Disclaimer : I obviously do not own either halo or mass effect, this is just a fan fiction of my two favourite sci-fi games respectively. Also this is my first Fan Fiction( first story too) so I would prefer constructive criticism, other than that I hope you enjoy the story :)
Time line
(Mass effect) 2153/(halo)2553 – End of the Human-Covenant war. The Sangheili departed after paying respects to the Humans at the memorial at Voi. They leave to their home planet Sanghelios to determine whether or not they they are endangered by the remaining Loyalist forces.
The Citadel Council begin sending Scout vessels to see if the Skyllian Verge is worth colonizing.
2154/2554 – The UNSC begins clean up operations of Earth and the Rebuilding of Its Orbital Defence Grid. Estimated 10 years till back up to Pre-Invasion Capability.
The scout vessels report back after finding a few systems with fairly average results, however the system with the newly found Relay 314 has a Prime garden planet for colonization. The law forbidding the activation of the relay stands as it goes into unknown territory.
2155/2555 – The Sangheili begin restructuring their society, after the truth about the covenant is revealed the remaining Sangheili civilian and military leaders form the Sangheili Federation and Gladly restore the mantle of the Arbiter due to his enormous role saving the Sangheili, giving Thel Vadum complete control over the Military, however to prevent corruption for future Arbiters, the Arbiter's orders can be overridden by the Sangheili Government if they feel he is acting wrongly.
The Council begin discussions on who has the rights to colonize the system of Relay 314. So far the discussion don't get far before the Batarians demand to have the system due to their claims to the entire Skyllian Verge, the discussions are postponed until the council can come to a decision.
2157/2557 – The UNSC has discovered that most of the Inner Colonies and a quarter of the outer colonies are left untouched and The UNSC begins to speed up its rebuilding efforts due to the vast amounts of resources now available thanks to this. UEG does a survey and discovers that roughly 417 colonies survived the war and the rest were decimated. Insurrection forces are found to be decimated, slaughtered by the covenant. The UNSC asserts control over the colonies but puts better systems in place to help prevent future Insurrection and provide better freedoms and life to the Colonies. The UNSC have also begun a genetic modification program for all entries into the UNSC, these modifications include faster reflexes by roughly 10%, increased strength 15% but it takes roughly 12 months to take full effect. ONI begins Development of Spartan IV Program, they will be almost exact replica's of the Spartan II program but all are adult volunteers, it takes up to 3 months after augmentation for the Spartan to be fully trained.
The Council reach a decision that the Relay 314 system is to be colonized by the Turians to assert more Control for the Council and to bring more resources to council space. The Batarians are frustrated as they planned on opening the relay without council authorization, but do nothing lest they aggravate the council peace keepers (Turians).
2159/2559 – The UNSC incorporates shield technology to all infantry forces and Space craft (from ships to fighters and in between). UNSC colonists recolonize harvest and restore its burnt surface to normal. Military ships discover that the moon of the dwarf planet in the outer solar system is an artificial construct encased in ice. Scientists hasten to the site expecting a forerunner cache.
The Council begin heavy colonization of relay 314 system as well as nearby systems. Batarians are doing the same on the opposite side of the Verge. Talks between the Council and the Batarians on slavery increase with Batarians considering outlawing it with increased co-operation and development with the Council.
2160/2560 The UNSC and SF (Sangheili Federation) begin Joint Operations to remove the Covenant Loyalist threat. The UNSC begins construction of their Flagship Sol ( Named after the Human Home System) it is a dreadnought with the length of 7.5 Km and will be armed with 3 MAC's and will always be escorted by a 8 Frigates for support.
The Batarians begin releasing slaves back to their homes with the promise that the council will begin providing economic aid for the drop in work force until the Batarians are completely reliant without slaves. Batarian slaver groups begin hiding in the traverse and terminus systems to avoid the law.
2161/2561 – UNSC scientists have fully uncovered the artefact from its ice cage and determined it is not of Forerunner origin, The UNSC and SF joint operations lead to the covenant loyalists being decimated and disbanded, all space flight capable vessels were seized and all covenant loyalist species were left on their home-worlds to recover on their own, with the exception of the San shyuum who are at the moment declared extinct. The Lek'golo (Hunters) are incorporated into the SF due to the fact they were being held hostage by the Loyalists, either fight or be glassed and the Lek'golo were in no position to decline.
The Council and the Batarians relations are going smoothly, all of the Batarians systems are free of slaves and the Batarian people have rejoiced however many slaver rings are still hidden in the Batarian underworld.
2162/2562 – The UNSC passes control of Human controlled space back to the United Earth Government (UEG) and passed a bill that means every colony is to be protected by a battle cluster of Orbital Defence Platforms (ODP's) which means at least 5 ODP's and a Fleet consisting of 2 frigates and 1 cruiser must pass through the system at least 1 time a week to ensure security. The UEG focuses on ODP's instead of fleet numbers as ODP's are more powerful than a handful of ships. Fleet Admiral Lord Terrance Hood is still the military leader. The SF begin similar actions to their Human counterparts but ask permission of the UEG to provide support to the humans patrol operations. The UEG agrees, The UNSC and SF begin patrolling each others territory to bring co-operation to the forefront of the SF's agenda, they believe they owe the humans a debt that cannot be repaid.
The Council/Batarian colonization of half of the Skyllian verge is near completion, however many planets are only small colonies with small defences. The council have begun internal discussions whether or not the Batarian race is ready for the spectres and possibly a council seat.
2165/2565
The UNSC finish construction of The Flagship Sol and Officially its maiden voyage is to the Planet of Harvest the start of the Human-Covenant war, unofficially they are transporting new smart AI's to the artifact to determine its purpose. After the arrival of the AI's they immediately discerned it used an unknown element and was capable of transporting a spacecraft at FTL speeds to an identical artifact in an unknown system. There have been thousands of volunteers for the Spartan IV program, and at least 500 Spartan IV's are ready for combat, there are at least one fire team of Spartan's aboard each UNSC Cruiser, except for patrol Fleet's.
After much debate from the Batarians the Council decided to open the Relay 314 as it accesses systems otherwise accessible, but the fleet that travels through will be a joint operation between Council and Batarian forces. If this operation is successful then the Batarians will be a large step closer to a Spectre and then a council seat.
2166/2566 – The Flagship Sol decides to report its findings to UNSC head quarters and leaves for the epsilon eridani system (Reach). The Sol arrives and delivers the information. Fleet Admiral Harper is given command of the Flagship Sol due to his efforts in the invasion of Earth and succeeding where others had failed in the defence of earth. Admiral Harper is proud to accept this offer and is glad to be back in the fleet rather than in the ODP's surrounding Reach. Thanks to recovered forerunner tech, Reach is almost returned back to habitability. There are 8 new battle clusters surrounding reach.
The joint Turian/Batarian fleet (Fleet Ratio Turian/Batarian 70:30)consisting of 10 frigates, 3 cruisers and 1 Salarian STG scout vessel are prepared to open the relay but wait until the start of the standard galactic year.
2167/2567 – The UNSC patrol fleet enters the system consisting of one cruiser and 4 frigates, to begin standard patrol operations. Most of the battle clusters are built at every remaining colony. The UNSC scientists on the artifact report that the artifact is receiving a signal from an unknown location. The patrol fleet moves to help the scientists retreat from the artifact for safety precautions. There are 10 Spartan fire-teams aboard the UNSC Sol, recently posted.
The Joint Turian/Batarian fleet start to open the relay and send the signal to the other relay to power up. And the STG vessel prepares to enter the relay.
Present Time
Onboard the UNSC Fortitude
Captain Teague entered the Brig. "Jessica, are all the scientists aboard their ships?"
Jessica, the shipboard AI responded "Aye aye Captain, all scientists are accounted for"
"Good" The Captain snapped, "Pull the patrol fleet back midway in the system, if this artifact is activating I don't want to be dangerously close to whatever comes from that artifact."
Jessica questioned "expecting trouble Captain?"
The Captain replied "Not really, but I can't be to sure at the moment now can I, I have a planet to protect that has millions of civilians on the surface. Keep monitoring the artifact and alert me if anything changes."
"Aye sir" replied Jessica.
The Captain then left to the communications room to alert the Harvest battle cluster.
Onboard the Salarian STG Stealth Frigate Jaeto
"Captain we have received the signal" the ensign quipped
"Alright men we don't know what's on the other side of that relay. But its our job to find out. As soon as we exit on the other side I want the stealth systems up so we can remain undetected, understood ensign?" the captain said.
"Acknowledged" replied the crew.
The Captain then left for the lab where the gathered science team are and addressed them. " Professor Solus prep your team for analystic operations and be ready within 30 minutes"
"Yes Captain Kirrahe, won't be long now" replied Professor Mordin Solus.
With that the captain turned swiftly to the CIC and left for it.
As the Captain entered the CIC he could here the Pilot over the intercom. "Hitting the relay in 5...4...3...2...1. and we are away."
"How long till we hit the relay pilot?" asked Captain.
Just under 30 minutes sir and you can call me by my rank sir not my occupation."
"If that's what you would prefer lieutenant , give me a heads up when we are 2 minutes out" replied the Captain.
"Aye aye sir" the Pilot replied.
As Professor Solus was prepping his team some of his new associates were asking questions.
"Professor, why is it that we have brought along an archaeological team with us?" asked one of the young salarians asked.
"Council mission, possible Prothean ruins so I requested them to come."
"And im grateful for that Professor, this is an opportunity of a lifetime" the Asari said as she joined in.
"Glad to have you along Doctor T'soni, as well as your team, great asset to mission." stated the professor. "Now that that's cleared up. Any more questions? Good get prepped we are 2 minutes out."
As the STG Jaeto came through the relay the stealth systems were up in an instant and they began to move slowly inwards in the system.
"Sir picking up 5 planets, two gas giants 2 dwarf planets and 1 planet at the habitable zone."stated the Operator.
"Captain I have also detected 5 craft in the system along with 5 space stations above the planet. Along with a large structure that stems from the planet to the same distance as the space stations." shouted the other operator.
"First contact scenario?" asked the Captain
"Most likely sir, these ships are not transmitting any IFF's, with no terminus pirates being able to get here it is the logical conclusion" replied the operator.
"Take us in nice and slow I want a visual on the ships, so I can make a report back through the relay." snapped the captain.
Onboard the UNSC Fortitude (same time)
"Captain the artifact has been activated, it seems to have brought itself online and is spinning up it's core in a bright light" Jessica said over the intercom.
"Has anything come through" asked the Captain as he walked back onto the bridge.
"It flared pretty wildly and I got a blurred visual of a metallic object, rather sleek I may add .just not long after it came online but I don't detect any ships in the area" Jessica said rather calmly
"Keep watching the area and get the frigates to start checking the system for anything suspicious and alert the local battle cluster." Said the Captain.
Onboard the STG Jaeto
The STG craft was observing the 2 ships that seemed to be searching for something and the one ship that was waiting midway in the system.
"These ships appear to be searching for something, any chance they spotted us coming through the relay?" asked the Captain
"Its possible but when we used FTL to get behind the gas giant and the used our stealth systems they shouldn't be able to detect us unless they were close enough for a visual" stated the Operator.
"What have our scans picked up about their ships?" asked the Captain
"We have deduced that the two cruisers and the dreadnought appear to have armaments that are similar to a mass accelerator weapon, but we are not detecting any signs of element zero" stated the Operator
"What? Your telling me that these flying hunks of metal are not powered by eezo? Shouted the Captain
"Yes that is the assumption, but if that is the case then it is also likely that they do not have kinetic barriers. But also that they do not have FTL, which leads me to assume that this is their home planet." stated the Operator.
"Hmph" as all the captain got out "what do you make of this professor?"
the professor turned to his colleague and replied " your operators assessment is sound, but with this information it seems that we have no need of an archaeological team".
"true, but we can still be useful." stated the doctor as she moved in front of the salarians. " but before further action, perhaps a report to the citadel council and the fleet guarding relay 314?".
"yes of course, set our course back through the relay" Ordered the Captain
With that the ship moved for the relay and jumped. But before the jump they had to take down their stealth systems, leaving them open to view by the alien species.
Onboard the UNSC Fortitude
"Captain unknown ship just used the relay to travel back through" Jessica stated
"Great, that ship could have been doing surveillance on us and now it got away and we don't even have a clue who it is." the Captain said in a rather angry tone.
"Send a report to one of the nearby patrols we will need additional security here, we can't pursue, we could be heading into a trap." said the captain
"Aye sir, an additional 2 frigates will be hear in 48 hours" said Jessica.
1 Day Later – The Council Chambers
"Is this report accurate captain?" asked the Asari Councillor Tevos
"Yes it is councillor and may I add that this information has only been shared with the Turian captain who is guarding relay 314" replied Captain Kirrahe.
"Good we shall discuss the next steps we are to take in contacting this civilization would you please leave the chambers so we can talk in private." asked Councillor Tevos.
After the captain left the room the council began debating how to present themselves to this new race.
" I propose that we send the diplomatic team with the fleet from relay 314, who seconds this motion" said the Salarian Councillor Valern
"I" said both Tevos and the Turian Councillor Sparatus
"Then it is agreed, but we will have to warn the Batarian hegemony to tread carefully, if they step out of line then they will suffer the consequences". Said Tevos
"Agreed" said both of the other Councillors.
In the Harvest System on-board the UNSC Fortitude
"Captain, the artifact is flaring up again, best guess is that another ship is coming through."Said Jessica
"Get the frigates to form a line beside the Fortitude and we will see how things play out, assuming this is first contact we will prepare the first contact package" said the Captain as if almost rehearsed.
"Picking up visual putting it on screen" said Jessica
The crew on the bridge watched as ship after ship came through the artifact, a fleet of 10 corvettes and 3 frigates by the look of things.
"From the design I can discern that they are an unknown make of ship." said Jessica
"Send a signal to all ships in there fleet, prep the first contact package to be sent after my transmission." Ordered the Captain
Onboard the Turian Cruiser Steel Talon
General Arterius watched as his ships lined up to match the aliens ships formation and waited.
"General, we are getting a transmission form the dreadnought sized ship, putting it on screen" stated the Operator
The entire bridge was watching with anticipation, with the exception of the General who always expected the worst. The diplomatic team was watching to pick up any valuable information.
After a moment the screen came on and a figure that was closer akin to an Asari than a Batarian as it only had two eyes. The being wore a white uniform with medals pinned on his left side of his chest. He wore a white headdress that seemed to give the being an authoritative look as well as a stoic one. The being began to talk in an alien language but his body language was not showing hostility. the entire crew listened to the speech.
"This is Captain Teague of the UNSC Fortitude patrol fleet, I on behalf of the human race say welcome, but I must inform you that you may travel no further into the system as this is UNSC space and will be seen as an act of war if you continue, however I am able to open diplomatic negotiations and hope for a peaceful solution." The being looked down as if contemplating and looked back and said "we have seen enough of war, please be beings of peace." and with that the transmission ended. But almost immediately the linguistics group had already deciphered more than half and began replaying the message to the entire crew in a language they can understand. And within mere minutes the crew were happy to not have a direct confrontation with another species.
Matriarch Lidanya who was the head of the diplomatic team which had a representative from each species had begun transmitting a signal to the alien flagship to open negotiations.