Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or it's inherent themes. Anything in this story is of my own making without the goal of financial gain.
AN: For starters let me introduce myself. My name is Artificial Care. My goal in this story is to provide something entertaining for yourself to read and hopefully improve my writing skills. This piece of fiction will take place just after the Interplanetary wars in the Halo time line. Before the development of the slip-space drive. Now without further ado, I give you the first chapter to . . .
Mass Effect: Intertwined History
Chapter 1: Interview
"History is written by the victor" - Winston Churchill, World War II.
(-][-)
Date: 2180 CE (Council Era)
Location: The Citadel, C-Sec Interrogation Room
The Citadel Spectre enters the Interrogation room. Eyeing her target she prepares herself for the questioning. A lot had happened recently, the Turian Hierarchy has a lot to answer for. From what could be gathered about the conflict, they had attempted to conquer and subjugate a newly discovered young race to step into rank and file beside the Volus client race. They had failed and the Council requires answers to how the largest, most advanced and best trained military in the galaxy had failed.
The most valuable information required being about the Humans themselves. She has to get these answers so that the Citadel Council can make a decision on the next course of action.
The Turian sat in his chair, watching her carefully. No doubt nervous as to what more could be asked of him. To suppress his fears she moved first.
"Lieutenant Cinderion, I'm a Citadel Spectre. Tela Vasir" she says bowing her head slightly to show she has no hostile intent.
"A Spectre? Why would they send a Spectre?" he asks, his voice betraying the little amount of fear in his voice.
Everyone knew that the Spectre's are the right hand of the Council. Instruments of their will and are allowed to operate above the law. It did not take much for a Councillor to issue an order to kill him and it could be done without impunity.
"Well, the information the Council wants can only come from one source, you" she struts around the room, further pushing herself into the superior position "I am authorised to ensure that information is accurate, by any means necessary"
She allowed the situation to sink into his head, hopefully to spur him into action and speed things along.
"You see, as the only surviving officer of the Turian incursion into the Human home system. You have the most valuable Intel on this new race." she takes a breath, sitting down in the chair opposite the Turian. "Intel that will help the Council make a proper and informed decision about the next steps to take"
"What do you want to know?" asks Cinderion as he leans forward and clasps his hands together.
Tela Vasir activates her omni-tool to begin recording the information in an appropriate manner.
First off, how did the 11th Expeditionary Fleet of the Turian Hierarchy discover Humanity?
(Laughs) Well, when the order came through from the Council to activate the mass relay of course. We proceeded through the relay and once we regrouped on the other side we began our standard procedure.
What is Turian standard operating protocols once entering a newly discovered system?
You know very well what it's like. Very much like the Citadel standard operating procedure. Once in we began to scan on all frequencies for radio transmissions of any kind and the sweep of the system, mapping it as we go, etcetera.
So, if Turian procedures are very similar, why did the commanding officer, a one General Jihirix, order the subjugation of Humanity? Instead of bringing this new information directly to the Council?
As I have stated a hundred times before to other interrogators. They are similar but not the same and the Council knows that. Turian standard operating procedure dictates that we assess the species for possible integration into the Turian Hierarchy. If they will be a great benefit to the Turian people and by extension the entirety of the Citadel aligned races then we are to subjugate them. Once integration is successful then we will begin to let them back to their cultural history.
So the General deemed Humanity to be a capable race. Capable enough to fight over them with them. Can you blame them for their retaliation against your attack?
No I don't. But you didn't see it. You weren't there. After we made contact we discovered they had colonized the majority of their system without the use of element zero. That is by no means an easy feat. No known race has done this without the use of mass effect fields. Not only that but they had vessels that could travel fast without the use of mass effect fields either. Although they don't have any method of FTL yet.
So you thought that this race could bring a great advantage if they were, used properly?
Exactly! These Humans have developed independently from mass effect technology. Which in comparison makes them less advanced but by all means, their technology works well without it. Although, now that they do know about it, it makes me wonder what could come next.
I mean, they have built orbital elevators on their home world. A cheap method of transporting materials from the planet to space without the use of mass effect fields. That feat alone should give you an idea of their engineering capabilities. Another thing no other race has created.
The way you keep talking about them makes you sound like a maiden in love. Care to explain?
Well, from a technical stand point. They have done in a mere century what has taken other races centuries to accomplish. Within 100 years of committing to extra-planetary colonization they managed to reach the outer edges of their system and colonize it fully. Give or take a few moons of their gas giants.
Fare enough. Actually, what can you tell me about their solar system?
We know that they call it Sol for starters. We came out next to a dwarf planet on the edges of the solar system. Named Pluto by the Humans, it had a sizable colony of roughly 15,000 individuals. As we moved further inwards, we discovered 4 gas giants in their system. Enough helium -3 mining to last centuries, millennia even. As we moved closer in system we discovered 4 planets. The 3rd closest to the sun is their home world. Highly developed for their pre-mass effect state.
Records show that because of your actions when entering the system, by causing the dormant mass relay to become active, you had accidentally caused the death of at least 200 Human beings.
Yes that is true and we apologized for that unfortunate accident. The mass relay had become encased in ice you see and they had established a small outpost on it which they had assumed was a moon. But once contact had been established we discovered something frightening. Something worth to forget about that apology.
Yes, the Council want to know what the 'Catalyst' to the conflict was.
They have already created Artificial Intelligence's so extensively in fact, that they have their own personalities preferences you name it. We recognized the threat to the galaxy and we moved to terminate it before it could become a full scale conflict.
Is that why your fleet disregarded the Citadel Conventions and used orbital strikes on not just their home world. But almost every colony they had throughout the Sol system?
It was deemed necessary. For the good of the greater galactic community. Better to sacrifice the few so that the many can live. When we ordered them to shut down their Artificial Intelligence's they refused. We opened fire and they retaliated. They did not have space combat worthy vessels however so it was pretty one sided until . .
Until? When did they gain the upper hand?
They had orbit capable craft and a multitude of space combat worthy fighters and a new vessel type we had not yet encountered in the history of the galaxy. Once they understood our tactics, they quickly adapted and took control over the situation.
But surely your force was large enough to destroy their primitive vessels?
It's true, we had enough vessels to take on a Krogan fleet. The Humans didn't even have kinetic barriers to help defend their ships but they met us in battle nonetheless.(He lowers his head in shame)
On all accounts we should have massacred them. They didn't even have mass accelerator cannons but they won anyway.
What can you tell us about their naval tactics?
Unnervingly similar to Turian tactics. They met us on every world we attacked. Both on the ground and in space. They massacred us on the ground while we smashed them in space. But our fleet sustained heavy losses too. By the end, when they regrouped to push us out of the system, we were vastly outnumbered.
We had underestimated them.
Their Carriers launched thousands of fighter craft which overwhelmed our defenses and slaughtered our ships like in the previous engagements. When command fell to me after my superiors had died, I ordered the retreat.
How did your superiors die?
When I said before that they were overwhelming our forces that was true. But during their last push we had almost exhausted them. Their last ships met us and we almost had them. But they deployed Nuclear weapons for spirits sake. This didn't just happen in space, they deployed them on the worlds we were winning on.
Were they garden worlds?
No, they were desolate but held significant populations nonetheless. It was a cowards tactic, using nuclear weapons. We SHOULD have bombed them back to the stone age and the Council SHOULD have let us!
That's not your decision to make now is it? I mean, in the Rachni Wars we used nuclear weapons on them, in the Krogan Rebellions your kind did the same.
That was for the good of the galaxy and you know it! How dare you slander my ancestors and even your own!
I can slander whoever I damn well please. Now sit down Lieutenant. I think that's enough for that line of questioning.
Well, what's next?
What can you tell me of their Artificial Intelligence's?
Whenever we were in range of their ships or even their colonies. Their AI's practically walked straight passed our cyber-warfare defense suites. They turned off our artificial gravity, switched off life support and even disabled our weapon systems. This was to no doubt disrupt our capabilities. We had to destroy their ships and facilities which housed these AI's to put us back to fighting strength.
Did it ever occur to you to just explain about the Geth and the mourning war?
We did. They wouldn't listen to us, just like the Quarians didn't. So we decided what any good adult does to a child who is playing with a dangerous toy. Give them a time out and destroy the toy.
Talk about understatement. You invaded their society, everything they knew and now you may have burned Xenophobia into their mindset.
All just speculation on your part. We knew what would have happened if we had done nothing. What intrigues me the most is that once I had issued the retreat order, they pulled back. They allowed us to retreat. What kind of insanity is that?
Different species have different ways to wage war. Perhaps they do not fire on an enemy who has given up?
Perhaps, or maybe they were afraid we were leading them into a trap. I mean we did leave warp bombs behind. Maybe they detected them? I don't know. I don't know anything outside of my cell and this room for the past 2 weeks. When will I be released?
Not yet, but very soon. (Takes a deep breath) We're done for the day. I suggest you get some sleep and get your facts straight for tomorrow.
Switching off her omni-tools recording application, Tela Vasir took one last look at Lieutenant Cinderion.
"Off the record. Are these Humans dangerous?" asks Tela Vasir
"Off the record? Put it on the record. Mark my words they are as belligerent as the Krogan and as stupid as the Quarians. They will bring our downfall if we don't do something now" replies Lieutenant Cinderion, the seriousness in his voice unnerving the Spectre.
Perhaps it's PTSD or he may be onto something. I don't know, but there's only one way to find out.
"We'll meet again tomorrow at the same time" replies Tela Vasir as she leaves the room, heading for the Council chambers to deliver her report.
(-][-)
Location: Council Chambers
Tela Vasir rises the stairs to the Council, who are awaiting her report. Right now she can hear them conversing about the newly discovered race. Politicians always find a reason to argue, whether or not an argument is needed, there is always an argument. She remembers climbing these steps for her Induction into the Spectre's 300 years ago. As a maiden she had not been as stupid as most of her kind who join mercenary bands and cause trouble in the Skyllian Verse, Attican Traverse or even the Terminus Systems. She had never become an exotic dancer like most of her friends. She Joined the Asari Military and became a professional huntress, not like the pretenders who join mercenary bands.
She had spent a hundred years honing her skills, beating her instructors at the training. Her prowess in battle eventually became recognized by the Council and asked her to become a Spectre. She had been overjoyed at the time, she remembers that feeling vividly. Becoming a protector of the galaxy, the first and last line of defense for the entirety of Citadel Space.
She moves over to the petitioners stand to give the information she had gathered today directly to the Council.
". . . Just look at them! They've built orbital elevators. Such engineering had been deemed to costly after we developed mass effect technology and these Humans have thrived on things we have deemed too costly." says Councillor Forvan, the representative of the Turian Hierarchy in either jealousy or awe, or both.
"Yes we have overlooked this information a dozen times over. What do you expect to find by constantly looking?" asks Councillor Tevos, the representative of the Asari Republics in a tired tone. "We know that they have accomplished quite a lot in their brief existence as a space-faring species. Continuing to state the fact won't change it."
"The interesting factor here is there rate of technological progression" exclaims Councillor Binthus, representative of the Salarian Union. "In comparison to our species models of progression I'm putting on your terminals now you can see what I mean"
The other 2 took a look at the terminals and answered quickly.
"The implications of this are. . . disturbing. I assume that this is before we had found element zero and mass effect technology?" asks Tevos
"No, these are scales in comparison to us now" replies Binthus with the hard hitting truth.
The Councillors sat in quiet contemplation for a few brief moments as the realization sunk into them. If the charts were correct, the only thing stopping the newly discovered race, Humanity, from leaping past the Council in technology. Is the lack of element zero and a feasible FTL method. Of which they could possibly solve themselves.
Tela Vasir Coughs to catch their attention.
"Ah, Spectre Vasir. Good to see you again" greets Tevos to her fellow Asari.
"Have you learned anything else from the interrogation?" asks Forvan, the irritation in his voice becoming more present as time goes on.
"Nothing that we don't already know. Except with a twist of racism and personal bias." replies Vasir as she uploads the information to them. "I don't see what the fuss is about. Could you fill me in Councillor's?"
"Apart from beating a millennia old military that is the most advanced, best trained and largest in the galaxy? I can hardly see what could grab someone's attention." Forvan snaps, he lowers his head and shoulders "These Humans beat us without mass effect technology. In space and on the ground"
"Isn't that in due part to their Artificial Intelligence's though?" asks Vasir
"Yes! How could I forget" quips Forvan "I've been trying to convince the Council to invade and remove that threat before it becomes too large to contain" he turns his head to the other 2 Councillors "But these idiots want us to make peace with them and play nice" he says in disgust.
"Councillor, you know as well as I do that we don't have enough evidence to put blame on either the Quarians or the Geth for the Mourning War. Our predecessors have acted too rashly in the presence of Artificial Intelligence's" replies Tevos, trying to keep a level head.
"Yes, we haven't had extensive contact with an artificial intelligence at all." states Binthus "Perhaps these Humans have succeeded where others have failed?"
"All that matters for now is that we ensure no more ships venture past the relay into their home system." Tevos takes a deep breath "We must send a diplomatic team to alleviate their fears of an alien invasion and we must introduce them to the galactic society"
"So we'll be seeing more of these Pyjaks in the years to come?" asks Vasir as a joke "I'll be getting a personal accounting of the battle for the Sol system from Lieutenant Cinderion tomorrow. Is that all Councillor's?"
"That will be all for now." replies Tevos
Vasir takes her chance and leaves. Leaving the Councillor's to their discussion. On a personal level, she wants to meet these new aliens who had put fear into the Council and smashed a Turian fleet. But she also felt a little scared. If this new race could scare races that have been in space for more than 2000 years before these, what can they do?
She enters the elevator to head out of the Citadel Tower and down to the Presidium. Alongside her are a few diplomats from the other races. Alongside the news reports.
"This just in" says a beautiful Asari voice over the news "The race that the Turian Hierarchy has failed to invade has been named. They are known as Humanity or Humans. A pre-mass effect technological society that has managed to match the power of a Turian Expeditionary fleet and win. What will become of this new and mysterious race? What will happen next? Stay tuned for further news, this is the Citadel News Net"
Vasir stood there, contemplating if the voice of that Asari has a great body to go with it. But she knew that even if it did, she wouldn't be interested. But it didn't stop her from admiring the art work.
"I heard that the Humans had the Turians against the wall, the Turians have even mobilized for a full-scale war!" exclaims a Salarian diplomat
"I have word from the Hegemony, that should these primitives invade we will help with the defense says a Batarian diplomat, no doubt trying to get a piece of this new race for his own kind. Scum bags.
"From what we can tell that will not be necessary. It's was their home system and they don't have FTL yet. I seriously doubt they could invade" replies a Turian diplomat, the disgust evidently clear in his voice at the absurd suggestion.
"Confused response: Even so, they managed to defeat a Turian fleet. Without mass effect technology." the Elcor diplomat takes a deep breath and shifts his stance slightly. "What does that say about their capabilities?"
"I -breath- have to agree with my -breath- Elcor compatriot. Nevertheless, the Vol Protectorate will be -breath- ready to aid in whatever capacity -breath- necessary" states a Volus diplomat proudly.
This sort of talk would be going on for the next 10 years if history is anything to go by. Vasir face-palmed at the diplomats. Did they have nothing better to do? The Council is already on the matter and they decide what is going to happen. Not these idiots.