I've run out of steam and stopped making chapters every 2 days. Europa Universalis IV taking up far too much of my time. Literally that games takes a lot of patience to play.

Anyway I'm standing by my decision to keep Tau Fire Warriors shieldless. As I said it balances it out more seeing that plasma is superbly effective against the Kinetic barriers (Or at least it is here) and I don't want the Enclaves to be too overpowered. Their much bigger fleet already gives them a huge advantage.

Disclaimer: Mass Effect belongs to Bioware and Warhammer 40000 belongs to Games Workshop.

2183 CE – Virmire, Krogan Breeding Facility

With most of the Heretics dead and his fortress penetrated it was thought Saren was defeated. Unfortunately it appeared that he still had aces up his sleeve. That ace came charging at him down the corridor. Synthetic Orks, as if organic Orks weren't bad enough.

These synthetic ones were now dubbed Ferals, due to their behaviour and also since they had even less intelligence than an Ork. This lack of intelligence was probably made up by their harder skin and increased strength. They even lacked the Ork's signature war cry, replacing it with an eerie synthetic shrills.

Seeing that his Fire Warriors were overwhelmed by the sheer number of Ferals filling the corridors. Shas'Vre Shi'ur ordered a tactical retreat to a position where they could handle their numbers. Preferably a wide and open area which was, unfortunately, only found outside the facility.

Fire Warriors died as they swiftly retreated. The rear guard who had valiantly stayed behind to buy their comrades time reported that their position was lost before all contact was lost.

Shi'ur contacted Shepard, the human had hopefully be finished with dealing with Saren, as he was considering detonating the Plasma charges early now.

"Commander Shepard, our position has been lost. You had best hurry and finish Saren and get out before the charges set in place kills you too."

There was only buzzing on the comm before it sparked to life. "How much time do we have before it blows us all to kingdom come?"

'Kingdom Come' What was that? Some human saying?

"Approximately half an hour till the explosives activate." Shi'ur replied, giving an estimate to how long the drones guarding the charges would last. The bombs themselves were remote controlled but giving the Commander a time limit like that was a good incentive.

The Tau Commander heard what sounded like cursing before Shepard replied. "Understood"

Satisfied he turned his attention back to the facilities entrance. He hoped that the Ferals shared the Orks obsession with fighting the strongest foes. If so then his remaining forces, being the stronger and more intimidating than his drones, would attract the majority of them.

He had no more to time to think as they poured out of the door and even the windows, that should have reinforced, as they formed into a mob that charged the waiting Tau.

Kauyon, the patient hunter. One of the two basic combat doctrines that the Fire Castes employs. Right now there couldn't be a better example. His Fire Warriors were stationed onto the elevated rock platforms that littered the Virmire's coast. Their burning plasma rained down onto the Ferals.

Unfortunately hitting them in the torso had little effect, the Ferals continuing to move even with holes in their body, so the Tau shifted targets. Headshots proved as lethal to the Ferals as it would most things, failing that destroying their legs would trip them and the unfortunate Feral would be trampled by the mob.

Then they were upon them. Their metallic arms smashing into the Battlesuit. The Battlesuits struggled in the melee to shrug of the Ferals. Their eerie cries echoed as they began to climb up to where he and his Fire Warriors were stationed.

His Cadre shifted fire onto the ones slowly making their way up the rock face. It proved ineffective as the Ferals used their metallic arms to punch holes for them to climb up. While headshots were now easier, those that died got stuck, their arms which we driven into the rock face kept them suspended in the air.

It would have been quite comical if not for the seriousness of the battle.

This was both a boon and a curse. The Feral's corpses provided a pseudo cover for the rest of the horde climbing up. However it also provided a brief reprieve as the Ferals were having trouble getting over their suspended fellows who blocked their way up.

Shi'ur stood on the edge of the plateau. He fired his guns endlessly into the mob below him.

"Hero this is Shepard. Saren managed to slip through us. We've already evacuated the facility. You are now free to destroy it. I repeat you are free to destroy it."

The human had let him get away! So this was a pointless venture, his men's deaths gaining nothing. He cursed himself. "Understood, bombs will not be activated soon."

"It was nice working with you Shepard" he added as an afterthought. He received no reply.

Again Shi'ur found himself giving the order to retreat. Orcas were called in to bring his troops back to the ship. The two remaining battlesuits quickly jet packed out of the killing zone and onto higher ground. Now with the battlesuits gone the majority of the horde turned their attention to the Tau above them.

By then the Orcas had landed on the rocky plateau and the Cadre was quickly boarding them, glad to get away for the Feral Horde. Shas'Vre Shi'ur was the last to board, remotely activating the plasma bombs inside his suit.

As he turned and boarded the Orca, the first of the Ferals had finally made it to the top. It was too late though as the Orca took off towards the sky. The cloak that was installed in it, automatically turning back on as they entered the atmosphere.

Behind them the sprawling facility was consumed in a large blue ball of light. When it subsided all that was left was a huge crater.

The report from the Rra Kauyon had been forwarded back to Vior'los where High Command received it. Deciding that it was now pointless to keep their presence hidden they decided to send the Water Caste to initiate First Contact with the Citadel Council.

Shas'O Shovah had given them a list of what could be negotiated and what was non-negotiable. The most important one being to refuse membership to the Citadel Council.

Subjugating themselves to a foreign power goes against the creed of the Farsight Enclaves where they were to pursue their own destiny.

Finding the Council and getting their attention wasn't hard. A massive fleet composed of only what they considered dreadnought class ships and above was going to attract a lot of attention.

It was getting them to believe that they weren't going to attack that was more difficult. 'O Shovah had decided on using a show of force to intimidate the Council and hopefully frighten them enough to not try and annex them.

Kor'O Doran and her fleet was relieved of guarding the relay into the Perseus Veil and now charged with guarding the Water Caste Ambassador. Several Fire Caste Cadres were loaded onto her ships. Nearly 15000 Fire Warriors with battlesuit and tank support.

It was probably much more than they needed, but 'O Shovah had wanted them there anyway. If things went wrong with the Council he wanted the Cadre to invade the Citadel and cripple the centre of the galaxy. While the fleets of the Council, or the Turian Hierarchy really, outnumbered their own in numbers. The amount of tonnage that the Enclave could bring to a conflict outweighed the Council's significantly.

If worst came to worst and the Council had against all odds come out on top then the experimental Genophage cure, obtained by the Rra Kauyon would be given to the Krogans. Hopefully the resurgence of the Krogan would buy enough time for the Enclave to muster their forces and counterattack the Council.

While defeating and conquering them was impossible due to their lack of manpower. Forcing them to concede defeat was well within their capabilities. Especially if the Geth could be persuaded to assist them.

While it was true they wanted to show off their power and technological strength. Performing a warp jump straight in front of the Citadel was perhaps not exactly the best way to introduce yourself.

It did prove that they could get past all the vaunted defences and patrols that guarded the relays leading to the Citadel without being detected. That and the size of their fleet were quite threatening.

The Council fleet stationed at Citadel responded slowly. That a fleet consisting of over fifty dreadnoughts with some well over 3km had snuck up on the Council caught them off guard.

Luckily they decided not to fire on the imposing fleet. The Asari Matriarch in charge of the Citadel's defences made the sensible decision of not attacking them no matter how tempting it was.

The Citadel fleet quickly mobilized itself into a defensive formation in front of the Citadel. The Enclave fleet waited anxiously for them to finish moving into position. The Ambassador 'O Eloh, promoted as a result of his negotiations with the Geth, was adamant about letting them secure themselves to make themselves at least appear peaceful seeing that they couldn't make themselves less threatening.

All it took was one of the famed Turian hotheads to fire on them on the assumption that without Eezo they were weak to ruin this. Hopefully the captains of the Turian ships were more level headed than that and could see that even without Eezo the Enclave fleet outmatched the defenders.

Deciding now was the time, 'O Eloh sent the message that would mark First Contact between the Farsight Enclave and the Citadel Council.

Councilor Tevos waited nervously in the Presidium. All other meetings and business had been put aside with the appearance of an alien fleet that represented their Farsight Enclaves. Their ambassador had just landed on the Citadel and was making their way to the Presidium.

To her right the Turian Councillor Sparatus was seething. He had not appreciated the obvious intimidation technique that the Farsight Enclave had used. Always the soldier he was likely thinking of ways to counter their mysterious technology that allowed them to catch the Citadel off guard.

The Salarian Councillor Valern was likewise interested in their technology. Though unlike Sparatus he was likely thinking of means to acquire it and use it to improve the standing of the Salarian Union. Despite how much the Council promoted cooperation and unity, self-interest will always come out on top.

An announcement marked the entry of the ambassador onto the Presidium. The various media hurried to start filming the newcomers.

The 'Tau' as they call themselves closely resembled the Asari and Humans except with Grey Skin. It was strange how many races shared the same characteristics. The ambassador was tall and slender and was garbed in a crimson robe. His guards were slightly taller and looked far stronger, like their diplomat they were armoured in crimson and held in their hands broad tall weapons.

Stepping forward onto her pedestal; Tevos greeted the newcomer. "Welcome to the Citadel ambassador, I am Councillor Tevos, to my left if Councilloer Valern and my right; Councillor Sparatus."

The named Councillors nodded their heads in greetings as the Tau ambassador stood below them. "I am Por'O Eloh and I thank you for your welcomes and hope that our talks here will benefit the all for the Greater Good."

Sparatus interjected before she could speak further. "Yes, yes now could you tell us why you have deemed it necessary to bring your all your dreadnoughts for a diplomatic talk." He gestured outwards to the goliath fleet that waited outside the Citadel assuming that the aliens had to have brought every dreadnought they had to amass such a fleet.

The Tau only smiled as it answered. "I do not understand what you mean Councillor. This is one of our smaller fleets that we decided to bring for security to these talks." Of course that was a lie as the Kor'O Doran's fleet was a fully battle ready fleet but it gave the Council the impression that they were stronger than they actually were.

Sparatus's mandibles flapped in disbelief, his thought of how large their navy must be if this demonstration was just a small fleet.

Tevos nervously re-joined the conversation before Sparatus could muster a response. "A…Any how seeing as though you knew where to find us and have translators for our languages, you must have something to discuss with the Council."

The smile from the 'O Eloh disappeared as he addressed the Council. "There were some… circumstances which led to this. I am here to discuss means of cooperation and trade with the Council on behalf of the Farsight Enclaves. After all doesn't the Council promote peace and cooperation between all?"

"You seem to know quite a lot about the Council yet we know nothing about these Farsight Enclaves. Could you tell us more about your people before we begin negotiations? "

"Certainly, though there is not much to tell. The Farsight Enclave is a group led by Shas'O Vior'la Shovah Kais Mont'yr who split off from an oppressive empire that you need not worry about as they are and will be unable to reach where we have settled or any Citadel territories now." He elaborated upon seeing the concern when he mentioned a much larger empire.

Seeing their concern some somewhat abide he continued "We were formed 400 years ago and have flourished under the leadership of Shas'O Shovah who continues to lead us."

"Thank you for sharing with us. Now back to the issue on hand, The Council wishes to extend a membership within the Citadel. There are many economic and trade opportunities that will benefit all parties. " Tevos said.

"It will provide safety and protection from external threats. The fleets of the Council will guarantee your protection." Added Sparatus.

Valern finished their practiced speech. "Membership will allow you to access the technological achievements that the Citadel has to offer."

The Council waited for the Tau to respond, already anticipating the answer.

"The Farsight Enclave will regretfully decline your kind offer." The Tau calmly replied, already anticipating the storm that is coming. He was not disappointed as the Councillors recoiled in shock.

The Turian Councillor looked ready to shout at the Tau before Tevos waved him down. "I am surprised to hear that Ambassador. No one had declined an offer to join the Council before. May I ask why you turned us down?"

The Tau obliged "Much of our culture clashes with your own. The foremost one is the issue of AI."

The Councillors stiffened at the mention of AI but otherwise kept quiet.

"AI's are used heavily in the Enclaves and-"That was as far a 'O Eloh got before an outraged Sparatus finally broke loose.

"Are you mad, don't you see the danger they pose. The Geth are the best example of dangerous AI, look what happened to the Quarians when those synthetics got tired of them." He raged.

Tevos was slightly embarrassed by Sparatus's outburst. While she did agree with Sparatus, she would have preferred a more quiet way to go about warning the newcomers about AI.

Unfazed by this, 'O Eloh continued on a calm voice. "Our AI work towards the Greater Good like all of the Farsight Enclave and we see no reason to change that. The Geth was another issue. The Enclaves are in a union with the Geth. I hope this won't affect our relations."

There was silence in the Chamber as the Councillors registered what was just said. The reporters watching held their breath as they waited for the Council to respond to this revelation.

"…The Geth. You are in an alliance with synthetics?" Valern finally managed to get out.

"Yes. Despite popular belief they are quite friendly and aside from their Creators and the Orks, they don't really care what the rest of the galaxy is doing too much as long as it doesn't affect them." 'O Eloh said; ignoring the looks he got from everyone watching.

"Your allied with the Geth!" roared Sparatus, this time Tevos was no embarrassed in the least. She was equally outraged and surprised.

"Please calm yourself, as I have said we do not come with hostile intentions but we are willing and capable of dealing with threats if they come to us." The ambassador said.

His guards readied themselves while the C-Sec officers prepared to fight.

"I agree with the ambassador, we must calm ourselves before we can continue." Agreed Tevos, trying to defuse the tension in the air.

When Sparatus finally managed to control himself and Valern had stopped gawking, Tevos managed to ask "How, no why would you ally yourself with the Geth?"

"They were more peaceful than most other aliens races we have encountered. It was through the Geth that we discovered the wider galactic community" Answered 'O Eloh truthfully. Indeed compared to galaxy they used to inhabit, the galaxy here was extremely peaceful.

"And you choose only now to reveal yourselfs. Why?" inquired Valern.

"We had hoped to prepare ourselves better for our first interaction with the wider galaxy. Our ties with the Geth and use of AI would put off many. This type of reaction was far less than what we had expected. You cannot fault us with trying to strengthen ourselves in the event that you choose to attack us for our alliance with the Geth." The lie coming off his lips smoothly.

"As I mentioned earlier we come to establish trade and peaceful relations with the Citadel Council. We have no intentions of joining the Council as a member. Furthermore any attacks upon the Farsight Enclaves or the Geth Collective will be viewed as an attack on both."

"The details of trade and the like can be discussed later. What I am asking for now is whether the Citadel is willing to go forward with this."

"Ambassador, may we have some time. The Council will need to discuss your offer." Valern said.

'O Eloh nodded the smile back on his face. "You can have all the time you need Councillors. I understand this is a decision that is not to be taken lightly. Though I ask for you to not delay as I am needed to report back the Enclaves soon."

"Of course, Ambassador. This will not take too long, only a few hours. We invite you to tour the Presidium during the wait." Offered Tevos.

"Thank you for the offer. I look forward to seeing more of the famed Citadel." With that O'Eloh and his escorts left the Council Chambers.

'O Eloh returned to the Council Chambers. The Council themselves already waiting on their elevated platform. The tour was uneventful. Not much could be seen due to the number of gawkers who came to see the new race.

There were also a number of hostile glares sent their way. Their fleet right outside the Council was quite a sight. Despite them not bothering any ships that decided to leave or enter, their presence was enough to scare people.

Overall they only had a brief stop near the Hanar Embassy and stayed at a restaurant just outside the Presidium, which had several C-Sec officers keeping the onlookers away as 'O Eloh sampled their food.

He stepped back onto the platform he left hours ago and waited for the Council to start talks. He did not have to wait for long when Sparatus bluntly asked him "What are the Farsight Enclaves and the Geth's plans? Will they become a threat to the Citadel?"

"We plan to expand and bring further prosperity for our people like all races. Like before we have no plans to invade the Council for planets nor do the Geth for that matter. As for the Geth's plans… it is not within my rights to say. Though I can assure you that it will not involve anyone else unless they choose to involve themselves."

The Councillors murmured amongst themselves for a moment before Tevos spoke "Are you sure that the Farsight Enclaves will not join the Council. There is much to be benefited in joining."

'O Eloh waved his hand dismissively. "No, we are content to stay independent of the Council."

"You won't last long without the Council's guidance anyway." Muttered Sparatus under his breath, obviously angry at the Tau's refusal.

'O Elog ignored the last comment, long used to abuse being thrown at him during his times as a diplomat and mediator.

"Well then Councillors shall we start the real negotiations."

I wondered how the AI in the Tau Empire stayed loyal whereas in other science fiction and even the Imperium of Man they turn against their creators. Then I remembered that the Tau are considered 'Blue Communists'. If the Tau are (kinda) communist then their drones and AI are also probably programmed to be communist working towards the Greater Good.

Hence with both Organics and Synthetics working together for the Greater Good they are mutually beneficial to each other thus meaning little or no conflict (hopefully). So essentially the reason that the Tau AI haven't rebelled is because both them and their creators are communists working towards the same goal.

This was just a random thought and is not to be taken seriously.

Orca Dropship: The dedicated orbital transport of the Tau. Also used to transport supplies and the like. It is not a combat vessel but is armed enough to defend itself. Can fit up to 24 Fire Warriors with 8 drones and a command chair for officers, 6 Crisis Battlesuits or 3 Broadside Battlesuits.

Ferals: Essentially Orks that have been zombified by the Reapers. They share the same characteristics as the husks except their arms have been modified to be weapons. The are stronger, faster and more brutal than an Ork if that is possible. Unfortunately due to their new organic-synthetic body, they are not as cunning as Orks and lose the Orks ability to 'change' things. That and they can't "WAAAGH".

I believe this is already known by most but just in case.

"WAAAGH"

When a large number of Orks gather they generate a psychic field named the "WAAAGH". The WAAAGH as, mentioned before, warps reality to fit the Orks allowing them to fight with weapons and vehicles that should not work.

When a massive horde of Orks gather the whole group is called a WAAAGH. The biggest of the Orks will then become the Warboss on virtue of being the meanest and strongest.

It is also used to name a rare event where Orks stop killing each other and actually band together. This usually has millions of Orks going on a warpath stomping anything that gets in their way. After all fighting each other gets boring after a while. Killing other things like Humies and Space Marine Boyz is much more exciting.