I do not claim Stellaris or Mass Effect to be mine. They are owned by their respective companies Paradox and Bioware.

To say that the day had not gone over well for Shepard would be like telling the Krogan that the Genophage was no 'Big Deal." Both would have cost you your legs, arms and your skull by the end of that encounter. Needless to say that while events had not gone quite to plan, they were slowly improving.

"Joker! The Normandy better be ready to fly by the time we get there or I'm going to- Miranda, cover fire! Collectors inbound!"

Marginally.

Still, it could not be said that there were no few successes. No casualties among the strike force as of yet. Thank Sirta for medi-gel. Legion was brilliant in infiltrating the way through the Collector base. They even rescued the crew that had been kidnapped. The colonists, however, well, the less said the better. No one would be having good dreams for a while after this if they made it out through this.

"No, not if, When," Shepard corrected herself, firing off another round into the skull of the nearest degenerate Collector. She was Jane Shepard, Hero of Elysium, and she was not leaving anyone behind on this hellhole of a station.

Her comm beeped, signalling that a message was inbound. "Shepard," came the hurried, concerned voice of Joker, pilot of the Normandy, "I've got the Normandy coming up on an opening just to the east from your position! EDI's sending you the coordinates now!"

The Commander's HUD lit up. "Got it! On our way! Miranda, Grunt, move now," she barked, tossing the remaining two firestorm grenades from her belt at the collectors behind her as the three ducked down a corridor towards where the Normandy was supposed to be. Shepard's spirits rose when she saw the shining if slightly banged up, steel of the Normandy comes into view. They rose even higher when she saw the portside airlock door open up and Joker of all people hurry out, assault rifle in hand and firing off at any of the collectors still chasing after them.

"Joker, you crazy son-of-a-gun, what are you doing," she called through the comms.

"Saving your asses, what else," he replied in that teasing tone of his. "Could you hurry it up though?! The recoil is a pain to deal with."

Shepard couldn't help but let out a small laugh at that. "You heard the man, go go go," she'd shout at the two, staying back a step behind them to ward off more attacks.

Grunt would make it to the ship first, his krogan biology giving him the extra boost he needed to hurry through the door, however much his blood was calling for him to stand and fight. The young Krogan warrior would give Joker an approving look as he rushed through the airlock. Miranda was mere seconds behind him, just barely making it across the threshold of the outer airlock door before falling debris would strike at the platform that stretched from the rocky outcrop to the Normandy. Both pieces of alien metal would shriek in protest, the one attached to the rock being ripped out before joining its brethren in falling into the abyss below.

"Shepard," both humans cried out in alarm and fear for their friend.

As if a small gap of doom would stop Shepard. She merely ran, ditching her pistol and rifle to the ground, putting all her effort into her legs and feet. With a shout of determination, she reached the edge of the rock-face and pushed, the cybernetics in her legs working overtime as she propelled herself into the air. Even then it looked as though it would be a close call as the Commander's hands hit the edge of the airlock. But it was with the heroic effort of Joker and Miranda grasping both Shepard's arms and pulling her in that saved her.

"Good job you two," she told them once they were all standing inside. She would have said more but the sudden fire of weapons at them from the collectors reminded her that they had no time, and all three dashed in, the doors closing behind them and the Normandy turning and flying free of the Collector base.

"Joker, get us out of here. I want us gone before this place lights up like a Christmas tree and us with it," Shepard would declare, hurrying down the CIC to the map, the parts of the crew that could manage to be at their posts after the whole ordeal dutifully working at them to increase all their odds of survival. Using the ship's speakers she shouted through them, "Everyone, strap in. This is going to to get rough!"

Under the masterful touch of Joker, along with EDI, the Normandy shot through the debris field, even as EDI's own voice counted down the seconds on the detonator that would blow the Collecter base to pieces.

"Yeah, I get it EDI, hold on," Joker would shout from his seat at the helm, dipping and diving the frigate around boulders of space rock and the derelict hulks of wrecked starships, all the while fighting against the buffeting solar winds as the ship raced towards the Omega-4 Relay. "It's gonna be tight!"

Behind the fleeing starship, the great mass of rock, metal and bizarre biology that made up the collector base began to explode outwardly in great gouts of red-orange flame. But in one of the many rooms yet to enter into a fiery maelstrom of death, a collecter worked tirelessly at the console of technology it didn't even know how to work, unaware of the carnage erupting around it.

"You have failed," came the intimidating voice of Harbinger, the mastermind of the collectors, its holographic body displayed above the terminal. "We Will find another way! But you will not be around to watch our victory, Shepard."

Below, the collector that the Reaper was possessing tapped away at the console, enacting a digital viral code that had never been used before. From the dying base flew a signal towards the nearest Reaper built object in the system. Task accomplished, it began to type mindlessly once more.

"Releasing Control."

And then all was fire and heat as the last of the collectors died out in a great, hot fireball.

"Joker, I've detected a large surge of data from between the collector base and the Omega-4 Relay just before the base's destruction," reported EDI dutifully to the pilot. It was a testament as to how much their friendship had grown that she would even report such a thing to Joker and not only to the commander. Having one's shackles destroyed really does help two people grow closer together.

The pilot in question was eyeing the quickly approaching relay with suspicion, even as he pushed the engines to the max to keep the ship ahead of the rapidly expanding blast wave. "Any idea what it was? Is it going to explode on us when we use it?"

"I cannot tell at this time, however-" EDI's voice cut off for a moment as something began to register among her sensors. Her processors worked overtime for a moment as she broke down the data, compiled it into a useful format, then examined and formed a hypothesis before narrowing it down to one hard fact. All in all, this took only a mere two seconds. "Commander, I've detected an anomaly from the Omega-4 Relay. It appears as though it is changing position. At this rate, I cannot say for certain whether it will take us back to the Omega Nebula or discharge us elsewhere."

Shepard, who had been making her way to the helm as this was happening, cursed from behind Joker's seat. "If it isn't one thing it's another. The Reaper's really don't want us surviving, do they," she groaned, even as her mind raced to solve this problem. "A firestorm closing in behind, a possible firestorm ahead. Definite death behind us, possible death in front of us…"

The Commander took a breath, her lips forming into a stern, thin line even as her brain echoed how much she hated being put between a rock and a hard place. "We risk it. For all that we know, it will dump us in empty space close enough that we can limp to a spaceport for repairs. But if we stay here we will only die. We take the Relay."

"Yes Commander," replied Joker, lining up towards the relay, EDI helping the Normandy get into position in the most efficient manner possible. "I really hope this works.." he grumbled.

The energy from the glowing red ball of power inside the spinning rings of the relay connected to the frigate as the Normandy entered the travel corridor created by the large megastructure. And then it activated. And the Normandy vanished into space as the realm of the collectors burned behind it.

To say that it had been a long, boring day would've been an understatement for the crew of the ACN Beselador. One would think that exploring a newly discovered star system would be cause for excitement and passion, especially for the scientifically minded. To ones like the crew of the Beselador however, it was not. Not when the system in question was nothing more than your average red giant star with one barren rock that could barely be called a planet in the middle of nowhere. But, star exploration was star exploration, and each system needed to mapped, each anomaly accounted for, each celestial object documented for the records back at the Bureau of Star Exploration. Who knows, this lump of rock and stardust might become an important trade stopover or military post in the future. The scientists and crew didn't know. They just study the bloody systems.

That said, there was one thing of interest in the system. A giant construct, bigger than even one of the Colossus-class sized ships of the military, made out of dark metal in the shape of a tuning fork of all things, hovering lifelessly at the edge of the system. These strange structures had been found in various star systems outside the homeworld, in stages of either activation or dormancy. Since they were incompatible with the technology of the Commonwealth and resisted all form of study other than theoretical research and debate, these Keys as they came to be known, were dismissed as little to no importance. Until one scientist made the link that these Key's could be part of a galactic wide roadway of sorts, albeit one much more limited than the hyperlane network.

That caught the attention of the Military, who understood a simple truth about roads. They work both ways. Even if the Commonwealth couldn't use them, that didn't mean that other space-faring races couldn't, or wouldn't use them. Which left a glaring hole in the defences that the admirals and generals of the Commonwealth couldn't abide by. So they came up with a plan to dispose of the space Keys. The first testing of the plan occurred in an abandoned system that contained one of these keys, a very ingenious idea as if anything went wrong as nothing important would be destroyed in the worst case scenario. They towed the Key off and pitched it into the system's sun. As nothing happened when the Key melted into the burning heat of a K-Class star, it was deemed a success. Secondary tests confirmed this plan as a viable solution. And so, it was deemed protocol that whenever during exploratory adventures came across a Key, they were to call it in for disposal.

Much to the chagrin of some of the scientific community, who wished to be able to study these strange structures and discern their secrets. One of these scientists was Chief Researcher Sarim den Pagor, the leader of the scientific crew aboard the ACN Beselador, who reluctantly reported the discovery to the military guard attached to their expedition. The Destroyer-Class Sendiron and the two Corvettes Dafor and Maldur made up Task Force Utaris, who were mostly there to serve as protection for the little armed science vessel, passed on the message back home, and resumed their patrol around the system while the scientists continued on with their charting the small planet.

The Chief Researcher sighed as he watched the automated scanner carefully take the ship and its scanners over its precise grid-like search pattern of the planetoid's surface. Taking a look around, he took in his fellow bookworms and explorers, all with various looks of boredom or tiredness on their varying faces. He'd need to ask for some shore leave after this exploratory mission was over. Sarim thought about his diverse crew, made up of four different races all under the same banner, trying to come up with a planet that would do well for a vacation for all of them.

Sarim was a twenty-two-year-old Avani, a race of furred, bipedal mammalians that had fox-like features whose home is the planet of vast prairies called Esorith, in the Taia system. The Avani are adept explorers with a natural curiosity of the world and by extension, space and galaxy around them. They are also natural farmers, with an innate connection to the land they settle on and a close-knit people, preferring their smaller towns and farms to larger cities for the most part. Avani do not waste and will re-use and recycle as much as they can in order to keep their planets clean. Avani are considered to be the largest member species of Commonwealth, from which it also takes its name. The Avani Commonwealth.

The second most populous race is the Talrani. These large reptilians come from the icy world of Jorba, the second planet of the Commonwealth. Talrani are naturally strong, much stronger than any other species in the Commonwealth, and are a physiologically resilient people who make up the bulk of the armed forces of the star nation. Their efficiency in governance and military cannot be matched by any out there. Talrani also have a natural aptitude with engineering and shipbuilding.

The third race of the commonwealth are the Hinu. Aquatic Molluscoids from the third planet of the Commonwealth, the atoll world of Bannu, the Hinu are the most scientifically and mercantile of the races, having natural skills towards both. Talented in their trades and with natural charisma, Hinu run the commercial side of things in the Commonwealth.

Also onboard among them were the AI race known simply as the Tobor, who were created as a joint project between the three organic races. A fully self-functioning sapient synthetic race, complete with unique personality matrixes and emotion simulators, they fill the middle ground and any holes that their organic counterparts can't cover. With full citizen rights, the Tobor are regarded highly in society, even if a few dissidents raise a fuss over giving machines such freedom.

All four races worked together in a system that had lasted for over a millennium here in this part of the galaxy. Longer still before that. Quietly growing, expanding, researching new and old lost technologies and discovering more and more about the galaxy they lived in.

Sarim's musings were brought to an abrupt halt when the alarms on board the Beselador, causing him and everyone else to stop what they were doing and snap to attention. All trace of lethargy was gone, instead replaced by a growing sense of unease.

"Ulfric," barked Sarim, turning to the console next to him, "What is going on? Status report!"

From a small pedestal just next to the console, a digital form took shape. Looking like a much smaller Avani coloured blue and wearing a lab-coat, the ship AI saluted Sarim. "Sir, Sensors indicate a large fluctuation of dark energy emanating from the System object labelled "KEY"

Sarim's and everyone else's blood ran cold at the information. Already hurried and concerned whispers filled the laboratory.

"Does the captain know," asked the scientist.

Ulfirc nodded. "Yes, sir. He has been informed. As has Task Force Utaris. They Are inbound to take up shielding positions." The AI hesitated for a second. "Sir, according to my calculations, this could only be one of few possibilities, chief of which are-"

"First Contact," growled Sarim, looking around the room. "Everyone, to the shelters just in case. I'm going to the bridge. Move!"

The group of researchers did as told and left in a hushed, if nervous crowd, whispering to one another. Meanwhile, Sarim left the laboratory via another doorway and turned down towards the bridge in a rush. He arrived to find the crew of the Beselador in a mild panic, the bridge's viewing port showing the incoming task force, as well as the ominously not-unactive Key, red glow emanating between its two rings and getting faster by the second.

Ulfric appeared on the pedestal in front of the captain's seat. The captain of the ACN Beselador was a 28-year-old Talrani named Batchu J'Khan. The reptilian looked very uneasy about this entire situation, and his eyes gave way to some relief upon seeing Sarim.

Ulfric spoke first. "First contact.. That's.. My processors want to say both terrifying and exciting. It's confusing. The first time in, well, ever! And for better or worse I'm part of it! My circuits are going to melt."

"At least one of us seems to be enjoying this," groused Batchu, crossing his arms in annoyance. "The task force is coming in fast and will form up. Whatever this thing is coming through, we'll at least give'm a bloody nose if they aren't friendly."

"Since the Arrival, all we've known is the four races. This will be the first time meeting a fresh face," Sarim replied in a calm voice that did not betray his own nerves.

"Energy level's rising. I'm sensing massive amounts of dark energy and spatial manipulation of matter.." reported the AI, looking at a digital version of a holo-tablet, even though it could 'see' just fine with its outward sensors. "I have no record of such an event. Whoever this race is, they can use the Keys to travel, something we've tried and failed to understand! The implications of this are amazing."

While the Shipboard AI had its little nerd meltdown, Sarim stared out at the Key with its rings spinning in space. It was true. Hostile or not, this race proved that the Keys are a form of travel. Decades of research vindicated. His dream could be realized.

A flash of light and the sight of space warping for a moment was all the warning they received before the Key discharged itself of all its energy and spat out something before their eyes.

"Its a ship," cried a shocked ensign from the lower bridge.

Indeed it was. About the size of a frigate, perhaps a bit smaller, it had the appearance of a silver fish with black markings on the side. Four 'fins' sprung out towards its back, two on each side. Its thrusters perhaps? Markings, writing of some kind was written on its side. Something to be studied later for sure. Sarim's eyes narrowed. Something about the ship seemed… off somehow.

"Sirs," Ulfric spoke up again. Did he look concerned? "Long-range scanners show the structural integrity of the alien vessel to be less than fifty percent. Hull damage is extensive, I can only run educated guesses on the interior of the vessel. It seems that our new arrivals are badly bloodied."

"But by what," the Captain rumbled.

"Or by who," Sarim added.

A predicament indeed. The last thing they needed to happen was for the Commonwealth to make First Contact with a new species only to get caught up in a war. Was it a religious, genocidal, ideological or a civil war? So many possibilities. What was this species like? What was their governmental structure? Was there even more species out there?

Sarim shook his head. They needed to act decisively now.

"Open up a line with the task force."

"Yes sir," chirped the AI. It was a moment before he finished with, "You're connected, sir."

The Avani nodded. "Captains of Task Force Utaris. This is Chief Scientist Sarim calling in. As I am in charge of this expedition I hereby order you to stand down. Do not open fire on the Alien Vessel unless it is proven hostile. The Ship appears damaged. Prepare for a possible recovery mission in case of emergency." He then hung up.

"Order's received and enacted sir. The task force is standing down," Ulfric said. "I've dug around in the archive and have found the Commonwealth's first contact protocol." He pulled up the image of a thick book and blew the 'dust' off of it. "Shall I prep it for use?"

"Good job Ulfric. Do so quickly," said the scientist. Turning to Batchu he smiled. "Ready to make history my friend?"

The Talrani gave an impassioned shrug. "I'd rather let someone else deal with the amount of paperwork this is all going to cause. I hate paperwork."

Sarim winced internally. Paperwork was indeed a hell of its own. He could already visualize the mountain he'd have to go through after all this was done.

"Package prepped and ready sir," declared the ship's AI, "Shall I send it off?"

"In a moment Ulfric." Sarim gestured to the crew, and the shipboard messaging system opened. "People of the Beselador and task force Utaris. We stand on the edge of great discovery this very hour! For the first time in our people's history since the Arrival, we have come across fellow travellers of the stars! Who knows what secrets and knowledge they may hold. Today we meet our brethren of the stars and initiate first contact. Our names will go down in history for what we are about to do and I am proud to have you all here with me now for this momentous event. Remember that we all who are here today are representatives of our grand star nation! So be your best! Strength, prosperity and perseverance! These are the words of our nation. Let us show these new friends the meaning of them!"

He cut off the com then, listening to the smattering of applause from the bridge and preening under the attention, just a little of course. Turning towards the Captain, who merely gave the Avani a knowing smirk, he looked to Ulfric. "This is the science and exploration vessel ACN Beselador of the Avani Commonwealth Navy, escorted by the vessels of the Utaris Task Force. We are here to render aid and assistance to your damaged vessel and to any injured you have on board. The Commonwealth wishes to foster good relations and peace between our two nations. We are pleased to meet you."He paused. "There, send that Ulfric."

And Ulfric the AI did just so.

History in the making indeed.

Author's Note:

Well hello, all you Fans of space adventure, storytelling and space opera~ Bravewolven here to bring to you my very first work in fiction ever! I'm super nervous to have you all read this, and I'm fairly novice at doing big writing through this. I've had this idea cooking around in my head for months and I finally. FINALLY! Worked up the effort to put to paper-er.. digital writing. Anyways, this story is going to be about, well, Stellaris crossover with Mass Effect. Or should it Mass Effect crossover with Stellaris since the story is taking place in the ME Galaxy.. hmm?

Regardless, I just love Both these franchises and wanted to write a little story about an undiscovered space race(s) joining into the larger ME Galaxy. These guys are gonna be strong and powerful, but not too powerful. No curb stomping the REAPERS as tempting as it is. Their tech is different, their ships are different and their society(s) are different from any in the current ME universe! Hopefully that isn't too reality breaking for you guys. Anyways, expect some fun from this. I do struggle with making characters unique and interesting, also I really suck with dialogue, so I really hope I can do the franchises' characters justice and write in a really engaging way. That said, I'd love constructive criticism and/or ideas or questions. Hopefully, I can answer them all soon.

Cheers all~