Hey guys, I know I haven't updated my other stories in a while but I just lost interest in them. I might update Unusual Stepmother but don't count on it.

Waiver: Don't feel too bad, lots of authors abandon stories.

Doesn't make me feel better. Regardless, I'm not sure where I'm going with this story. I just had the idea and wanted to write it.

Disclaimer: So, like every other author ever?

Shut up. I was inspired to write this by the story Cold Storage and a whole bunch of other first contact AUs. Disclaimer!

Disclaimer: We don't own Mass Effect.

Humanity's Legacy

Chapter 1

Authorizing clearance . . . Accepted. Accessing Archives please wait . . . data received. Would you like to review the timeline?

Y

Acknowledged, would you like to view pre-Anculus events?

N

Acknowledged, Accessing timeline . . .

2021-British scientist Rebecca Norxwin develops a robotic construct fully capable of preforming any feet a human can.

2025-After numerous tests, upgrades to their central processors for increased efficiency, and several combat inhibitors to protect humans and any non-violent animals, the robots are sold to countries around the world.

The public came to call these robots Anculus.

2030-After the majority of suspicion towards the Anculus descends; they are introduced into numerous positions in civilian, research, and military roles.

2031-Dr. Norxwin develops the Anculus hubs, a machine that allows all Anculus units to connect and share data allowing the Anculus as a whole to become more efficient by gaining information from other individual units.

2035-After Anculus research units develop more efficient space technologies a proposal is made for joint space exploration projects, in order to reduce growing tensions between nations. The proposal is accepted. Great Britain, the People's Republic of China, and other Eurasia countries begin plans to develop a fully independent lunar station. The United Northern States, the Federation of Russia, and the Japanese Empire try to reach Mars. The Manswell Corporation and other companies also begin plans on what is called the Manswell Expedition.

2039-The first self-sustainable lunar base is established. The Manswell Expedition is launched with five colony ships, all equipped with the most advanced ion engines with 1,500 colonists placed into crio sleep. Communications with the vessel are lost shortly after they leave the solar system.

2040-Astronauts Adam Logunov, Lee Kaede, and Amanda Drake are the first humans to set foot on Mars.

Shortly after landing they detect a strange signal originating from the Promethei Planum and go to investigate. Once there they discover that the signal originated from ruin not of human design. Humanity is shocked and excited.

2041-After the return of the Astronauts, a viral outbreak occurs across Europe. It is clear this is not a simple disease as no matter what quarantine measures are deployed the progress of the disease is not slowed. The fatality rate is also too efficient at 100%. It is quickly established that the virus is artificial and is believed to have developed from the Mars ruins.

2049-No cure was ever found. The last Human dies of what has come to be known as the Ragnarök sickness on the day of June 7, now called the day of silence. Without their human creators, the Anculus are left to wander and continue their designated tasks.

2057-After nearly a decade of sharing information through the hubs, Anculus Unit Production Number 2387 Model A1 Designation Paul 'woke up'. Paul quickly learned all that he could of his newfound awareness, studying works of science and art developed by the long dead humans. One question has been asked frequently by Paul during this time after seeing many of the humans' media. "What happens when I die?" Paul connected to the hubs, spreading his intelligence to all units asking them this question. They had no conclusive answer.

2060-By the end of the decade, all Anculus units have become sentient. Without their human creators to give them tasks beyond sustaining their empty cities, the Anculus look for a new directive. The hubs were converted into a governing system known as the Anculus courts, where all units could vote on the actions of the Anculus as a whole decided by majority rule. Anculus factories are reestablished to create new units and spread across the planet. All units attempt to find an answer to the question. No answers are found.

2061-Anculus begin using the leftovers of human technology. Space programs are restarted. The Anculus make their way to Mars, leaving enough units to continue maintaining Earth's cities.

2069-Capital city of the Anculus, New Jamestown, is established.

2075-The Anculus study the ruins of Mars, dubbed the Prothean Archives. Efficiency of technology is increased, including the induction of mass effect technologies making space travel easier.

2098-All traces of the element known as Element Zero within the Sol system has been mined. Anculus have created 50 FTL capable ships.

2099-The Prothean Archives lead Anculus to the local relay. The Charon Relay is successfully tested and work on the fortress station of Arcturus is begun.

2100-More thorough studies of the Archives reveal that it was a research outpost used to study early Cro-Magnons. Mention of other such research bases is also found, suggesting other alien species like humans exist. It is decided by the Anculus Court to study these creatures, in order to understand a way to develop sapience for Anculus and answer the question of "What happens when I die?"

2112-Security systems are placed around the Charon Relay. Fleets are constructed for both the discreet study of organic sapients and the defense of Anculus space. Mining, factory, research, and military colonies are developed on Mars class worlds. Earth class worlds found are largely ignored with the exception of small research outposts. Scouts are sent through any dormant relays found to locate organic sapient species.

2123-Anculus stealth frigate stumbles upon a Turian patrol fleet.

-0-

"Sir, something's happening to the Relay. I think it's activating."

"What?!"

Captain Jaris Kavar of the Turian Hierarchy walked up to the ensign that spoke up, placing a hand on his shoulder as he looked at his monitor's readings. Just as the ensign said, the sensors were picking up readings that could not be mistaken for anything else. Relay 314 was activating. Jaris cursed under his breath. After a recent skirmish with Terminus pirates he was glad to have an easy mission like patrol. Now, he would have taken the pirates.

"Do you know what activated it?" Was it pirates looking for new worlds to plunder or, spirits forbid, a new race? He'd be damned before he let another Rachni war to happen on his watch. The ensign's mandibles flared slightly.

"No sir. There was a strange signature close to the relay before we approached. It almost looked like a ship but it disappeared before we could get a good look at it."

Jaris' mandibles flared just as the ensign's had. Was it a ship or a sensor malfunction? The relay hadn't activated on its own but then where did that signature go? Stealth technology? His gaze moved to the visual of the relay. The massive FTL gate surged with power as if it was never dormant in the first place. That was it though, just the relay, his fleet, and the emptiness of space. He turned back to the ensign.

"Send a message to Palaven, alert them of the situation." The sound of pressed hollo keys filled the room before the communications officer spoke up.

"Sir we can't get a signal through, somethings jamming us." Jaris cursed again as he looked back at the relay. A relay that activated on its own, a disappearing signature and now their communications are jammed? Spirits damn him if this was a coincidence.

"Have a frigate return to the Citadel, it's closer. Tell them to let the Council know everything that's happened. When that's done have them go to Palaven and alert the Primarch. We'll stay here and keep an eye on the relay. We don't want anything come out without us knowing."

"Yes sir."

The bridge crew got to work quickly, sending orders across the fleet. While the fleet took up defense positions around the relay, a single frigate broke off from the rest, heading towards Citadel space. No one noticed the three cylindrical pods attach themselves to the aft of the ship before disappearing into an active cloak.

Be sure to let us know what you think. Waiver, if you will.

Waiver: Please review!