In Iron, Forged: a Mass Effect/ Bolo series crossover detailing first contact between alternate versions of the Citadel Council and the Concordant of Man,
the subsequent war, and a retelling of the events of the first and second Mass Effect game based on this very different universe.
In Iron, Forged,
for only Iron could save them,
In Steel, Clad,
for steel are their souls,
In battle, Proven,
for battle is their place,
In Peace, Rested,
for only solders truly value it.
engraving at Nike field, attib. to Unit NKE of the Line.
PRIORITY ONE MESSAGE
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
encryption key zeta-omega-gamma
from: LANCELOT
to: AUTHER
re:ROUNDTABLE
We've been examining Object Gamma-Bravo-Kilo for three weeks now, and have surmised its function, and part of its operation. The object is approximately ten Kilometers in length, comprised mostly of a tuning-fork like assembly, which surrounds a large dark-matter core. Despite its inactive state, the power readings we're getting from it are astronomical. 1179-JOY has deciphered the transmission we received when we approached the object. It contained technical detains for activating the device, as well as a brief description of the object, which was referred to as a 'Gravity Slingshot.' apparently, it is capable of transporting ships across vast distances near-instantaneously, a feat of engineering unparalleled by anyone we've encountered thus far. unfortunately our attempts to gain access to, or even date, the object have been unsuccessful. Whoever built this thing used a previously unknown alloy. We tried everything short of a Hellbore on it, and it just sorta... bounced off.
However, the data packet indicated that there is a network of these devices spread throughout the galaxy. The implications are obvious. LANCELOT hereby requests permission to activate the device.
Message ends.
PRIORITY ONE MESSAGE
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
encryption key Tango-foxtrot-alpha
from: AUTHER
to: LANCELOT
re: ROUNDTABLE
word's come down from on high. You are to activate the object, code-name ROUNDTABLE, and survey the exit point. Good luck and godspeed.
Message ends.
PRIORITY ONE MESSAGE
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
encryption key zeta-omega-gamma
from: LANCELOT
to: AUTHER
re:ROUNDTABLE
LANCELOT activated ROUNTABLE at 0850 local. MERLIN was then sent though, and returned at 0930 local. Their report indicates that there is a binary planet in the Goldilocks zone, as well as three additional ROUNDTABLE devices in a stat of deactivation. GARITH suggested making this the capital, since the rarity of twin worlds would draw plenty of traffic. LANCELOT hereby recommends the establishment of a new sector, and an organization or division devoted to exploring this finding.
Message ends.
AN: alright folks, here we go. ME/Bolo crossover, heavy AU. I'm borrowing a smattering of ideas from the only other one, but this isn't a direct clone. Welcome to the Shanxi Sector!
Regarding ME tech – expect a good deal of humbling as far as Citadel fleets go. Their first encounter with the Dinochrome Brigade and the Concordant Navy is going to be... unpleasant to say the least. Timewise for ME its (obviously) pre-first contact, for the Concordant, Nike's Charge already happened, Fort Merrit is brand-spankin' new, and the Melconians haven't shown up.