yes," The Salarian says, "I have been impatient for an update, please, tell us of what you have learned."

"Well," Irissia starts, "We have met two new species, one officially, the other not so officially. One is Prothean, the same Protheans whose mass effect designs we still use to power our ships, and the other, Humanity, which is a disturbing species."

"Disturbing?" Tevos latches onto the word, "Please expand your explanation."

"The species is advanced, possibly a level 5 on the Incria scale."

"Impossible," The Salairan Councillor says, "A level 5 civilisation is theoretical at best."

"I wished it was true," Irissia replies, knowing that her species are no longer the most advanced, "But I have seen them manipulate pure energy. Their enforcer held it in her hands like it was a play toy."

"Enforcer?" Asks the Turian representative, the word 'enforcer' is an interesting one for him. The Salarian latches onto the word

"Best to think of one as a Spectre with the power to control humanities military. If we fail to impress her and ensure her of our intentions, Humanity will not engage with us. There is two more thing you need to know about them."

"Yes, please." The Salarian replies.

Irissia prepares herself for the revelation before saying, "Firstly they are neither biological nor AI, but a synthesis of the two." Irissia notices her superiors become stiff, "Secondly, they would seemingly know everything about us. Their enforcer claims to have walked the streets of each of our homeworlds; she claims to have fixed the genophage and saved a Rachni colony. There is another issue, but I believe it is best for it to be spoken in person, to ensure utter privacy."

"Have you seen any evidence to prove their claims?" The Turian is sceptical.

"No, however, the enforcer has saved an Asari and reared her from young. She claims the Asari of unfortunate fate came from Omega." The use of 'unfortunate fate' discretely tells Tevos the Asari is an Ardat Yakshi.

"I understand," Tevos blinks, "Thank you for this update. Please expect heavier than typical security for our human guests upon your arrival. Is there any more you can tell us about the Protheans?"

"If I may," Irissia tries, "We do not want to risk angering this Enforcer. As for the Protheans, there is a sensitive subject of which I can not speak freely. They are a militaristic race only held in check from my educated guesses by Humanity. They thrive on conquest, and it dominates their culture. Currently, they are more advanced than any other species in Citadel space, possibly level 4, and they like to remind us of it."

"I see." The Turian says slowly, "What do you judge their military capabilities to be?" Trust the Turian to ask this question.

"Septimus believes they alone could challenge many of our species, but they lack the numbers to launch ground invasions."

"And Humanity?"

Irissia shakes her head, "I have only met one of their enforcers."

The three councillors look among one another before nodding, "We understand. Please keep your guests entertained till we can officially greet them." The Councillors look like they were about to terminate the call but Tevos adds, "And well done for ensuring peaceful contact Irissia." After ending the call the Councillors go over the full reports uploaded by the various diplomats on what they have seen. The reports contain more information that Irissia omitted for various reasons.

/.../

Councillor Tevos pinches the bridge of her nose; the news ambassador Irissia brings is causing a headache to brew in her skull. The news of live Protheans alone is enough to cause chaos, but a species that is supposedly advanced enough to manipulate pure energy? This is something out of science fiction. Then there is the fact they are one with AI and seemingly distrustful of her governing body. Then there is the fact they have built relays.

"Thoughts?" She asks the others in the room. It has been 4 hours since the call with the diplomat.

"Where to start?" Asks the Salarian in fast speech, "Level 5 on the Incria scale? I do not even know how to approach this. Constructed relays? Pure energy? The synthesis of both AI and biological? All fascinating."

"Please," The Turian in the room says, "Keep your sadistic fantasies of observing their technology, and dissection to yourself." He then takes a sigh, the Turian representative to the public is a man of steel, unwavering and tight mandibled, but to his fellow councillors, he is quite expressive. "But I am worried about everything in this report. If they are level 5 on the Incria scale, a war between our people would be short-lived. We should tread carefully."

Every new race is rated on the Incria scale, races who are yet to discover space flight, no matter their current technological stage are rated at 0. Level 1 is for civilisations that have space flight, but are yet to conquer the relays, these species are carefully watched, with contact being made when appropriate.

Level 2 is a species that have conquered the relay and only possess a few colonies. These species have limited military assets and are no threat to the Citadel alliance. A level 3 society is what most Citadel species themselves are, including the Asari, Turians and Salarians. This society is a powerful one with significant assets, one of these societies could stand against the council for a considerable time, if not challenge it outright.

A level 4 could conquer the Citadel with a significant struggle, they would be entirely self-dependent and have a greater economy then the known galaxy, they may even have the ability to build relays.

The relays no longer bind a level 5 species; they possess forces beyond comprehension, any contact with this race must be peaceful for war would be a slaughter. For the good of the galaxy, no one ever wants to come across a level 5 society as this is just bad news all around.

Tevos reluctantly blinks, "Yes, I concur, but the fact they are part AI, it unsteadies me."

The Salarian is the least disturbed, "These people are not the Geth, and if the report is true, they have walked among our people for possibly centuries with little issue. If they have also saved the Rachni, and allow the Protheans great freedoms, I do not believe they would want to conquer us." The Salarian takes a drink of what looks like muddy water, and in practice, it is, just the mud is selected for its various mineral and organic contents.

/.../

Shepard is sitting on a comfy cushion on the floor while looking out over the vastness of space, but she is not really in the room, in her mind, she is issuing orders to the numerous fleets under her control. Irissia slowly approaches the scary human and clears her throat when she is but a few steps away.

"So," Shepard asks the Asari as she continues to 'look' out the window, "Are you here to meld?"

Irissia is only surprised for a second that Shepard already knew of her intentions, "Yes, it is standard practice that we meld with the diplomat of a new species. By allowing..."

Shepard does not need to hear the Asari's justification for the act. "I accept." She cuts her short before turning in her chair to look at her. "Meld away, but I will warn you, it will be confusing for you."

"We will see." Irissia replies as she grabs a cushion for herself and sits down opposite Shepard in the Little Bird's observation room. Placing her hands on the human's head, she says, "Thank you for accepting this," Before uttering the three famous words.

The moment Irissia enters Shepard's mind she is confused, thoughts fly past her at an unnatural speed that makes it impossible for her to keep up, and it feels like she is connected to two different minds. She tries to manoeuvre her way around the Enforcers mind, but ultimately, she fails to connect as the two individual minds think at incompatible speeds. Irissia has melded with Salarians many times, and she believes they are fast thinkers, but this is beyond anything she expected.

"That." Shepard starts when Irissia exits the meld, "Is the result of 50,000 years of living with AI in our brains and genetic engineering. Our speed of thought is well above your own, and you cannot meld successfully without extensive training." A standard human does not think quite as fast as a genetically engineered Enforcer, but it is still well beyond a Salarian.

/.../

The Trip for Shepard was quite boring, the Asari vessel compared to Humanities crafts is incredibly slow, and the facilities are lacking. For River, however, it has been interesting to interact with others of her own kind and has managed to establish a friendship with the second youngest on the ship. But both are relieved when they dock at the Citadel. "Got everything?" Shepard asks her adoptive daughter before they meet with the other diplomats to walk onto the citadel.

After River nods to her mother the airlock opens with a 'hiss' and the citadel is revealed to them, but Shepard is not surprised by what she sees. She has been here numerous, maybe hundred times before after all. The moment Shepard takes a step off the ramp she is almost blinded by the flashing of lights of photographers, but thankfully a genetic modification has her conjunctiva, the thin layer of cells on top of her eye, dim, filtering out the flashing lights. This modification helps the Enforcer overcome flash grenades and other explosions from hindering her sight in the heat of combat. Shepard walks down the ship's ramp with the other diplomats till she comes face to face with the big three. "Councillors," She greets with a stern voice. "It's time we talk." River stands back, for now, after all, she is not of interest to the Councillors.

Tevos raises an eyebrow marking while Sparatus says, "To the point, I like that. Welcome to the citadel, I am under the impression we do not need to introduce ourselves?"

"No, Councillor Sparatus," Shepard says, "I know all about you three and your deeds. "

Tevos swallows a little before saying, "Then let us move this to a private scene, where prying eyes are kept at bay."

Shepard nods once before following the councillors. As she follows she notices the heavy build-up of security, this does not surprise her, nor does the fact the build-up is more substantial than regular first contact surprise her.

Getting into a private room away from the public Shepard takes a seat before either councillor can because she is going to lead this meeting. The councillors do not mind too much, however, as it is good for future relations to allow a new species to take things at their own pace. "So," Shepard states when she is comfy, "First of all, you are worried about me being an AI, don't be, we could have eliminated you thousands of years ago when you still fought with sticks if we wanted to do that." Shepard knows that this is unlikely to pacify them, but she doesn't care because if anything she is trying to provoke them to show their true colours.

This is just the first bombshell Shepard is to drop. "But I don't care about that. What I care about is if I should even let you speak to my people. You are a corrupt political body that in all honesty disgusts my people. You break your own laws and allow people who enslave and god knows what else to participate in your collective. Christ, they even enslave your own people! Then, for good measure, you have committed genocide twice!" Shepard takes a small pause as she lets them know Humanity is not happy with them.

"But!" She continues after a moment, "The war that is but a moment away requires a stable galaxy to have any hopes."

"War?" Asks the Turian, he is still revelling from the Enforcers onslaught. "We are experienced in such arts."

"Yes." Shepard clicks her fingers and waits patiently for an Asari to scurry in the room, after a second of quiet whispering Shepard watches the Turians face break into a face of horror. "Tell me, Councillor, what does your art of war dictate right now?"

Outside the Citadel 100 ships 100km long, and 80 ships 80km long are surrounding the citadel, they are Humanities pillars of conquest. The Turian flares his mandibles before saying, "Your attempts to intimidate me will fail." The Turian does not know what else to say, this human has just spawned 180 ships that are well above dreadnought class, to the point they are larger than the citadel.

"Ah yes," Shepard says, she is still far too relaxed for the Councillors liking, "The triumphant Higherarchy will try and put us down I suppose. Get real, Sparatus. My species would crush the Citadel in less than a second if we wished." Shepard then clicks her fingers again, and the warships vanish. "Let me make this clear, my people do not want a war, but we will not allow you to be hostile towards us for what we are."

'So,' Tevos muses silently to herself, 'This is what her show is about.' When the Asari aid told her of the warships in orbit, she honestly didn't know how to react.

After a moment to sip some beer Shepard spawned into the room Shepard goes on, "Now, you know what I can deliver, I trust you will treat my people's diplomat as you would me." Shepard clicks her fingers again and Donnel Udina flashes into existence next to her.

"My humble greetings, Enforcer," Udina says respectfully with his hands together in front of him as he watches a few Citadel guards approach, "I trust you have pacified their hostilities towards our nature?"

Shepard nods as she gestures to a chair for the man to sit in, "They know their place." She tells him as he sits.

"Excellent!" Udina says with a sly knowing smirk.

Cheers for reading!