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Introductions

Year – 2157 (Council Timeline) 2557(UNSC Timeline)

Serpent Nebula - Council Chambers

The Citadel. Heart of the Galactic Society. It represented the Capability of species when they work together in peace. Even though it was not constructed by the species that now inhabit it. It was a massive Space station that resembled a pentagram. Its central ring had a diameter of 7.2 kilometres, from which 5 arms protrude. These arms measured 43.6 kilometres long and 330 metres thick. It was capable of closing the arms to make it impenetrable. This was the Seat of Galactic Government. Where the Citadel Council ruled all known space-faring races. The Citadel Council consisted of 3 races. The Asari which had found the station first, they were the Diplomats and Mediators of the Council. The Salarians who had met the Asari under peace, were the intelligence gathering species and these two formed the Council. The Turians who earned a Council seat by defending Citadel space when they needed help the most, were the main military and peace-keeping force in Council space. Each species understood that it would lose more than it would gain if the other 2 were ever removed. These 3 species ruled the Galaxy ensuring that peace endured, failing that ensuring that threats to galactic society were dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The races that were governed by the Citadel Council were all different in their own ways, they were limited capabilities as they were only members of the Citadel and not full members like the Council species. The Volus are the only known species that have an ammonia-based biology, could not breathe oxygen and required suits to survive outside their natural environment. The Hanar were a species that basically resembled jelly-fish. They had evolved on a planet that was covered in 90% of water. They required anti-gravity assistance to move outside of their water based environments. The Elcor were a species of "Lumbering Giants" that evolved on a high gravity world. They were large and deliberate, if they were careless they would hurt themselves in the High gravity environments they usually inhabit. The Batarians were a species that's society had integrated slavery at an early age and is reluctant to change. They are usually clashing with the Council over this as it is against Citadel Law. The Krogan, even though they don't have a unified government, live under the rule of the Council. They evolved on a deadly world where everything was prey to something else and with them being the apex predator due to intelligence, they were very deadly in combat. All these species lived together and worked together. All under the Rule of the Council.

The Citadel was a tranquil place, a jewel in the Blackness of space. With it being the heart of Government it was defended by fleets from the 3 Council species. The Council had recently discovered a new Primary relay just on the edge of Citadel Council space. Usually this would not be that noteworthy. However the Council had begun discussing lifting its ban on activating dormant mass relays, the discussion was making progress, but it hadn't found any relays that would expand Council space at the moment. A primary relay links to another primary relay and travel is only enabled between the 2, systems near these however would have secondary relays that linked to many other secondary relays. The primary relay linked to previously inaccessible space, well not entirely but it would take decades with conventional FTL. The primary relay was the topic of discussion by the Council today.

Asari Councillor Tevos, was a very well respected Matriarch. She had been the Representative of her species for over 150 years. She knew every loop hole and always remained neutral in situations usually promoting the option to have the least consequences.

Salarian Councillor Valern, was one of the most intelligent of his species. No doubt why he was picked to be the representative on behalf of them. He preferred statistics and hard facts. He usually promoted the option that averted crisis before it could begin.

Turian Councillor Sparatus, had served many years in the Military. He was chosen to represent the Turians because he followed the Turian code most publicly, face the crisis head on. He was however not stupid. He would prefer peace over anything like any soldier would. But should a crisis arrive he would vote for direct confrontation.

They had just started discussing the next course of action regarding the Primary Relay dubbed "Relay 314".

"As you can see, the relay is predicted to take us into this arm of the Galaxy, just outside Inner Council Space." Stated Valern as he was pointing to the projection, which showed the aforementioned space in red.

"Yes, quite a large area of space. This relay is the only way in and out we know off?" quizzed Tevos

"It would seem, but we won't know unless we travel their and find another primary relay on the other side of its space." replied Valern.

"What are is the likely-hood of meeting another alien race?" asked Sparatus

"Well, the area of space is quite extensive. Its very probable, we may also uncover remaining Prothean Ruins." replied Valern putting his hand to his chin

"Yes, but this area of space could also bring in vast resources to the Council." stated Tevos.

"I recommend opening the Relay. Survey teams along side Turian patrols should work" stated Sparatus.

"I agree, if there is a species beyond it is better we know now rather than later" replied Valern

"I agree, the System on the other side shall be claimed by the Turians for defense purposes should it be uninhabited." stated Tevos

"Thank you Tevos, I would like to however request we send a team of Spectres also, for increased security of course" replied Sparatus

"A team of three, one from each of our species. Send a message to your preferred agents and have them briefed on what they will be assigned." stated Valern

"The fleet shall consist of 8 Frigates, 2 Cruisers and 1 Dreadnought. Don't worry the Hierarchy can spare it" Stated Sparatus with the Turian version of a grin.

"Very well, we shall assemble the fleet here and send them off in one weeks time. This meeting is adjourned." Stated Tevos

They all left for their dinner break, they had other topics to review later, this was the Life of a Councillor.

1 Week Later Citadel News Network Broadcast

Welcome this is Tashya Porae Citadel News Net. Recently you may have heard of the Council's debates to open Relay 314. after a weeks long wait we have received confirmation, that they are going to open it to explore the previously inaccessible area of the Galaxy known as the Morphus Threshold. It is the area on the edge of Inner Council Space and surrounded by the Skyllian Verge.

The fleet that they are sending is a Council expeditionary and Survey fleet alongside a large patrol fleet from the Turian Hierarchy. Skeptics say that the Council is asking for trouble, opening a dormant mass relay possibly unleashing a hostile race like the Rachni. The Council responded to such statements by saying that we are ready to face whatever could come our way.

This is going to be a historical moment no matter how it turns out. As you can see the Fleet is starting to leave for the relay, towards Relay 314. This is Tashya Porae Citadel News Net reporting to you live.

Relay 314 System – Orbit of the Dormant Mass Relay

The Fleet in was just preparing to activate the mass relay. The comms on every ship were buzzing with anticipation and speculation as to the adventure they were about to embark upon. The Flagship was the Dreadnought Indomitable. It was a vessel of the Hierarchy, which displayed the Power and authority of the Council and all its member species. The Admiral of this ship had seen pretty much everything that the Galaxy could throw at him. He had been in skirmishes to full-scale battles on the Ground and in space. He was technically over-qualified for this expedition but he was needed in case of hostile first contact. His name was Desolas Arterius. He was by all standards a patriot to his species and by extension the Citadel Council. He had served honourably for 40 years in the Turian Hierarchy. Seasoned veteran of everything except politics. He was smart and talented. Its what got him promoted to Admiral in the shortest recorded time in the Hierarchy.

He stared at the Mass Relay anticipating it's activation. Hoping that the next few months on the other side of the relay would be a walk in the park. After all, thats all seasoned soldiers want. Peace.

The relay flared to life. The Blue core lit up followed by the inner and outer rings beginning to spin up, they would be spinning for as long as the relay was going to be in use. Which, if things went well, almost indefinitely.

"Okay, I want all ships to be ready. Sensors up, shields online as soon as we come out the other side. Frigates First followed by Cruisers and Dreadnought, then the Survey fleet." Ordered Desolas

"So standard operating procedure sir?" replied a Turian Operator

"Quite so and if all goes well and you play your cards right. I'll make sure everyone gets a pay rise. Don't say that I don't take care of my own" quipped Desolas

A few cheers and laughs ensued along with a few remarks.

"Is the Fleet ready" asked Desolas

"Yes sir, they are proceeding to the relay in standard formation." replied an Operator

As Desolas looked at the Galaxy map, he could see his fleet slowly converging on the relay. Disappearing one by one until it was his ship, the Indomitable, that was next. He watched in anticipation as the ship approached the Relay, outside the ship was hit by the relay and propelled forwards to the next relay. He saw as his ship jumped across the galaxy map into the Morphus Threshold. His ship came out of FTL just at the rear of the Patrol Fleet. They had begun relaying their scans to the Indomitable.

"I want that information uploaded to the galaxy map ASAP" ordered Desolas

"Coming up now sir" stated one Turian Analyst

The galaxy map showed the current system. They were next to a dwarf planet thats moon was encased in ice. There was no mass relay on sight but eezo readings were coming from the moon. Obvious conclusion was that the relay had been encased in ice after such long inactivity which wasn't unheard of. The system also showed gas giant beyond the dwarf planet along with 3 inner planets. With the dwarf planet being the 5th planet, gas giant being the 4th. The 3rd planet was barren and held no atmosphere. The 2nd one had an atmosphere and was at the correct distance from it's start to possibly contain life. The 1st planet was a dwarf planet that seemed to be on a collapsing orbit towards its parent star, but it was a slow decay in orbit.

"Moderate system. One possible garden world. Orders sir?" quizzed the Turian Comms officer

"I want all ships to begin standard procedure and start patrolling this system. The survey fleet will continue with it's assigned tasks." stated Desolas. "Mean while we will begin activating this mass relay here."

It didn't take long for the fleets to spring into action. Comm chatter was beginning to pick up again with speculation and anticipation. The signal had been sent to the Relay. After a few minutes the moon had begun to crack and firing plumes of gas into space. Followed by chunk of ice being expelled from the moon along with a bright blue flare in the moon. The rest of the moon had begun to melt of get propelled into space. All debris had begun slowly heading down to the dwarf planet.

The relay's inner and outer rings began their motion of circulation, regulating the mass effect core at the heart of the relay. Within a few moments the rings were up to full speed. Standard procedure is to wait a day before travelling back, give the relay time to work out any kinks.

"Relay a message back. The relay's are open and begun scanning and patrolling first system." ordered Desolas.

"Message sent sir" replied the Comms Officer "also incoming message from survey fleet, putting it up on screen now"

Desolas prepared to speak to the leader of the Survey Fleet.

"Admiral, this is Matriarch Fursha. We had begun scanning the 2nd planet in the system when we found something that will warrant your attention." stated Fursha with a smile

"And what might that be? Prothean ruins?" quizzed Desolas

"No, but still ruins from another species" replied Fursha as the screen changed to show a visual of the planet. In orbit there was debris from what seemed to be a space battle. Quite enough debris to build a few new dreadnoughts for the Hierarchy. But what caught his eye was a structure that stretched from the surface and almost into orbit, it seemed to have been torn in half, with what remains of the upper half scattered among the debris.

"What are we looking at Fursha?" asked Desolas with a awed tone

"Well our VI's have modelled what it should look like and our best guess is that was an orbital elevator of some kind. The debris around it is scattered ship remains from what seems to be 2 different designs." stated Fursha

This influx of information was being broadcast to the entire fleet. Therefore comm chatter had picked slightly but not enough to warrant discipline.

"So, a war fought by 2 different species? Any guess as to how long ago this was?" asked Desolas

A grin grew over Fursha's face "Actually, the marks on the planet that indicate orbital bombardment of some kind, have been scanned with carbon dating equipment along with various other instruments. Reveal that this happened only 33 years ago."

Shock grew over Desolas's face. "That is basically yesterday on the galactic scale. What are the odds of this or rather these civilisations to still exist? Quizzed Desolas

"Well, preliminary scans show only one city at the base of the orbital elevator with barely anything else on the surface. This indicates that this is just a colony of what we can tell is the less advanced species. The debris field is mostly from this species." Fursha stated.

A little shocked. Desolas was expecting a hostile alien race or nothing. Not 2 alien civilizations at war.

"I had better relay this information to the Citadel Council. We shall remain in system until the Council decides what we are to do next. You may continue to survey the debris field and see what you can find. We shall patrol a little closer to the planet to provide protection, should such a situation warrant action." stated Desolas, clearly thinking in the best way to maintain security over the situation

"Very well, we shall begin sending team among the debris field to find anything useful. Who knows, we may find technology that could be a great boost to the Council here." replied Fursha

"Well your scans show that there is no trace of element zero among the ships or in this system aside from the relay. Either they have retrieved the eezo left from the battle. Or they have technology that doesn't require eezo. The latter would be most interesting" stated Desolas

The screen switched off. The analysts on his ship were going nuts. One of them was looking directly at Desolas.

"Go on, what is it?" asked Desolas

"Sir, information relayed from the survey fleet shows that the orbital bombardment was done by an energy projector of some kind." stated the Analyst

"Energy projector! The Council R&D boys estimated that sort of technology was infeasible or even unmake-able at the moment. Your telling me these 2 alien races have energy projector's for ship to ship combat?" asked Desolas

"Err... No Sir, only the Invading species seemed to have them. The debris field appears to have been strip mined of anything remotely useful, leaving behind the hulls of dead ships. Considering the length of the defending ships, thanks to VI estimates, its seems highly likely that they may have used a mass accelerator weapon or something similar due to the absence of eezo." stated the Analyst

"Quite the mouthful there. But thanks for the information. This will need to be relayed to the Council ASAP" stated Desolas. "Be sure it gets done. Its getting late and I need some rest."

Desolas then walked out of the CIC and headed to his quarters. He sat down on his bunk. He was thinking about everything that has happened within the past few hours alone. The wealth of information flowing to the Council. He lay down on his bed after getting undressed. He thought of the possibilities of the situation. The defending fleet seemed to be crushed by the invading fleet. Either hostile first contact or these 2 civilizations couldn't stand one another any longer. What could request such violence on this scale. 33 years after the battle we arrive. The debris field had already been strip mined. Someone returned to this site? Which side? Who one the war? If it was over, if not who was winning? Evidence suggested the invader. He slowly drifted into sleep.

The analysts were all gathering information to be deciphered and rendered into categories. They had yet to name either species. But one symbol was showing up on many of the defending species constructions. It was a bird sat atop a globe with its wings spread and a banner under the globe that had alien markings. Along side smaller markings on things recovered from the planet's orbital elevator.

They stood out as U.N.S.C, the alien markings underneath some things displayed a manner of alien writings or sentences.

Such as :

United Nations Space Command.

For Earth and all Her Colonies.

Orbital Elevator / Disabled

Codex

Morphus Threshold

Previously inaccessible space. Thanks to relay 314 it is now accessible. The hundreds of star systems waiting to be explored and mined for the Council. Speculation of the Morphus region had come to many proposed answers as to why it is inaccessible. The most favoured is that the Prothean home world is on the other side, with the relay being the only way in or out. It would have massive strategic value in combat situations. This is believed to be most likely due to the fact Protheans were the masters of mass relay technology according to the Council species. The Batarians had searched relentlessly for the fabled relay before it was found by the council. They were hoping to find something that could give them a bargaining chip with the council. However the Council beat them to the punch. Now the Batarians watch in jealousy as the Council claim the newly found systems.

Well guys, im sorry about my other story. But I felt I should try again at a slower pace. I was running out of ideas fast. So I begun anew. I hope you like it. Let me know in the reviews ;)