I of course have no ownership of Halo, Mass Effect, or any of it's associated properties. If I did I would have fired the legally brain dead corporate suits that populate EA and watch as the internet openly celebrated.

Sorry for the long delay, but life just gets in the way and I had little choice. I've no IDEA when the next update might occur, but maybe it'll happen before next Christmas.

ALSO in case any writers are interested in an idea I would LOVE to see done please read the A/N at the end of this chapter.

Time passed slowly for Vasiris as she waited, alone now, in a room with an unknown alien. Trying to seem in control of herself she put on as disinterested an expression as she could manage.

Apparently the thing –whatever it was- was going to wait for her ships to do as they were told and head to the edge of the system.

Everything is happening so fast. She thought. First I thought this would be a simple little archeological adventure. Something that could keep me from that boring diplomatic shit for a few blissful hours. Now I'm at the tender mercies of an alien that I still think is a hologram that apparently holds the power over gravity with just its pinky and there isn't a single sign of eezo.

The fact that there wasn't a trace of eezo anywhere that Vasiris' quick passive omni-tool scan could detect, worried Vasiris. While she wasn't very keen on keeping up with current events of the expansion efforts by the other council races, she did know that the Turians had encountered a pre-FTL species that made extensive use of efficient magnetic based projectile weapons. While this hadn't stopped the Turians from absorbing the species into a client race it did certainly create a few waves across civilized space.

Vasiris knew that amongst most of the scientific circles of the galaxy it was largely considered impossible for there to be an efficient method of using magnetic forces for weapons. That the Turians latest client race had was a true scientific marvel. If rumors were to be believed the Turians were actually in the process of trying to apply the technology to create more efficient Fusion reactors.

Now I'm in the hands of a race that has capacities that I could never dream of. Thought Vasiris riley.

If Vasiris was going to be honest with herself, the position she found herself in was exciting. Here was a species that could bring marvels to the other Council races. That is if she acted like the diplomat she was supposed to be and talked herself out of whatever punishment she might suffer.

At the thought of her punishment she couldn't help feeling a spike of anger at the audacity of it all. I can't believe I and my people are in trouble for crimes we didn't even know we were committing. What the hell is the crime anyway?

Before Vasiris could delve further into that mental path the flaming thing spoke in a voice that warned against further argument. "The rest of your crew and vessels have reached the edge of the system. You will follow me now. There will be no argument. Face your judgment with dignity intact."

The orange flame engulfed being quickly turned around and headed toward a hole in the wall that must have been an entrance to deeper places of the Outpost. Fearing that she might anger the unknown being Vasiris quickly followed suit, doing her best to keep up with the incredibly long alien strides.

As she walked she saw that the orange color that the glowing lines had become was only true for the grand cathedral like room she had been in. The hallway she now silently walked down glowed a soft blue as lines of shimmering light pulsed all across the alien metal.

The actual walk itself was proving more nerve racking than waiting in the total silence of before. With each step Vasiris could hear her feet clack against alien metal in an unnatural ringing tone. The only other sound came from her rapid breaths.

Time passed slowly as she walked and the odd beauty of the glowing lights could only distract Vasiris's mind for so long. "Excuse me," mumbled Vasiris. I feel like a child in grade school, fearful of angering her teacher. "Can you tell me exactly what it is, my people did to warrant punishment?"

If the being of light and fire heard her question it gave no sign as it continued walking at what must be a sedate pace for itself.

Vasiris could feel her blood start to heat up at the silent snub of her words. The least this thing could do for her was try and explain what she did to warrant punishment. That way she could form some kind of defense against the impending judgment.

Still, even if I could come up with some defense this species could be just like the Turians. A stick half a kilometer up their ass; with the proud motto of, "Ignorance does not negate responsibility."

The slow journey for Vasiris continued on and her flaming guide remained silent. The utter lack of a single Thessian voice was beginning to unnerve Vasiris and her earlier ire over being ignored still glowed brightly.

As she plodded along down the alien hallway music began to faintly resister to Vasiris' senses. At first there were no words, only sounds so light she wasn't certain she was hearing them at all. A haunting melody played from unknown instruments as her feet met unyielding metal.

Words that were not words began to sound faintly as she walked. While she couldn't understand them they sounded grandiose and powerful; promising splendor only the most hedonistic empires could hope to match.

I can't keep going like this is. She thought desperation building a lump in the back of her throat. I've got to make this thing tell me what is going on.

Immediately Vasiris stopped her feet and waited for the thing to respond. The flame covered being only made another step before stopping and turning around to fix her with eyes that must only hide contempt.

"Why have you stopped?" It asked in a neutral tone.

"You know exactly why I'm not taking another step further!" Vasiris snarled.

"Little child, for all my understanding of synaptic pathways and neural feedbacks; I am incapable of reading the mind of an organic." Softly spoke Vasiris' guide. "So speak now and ask your questions or I will drag you before the Overseer kicking and screaming."

Without needing any further prodding Vasiris spoke in rapid tones. "Why am I here? What have we done wrong? What are you?"

"Why are you here?" Echoed the being of flames. "Child that is the oldest question in existence and for all my builders wisdom and knowledge they are no closer to answering it."

"That's not what I…" Before Vasiris could finish the thing continued, marching over Vasiris own voice.

"For what you have done wrong? That is your greatest crime. Your kind are adolescent children molesting a babe that has barely begun to think of walking. Your people have interfered with the natural progression of an infantile species that has only begun to dream of their feet on distant worlds and you will be brought to judgment for it."

"But.." spluttered Vasiris.

"What I am is of no concern to you. You may ask the Overseer if you truly wish to know. Now I have answered your questions will you follow without any more delays?"

Vasiris could only silently nod her compliance and continued her grudging steps. As she walked behind the being of light her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and ideas.

Here was a species or at least a representative that were in some way exactly like the Protheans. That watched over smaller species and protected them from harm. And it seems we've angered them. Trying to plead her case on account of ignorance didn't seem like a good idea but, it was the truth. They did not know about this species.

Even if by some miracle she did manage to convince this Overseer not to punish her for this transgression. What would the rest of this new species do once they learned about the other pre-space flight species the Council races had taken under their wing?

Without more information all her wondering wouldn't even equal an educated guess. At best this species could allow them to maintain their holdings but would prevent further acquisitions. The worst case scenario the Council would find itself once again at war.

For Vasiris in her current predicament, none of that actually mattered at the moment. All that really mattered was trying to assuage an unknown alien from inflicting its wrath on her. With her current situation she wasn't a fan of her chances. Still as Vasiris pondered her mind ran itself in circles and kept coming back to a single question. What is this species? That question was driving her up a metaphorical wall. She didn't know if this species was bipedal or quadrupedal. Although given the apparent bipedal nature of her guide it was likely that they indeed walked on two legs. Then again, that could just be a general presentation to keep her from outright panicking.

Looking all around herself again, she examined the alien metal and the incredibly high ceiling, she knew one thing for certain. This species is big. That prospect frightened her more than she would ever admit. The Yahg had also been huge and they were normally as violent as a Krogan on a bad day with a toothache.

A more rational and optimistic part of her mind combated against her negative thoughts. Again she looked around her and other than flowing lines of light forming complex geometric images she saw no evidence of violence. There's no images of blood sacrifice. No depictions of glorious conquest and feasting. There's nothing here to suggest a warlike culture at all.

The lines of light began to take flight in Vasiris's mind and she couldn't help gazing about. All around her light twisted and flowed like water through a rocky stream. There was an almost harmonious beauty to the light. It almost seemed to pulse with the beat of her own heart.

So entranced was Vasiris she never noticed her guide stopping. It came to her attention when she smacked directly into something very solid, yet not. Even as she rebounded, landing hard on her backside, a feeling of static coursed from her nose to the rest of her body. It felt like she had just bounced into a field of electricity made solid. The entire effect lasted barely seconds but left the tips of her fingers and toes feeling tingly.

"We are here little child." Somberly spoke the being of light and fire.

Squinting up from teary eyes Vasiris looked past her escort and felt a gasp of air leave her lungs. Before her, glowing so brightly with vibrant blue light that she had to close her eyes immediately, seemed to be the very source of the light that glowed faintly throughout the alien metal.

The only glance she was able to get for that single second was enough to fill her lungs with awe. Before her an incredible room opened up before her. From its shape it appeared almost as a dome and at its center was a great sphere of light. Gently it seemed to float in mid-air, glowing a bright blue.

"Where are we?" Mumbled Vasiris, shading her eyes.

The things voice took on a note of grandeur as it spoke; sounding more fitting for a theater stage than here. "You find yourself at the heart of the Outpost. Here the Overseer monitors and measures the development and growth of the species on the planet. Here they are unknowingly protected from all outside influence and are allowed to grow as they wish. Once the crucible of life has finished its work they will be ready to meet us amongst the stars."

If Vasiris wasn't forced to cover her eyes she would have given her guide a look of pure incredulity. For all this species apparent advances in technology this being sounded almost religious. The Asari as a people had mostly dispensed with their own gods. The only real trace of them were the names they had left behind.

Maybe this species is still primitive. Thought Vasiris. Any form of religion usually indicates a species that has many kinds of superstitions. This could prove advantageous if used correctly.

Getting back to her feet and shielding her eyes from the incredible glare of the light Vasiris spoke with as much dignity as she could. "Well where's this Overseer you're so fond of?"

"Walk forward and you will see little child." said Vasiris' guide faintly. "Walk and discover your place upon the mantle."

Cocking her head to the side, Vasiris felt confusion at the growing faintness of her unknown guides' voice. To her ears it sounded as if the voice was coming from an extreme distance that was only growing.

Twisting around Vasiris opened her mouth to ask what by Thessia that meant, but was met with vacant air. The only thing in front of her was her shadow, cast by the immense glow now behind her.

Talk about enigmatic, She thought riley. It seems they aren't much for simple explanations.

Quickly turning back around Vasiris shielded her eyes once again and did exactly as she had been instructed to. She took one step and then another and another. Before long she was walking toward her bright glowing destination with enough speed to qualify as intense exercise.

As she drew nearer to the great glowing ball of light the intensity of it grew. With each step the light grew brighter and so did the heat Vasiris could feel through her armor.

Already she could feel sweat running across her skin in the supposedly skin tight armor. Go figure, she thought angrily. Of course the Council bureaucrats would skimp on good quality armor. Next time I'm buying my own.

Trudging forward still, Vasiris could no longer block the light with just her hands, but had to close her eyes completely. The light had grown to such an intensity that in order to protect her eyes she had to block the light completely; covering her face and closing her eyes.

In only another dozen steps Vasiris could go no further and fell down to one knee; the intensity of the light and the searing heat too much for her. I can't go on! She thought desperately, panting raggedly as sweat streamed down her cheeks.

Just as Vasiris started to feel her head becoming light, the heat went away. In one moment there was heat enough to melt starship plates and then the next it was gone. Slowly Vasiris stood up –her eyes still shut tight- and wobbled forward on legs of jelly.

"Who is it that stands before the Mantle!" Boomed a voice of might.

Vasiris legs gave out instantly –so startled she lost all control. On hands and knees she could only gasp for breath the memory of searing heat still fresh in her mind.

An unseen force gripped Vasiris in a grasp of pure power and lifted her bodily off the ground. Immediately her eyes snapped open preparing to scream in terror at what must be a giant picking her up. Instead she found, to her amazement, soft glowing blue light silhouetting an improbably large humanoid.

She was still too far away from the chambers center to get a good estimate of its size, but she was willing to bet it was easily two and half meters tall. The figure surrounded by the light appeared to have a head, two arms, and two legs. The hallmark signs of a bipedal species.

Looking down Vasiris could easily see she was at least six meters in the air and quickly she spun her head all around, trying to spy the source of her current floating predicament. There were no obviously glowing pieces of technology and there were absolutely no signs of Mass Effect.

Trying to buy herself time to gather her wits Vasiris spoke up in as proud a voice as she could muster. "I am Vasiris T'Soni of the Asari people and Council diplomat assigned to the Jurai people. With that authority I demand to know who YOU are!" At her demand there was no response. For several beats of a heart Vasiris hung in the air the fear that she might have offended growing in her gut.

Then, with a great whoosh of parting air, she felt herself flung forward at incredible velocity. The once distant and improbably large humanoid silhouette was no longer so far away. Now she found herself hovering directly at eye level of the mysterious Asari-like figure.

Now that she was so close to the once shadowed being the glowing blue light was no longer half so bright. Its shine was now an almost pleasant background glow; evoking an almost peaceful trance.

As Vasiris' eyes adjusted to the close proximity of the glowing blue light she began to get a real glimpse at the creature that stood before her. It's height was such it could have easily towered over the most well-bred Krogan. Its body was covered in the same chrome like metal that the apparent outpost appeared to be constructed out of. The metal almost seemed to be perfectly molded to conform over thick stretches of muscle. All across the metal were small strips of black and red; if they signified rank or affiliation Vasiris did not know. Over its apparent head was a mask of the same chrome like metal with two apparent holes covered by an incredibly dark glass-like substance.

"Very well little one." Spoke a voice of hollow metal. "I am the Overseer of these children. My name is Tayacanani Imapanpa. In the name and light of the mantle I demand to know with what purpose did your kind come here and infringe upon the natural cycle of this species. I would also know of the world from which your kind has sprung so that the mantle might serve to protect your race from future fooleries."

Never before had Vasiris felt so out of her element than at that moment. The harsh artificial reflections of her own terror, directed back at her by the mask, made her throat clamp down; allowing no sound to pass through. At that moment, all she knew was that her demand for answers had been a terrible mistake.

Time dragged and Vasiris still stewed in her own terror at the power this single example of an unknown race gave off. Even as she fought her own fear cramped muscles to speak, her mind raced in a thousand different directions at what this overt hostility must mean.

Before she could even digest the conclusions and the ten thousand hypothesis' of her own creation; the being became obviously impatient. She could see it in the way its shoulders seemed to tense, the way its stance grew more guarded and she could almost feel the air ice at the creatures growing coldness.

Just when she was about to give a fear induced shriek Vasiris felt herself lowering. Instead of being at eye level with the unknown alien she was now at chest, her feet touched blessed hard unyielding floor.

Vasiris felt too startled to even react to the return of the feeling of the floor beneath her boot covered feet. Still, the return of solidity beneath her feet brought some calm to her mind. Oddly enough some harmony must have returned to the unknown alien as well; she could see in the way its shoulders relaxed and a widening of stance.

"I seem to have frightened you child; that was never the intent." Said the same hollow metallic voice. "Allow me to put you at greater ease."

An unmoving Vasiris watched in fascinated wonder, as a large metallic hand slide upward and pressed an unseen bottom on the creature's suit. With a soft whirring of unseen machinery the metal mask flowed away from the creatures face to revel a surprise.

Where Vasiris's own flesh was a vibrate pale blue this creatures was white. To Vasiri's engrossed eyes the skin wasn't an unhealthy milky white that came with little sun, but seemed instead a white of the purest snow; found only on the tops of Thessia's tallest mountains. Where Vasiri's own head fringes would be, a short growth of silk hair grew instead. The rest of the unknown alien's face was much like her own; only its cheek bones were fuller, the jaw-line smooth, and lips rounder. What truly caught Vasiri's own attention was the creatures' eyes. Its eyes, unlike her own simple blue iris's, glowed with a bright light that could not be wholly natural.

"As have said once before little child; I am Teyacanani Impanpa, without clan or roof, Overseer of this outpost, and guide to this system's people. Now, speak and make yourself heard. Why is it that you have come here once more, speaking to the babes below? You're interference damages more than it could ever help. Now these infants must be taught to run before they've ever dreamt to crawl. Speak, now! What have you to say for your stupidity?"

Slowly Vasiris gathered herself standing as tall as she could. She set her jaw and narrowed her eyes. Quickly she went over the creature's words again; even as it's glowing eyes narrowed to slits. With a dawning realization Vasiris understand exactly what to say. With as much pride as she dared show she spoke slowly, with an openness that would have disarmed a Krogan in the midst of a blood rage and the alien listened.

Please don't forget to leave a review! It really does boost my spirits. ANY criticism (as long as it's thought out) is welcomed! It helps me improve.

For those that stuck around after finishing the chapter here is the idea. I recently finished an old save of Final Fantasy VII (7) last month and I thought a Mass Effect crossover with the two would be an amazing idea. To me I think the humans ultimate destiny on that planet after the end of the game is to leave and do as the ancients before them did. Go out and colonize and breath new life into dead planets. HOW they do this is totally up to you. What I want to see are humans of Midgar become as powerfully magical as the Ancients once were. Where you go from there is totally up to you the writer. Although I think the return of Sephiroth is a given and would make for a wonderful story...if written correctly. Anyway if you want to DISCUSS the idea with me, feel free to shoot me a PM. Also because I carry a BURNING hatred for all things Batarian those guys must be whipped out (nearly) in the story. If you're curious why just read the Hopeless War. I honestly can't anymore. I want something uplifting, not depressing.