Open The Door.

Commander General smiled as he thought of his protege, who he just given a 1 month leave to Elysuim. He shook his head with a smile when he remembered Shepard's face as he walked into the barracks on New Terra, grabbed Shepard around the head and marched him out, stating he will be taking the Lieutenant for a couple of months for training. Following him to Elysuim was, of course, Destiny Sparkle as she just finished her training with Queen Celestia.

Walking a path through the hostile forest of the planet Infestus, Commander General was on a mission too find someone. Roars echoed out of the forest before being cut out from a gunshot. He turned his head, a small smile on his face before jumping up into a tree and ran across the branches heading towards the sounds of fighting.

He landed near a clearing, watching an red armor krogan fighting against Fecans, a large panther like creatures with two tails and extra set of legs. These creatures were actually the weakest of what the planet could offer, but in packs, they are quiet deadly. Seeing a single creature fighting against a full pack was still impressive enough as it is. Already 10 lay dead on the ground and 3 more were dying leaving only 2 more to content with the krogan.

“Bah!” Make that 1 as he rip the spine out of one of the 2. The last one made a desperate grab for the krogan's throat only to be caught in its grip. With out any finesse, he snapped the creatures neck before causally tossing it to the ground. He roared out, showing the forest of Infestus who was king. He turned his head when heard clapping, seeing Commander General leaning against a tree.

“General.”

“Wrex.” CG walked up to the krogan, before sticking his hand out for a  hand shake. The krogan smiled, before taking it and shaking it.

“So what do I owe this visit, General.” Wrex asked as they made their way back towards.

“Looking for you actually and for your opinion on weapons.”

“Hah! Make it big, make it loud, and make sure it causes the maximum amount of damage!” Wrex laughed.

“Good, then I need some of your people to help me with a project.”

“Project?”

“An advance scout ship. But has the ability to defend itself when need to. Your people are more weapon experts than my own.” Commander General stated

“Hmm....true, your people are more akin to defense. I will get you a list of people by the end of the day.”

“Thank you, Wrex. Your people won't be alone, I asked a list from the Quarians as well. Rael will be sending his best for this as well.” Wrex nodded his head, the two walked in silence before reaching the edge of the Krogan colony. Wrex stopped, causing the General to stop as well. “Something wrong Wrex?”

“Thank you.”

“Excuse me? For what?”

“For this,” Wrex waved his arms to the colony, which originally was blacklisted, but was later settled by the krogans. “For helping us.....for giving us a  future we could be proud of.”

“It was nothing Wrex.”

“No, many krogan will think you are weak and soft cause your people always wanted to help those that are troubled.” This caused General to give a small chuckle.

“A famous man once said 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.' We want peace, but we will fight back when we need to.” Wrex nodded his head.

“And I believe you, your people truly want peace, but knows that sometimes peace will be hard to come by. Your people are strong. And to open your arms for us degenerates of the galaxy.”

“I hardly think of your people or the Quarians as degenerates, Wrex.”

“No....but you gave us a chance.”

-Flashback-

“My Queen, General, are you sure this most wise?”

“Please, Grandly, I only wish to speak to them.” Celestia said softly, “There is nothing wrong with talking.”

“But one of them is a mercenary! They kill for money. He could have been hired to-”

“Sergeant.” CG barked out.

“Guh...yes Commander General sir!”

“Stow it soldier. We have the entire bar rented, as well as have over 30 soldiers in the room and every conceivable entrance guarded and watched. And if the entire room filled with soldiers is not enough to sway him from killing Celestia, I will be right there next to her to protect her.”

“Yes sir.”

“Good, return to your post, wait for our guests.” The Griffon nodded his head, saluting before returning to the entrance of the Flux. There was moment of silence before Celestia spoke up.

“I do question this action, General.” She said softly, her eyes locked onto his own, even with the hood covering his face. She saw him tightening his hands, actually hearing several joints popping.

“They used them.....the krogans, and expected nothing to happen. They are fools, but this....Genophage...is something even the old humans would never do. To take the life of a child before it was even born.....Monsters.”

“And the Quarians?”

“They remind me of a group of people called gypsies, always looked down upon and cursed at. It even worse when I saw the two being overcharged for food! And they struggle to survive...forced to wander the galaxy, not allowed to settle on a planet. They were cast aside for a mistake of a few, and they all got punished. This.....this is high society of the galaxy? To be among the high class and watch them kicked down the unfortunate? No....no I wish no part of this.”

“And this has nothing to do with the 'treaty' they gave us?” Celestia prodded.

“Treaty? More like a list of demands.”  CG scowled

“At least they are given us a small section of space as a compensation for our losses.”

“Oh yes, lets not forget the Batarian 'ambassador' going bat shit insane due to that.” CG scowled. Celestia shushed him, causing CG to scoff at her.

'Even a thousand years later, he still has such a foul mouth.' Celestia mused quietly to herself.

Grandly voice crackled over his earpiece. “Sir, the krogan is here.” CG rolled his eyes.

“He has a name, griffon.”  Silence rang from his earpiece before Grandly voice came back on.

“I.....I'm sorry sir.”

“Don't let it happen again, Sergeant. We are better than these people of the Council.”

“Yes sir. Rael Zorah and Lela Dars are here as well.”

“Very well, Grandly, Send them in.” Celestia asked quietly. From the entrance walk in Urdnot Wrex, Krogan Battlemaster and High ranked Mercenary. Commander met Wrex when they first landed on the Citadel in the Wards. Wrex was just minding his own business when he was attacked by the Eclipse Mercenaries. Well, Commander wasn't going to allow him to fight them off by himself. Wrex and CG fought against a wave after wave of mercenaries, all of them geared to kill Wrex. CG learned during the battle that Wrex had killed a leader of the Eclipse when he was protecting a client. Turns out the leader he killed was the younger sister of one the founders of the Eclipse. It would be over 20 minutes of straight fighting before C-Sec finally arrival, much to chagrin of CG, who smelled a lot dirty cops. He and Wrex would be detained for a day, much to both of their annoyance. However, in that time, CG and Wrex talked and traded stories of their people. He learn of the Krogan's plight and wish to truly help him.With their approval of the Council getting lower and lower, CG called Wrex for a proposal for him and his people.

Following him was two suit Quarians, Rael Zorah nar Rayya and Lela Dars nar Rayya. Celestia actually met these two herself when she was touring the wards. She had been interested in seeing how people of the Council are, but the more she saw, the less pleased she became. She watched with careful eyes as she saw corrupted business deals, asari selling themselves discreetly, blatant racism at every corner. It sicken her, she didn't want her subject to exposed to this kind of corruption. While her ponies were no longer as innocence as they once were, thanks to the humans and their horrible lives from before coming to Equestria, they were still far more innocent than these people. Humans might survive this kind of setting, but will probably leave in disgust themselves. She watch as two suit aliens she has never seen before getting kicked out of store. As she walked towards them, she felt emotions coming from them in waves: sadness, anger, despair. But what she felt from everyone else nearly had her recoil in absolute disgust. Hatred, spite, happiness at their misfortune. She attempt to talk to them, but her guide tried to dissuade her.

“They are just filthy Quarians, nothing you need to worry about.”

Well, Celestia was going to take that laying down. She only gave her guide frown, walked towards the two Quarians despite her guide's 'recommendation' placed a wing over both of them, much to their surprise. Celestia turn to her guide.

“The only filthy person I see here is you.” Before she vanished in a flash of light, along with the two stunned quarians, much to the her guide's shock. A few seconds later, they appeared on a dreadnought, Celestia turn to the still shock quarians with a smile.

“My name is Celestia, Queen of Equestria, I welcome you aboard the SSV Cyllene. Would you like something to eat?”

When negations began to deteriorate, she was somewhat surprised to hear CG ask for the two Quarians she met when he want to call for Wrex. He stated he wanted to give them the same offer as the krogans, which will benefit them greatly.

CG stood up and walked before the krogan, both beings watched each other for a moment, almost as if they were sizing each other up.

“Wrex.”

“General.”

Celestia, for some reason, felt the urge to laugh at the odd scene before her. She turned and smiled at Rael and Lela. “Please, sit. My General and I wish to speak with all 3 of  you.”

“Uh...Yes My Lady.” Rael stuttered out, unsure how to react to Royalty.

“Please, just Celestia is fine.”

“Tia is even better.” CG quipped, earning himself  a disapproving stare from Celestia.

“Enough with the chitchat.” Wrex grumbled, ordering a single beer from the owner Doran, “What did you call us for?”

“Yes, I am most curious as well.” Lela ask quietly. CG nodded his head, turning towards Celestia with permission to speak further. She nodded her head for approval at his glance.

“I will be blunt. We off you sanctuary within SA space for your respective races.” There was utter silence, but as one, all three narrowed their eyes with suspicion. It nearly broke Celestia's heart to see such a thing. Though not one she was not expecting.

“Oh, and what for?” Wrex growled, “Out of the kindness of your heart.”

“Yes.” Wrex blinked at the answer Celestia gave him, he couldn't tell if she was lying or not.

“We don't want anything from you, but we will ask for your help and skills of course. We have our own ways of going about our business. But....it pains me to see such a thing done to your people.” Wrex stared at Celestia before giving a bark of laughter.

“And what do you know of my people's pain.”

“Nothing.”

“Hmm....and why should I take your word on this, as far as I know, you are just a young pup with royal stamp mark on yer ass.” All the soldiers stiffen at the crass remark. Celestia however said nothing. CG on the other hand.

*Snort* “Young? Celestia? Hardly.” Wrex turned towards him, giving him a glare.

“Oh, and how old is she.”

“4,238 years old. Getting on in the years if I don't say so myself.” Celestia said, almost as if she was discussing the weather. Wrex's jaw dropped at the number.

“Y-y-you lie! Even krogans don't get that old.”

“Magic is a mysterious and powerful thing." CG whispered cryptically before taking a swing of his beer. “Mmm, good stuff.”

“And what of you two? Do you turn down our offer?” Celestia asked

“I...I can't really say. But....Can you help us even if turn you down?”

“Of course. We will gladly offer help if we can.”

“Please help take back our homeworld from the geth.”

“No.” CG said, interrupting Celestia before she can speak.

“But you said-”

“We will help get you get a planet in our space, offer a system filled with minerals, offer aid. We will not go to war for you.”

“But your ships can handle the geth! You can-”

“We will not go to war simply because you have a grudge with your creations. If that is what your people have been doing after 3 centuries of floating around the galaxy, then all of you are idiots.”

“General.” Celestia eyes narrowed at him, however she was interrupted before she continue.

“A grudge!” Rael stood up, anger clear in his stance. “We were kicked off our planet!”

“Strange....you been on pilgrimage for 3 centuries? You don't look that old.” CG said

“You have no idea whats its like to lose your people's home. You didn't lose a planet to some machine. You don't know our loss! YOU KNOW NOTHING OF OUR PLIGHT!”

Silence rang out, Wrex and the quarians took note of the sudden silence and felt extremely uncomfortable by it. All the human soldier stiffen at the outburst, while the griffons and ponies looked at their comrades with concern, but shot glares at Rael. Celestia looked at Rael with a narrowed eyes.

“You should really watch what you say, Rael.”

“Its true.” He stated stubbornly.

“Foolish.” Celestia stated quietly. She turned and pointed at the humans around the room. “All those human that stand here today are direct decedents of the humans that fled their dead world.”

Rael felt the blood drain from his face when he heard Celestia say that.

“A war broke out, and pretty much kill the planet itself. They didn't have the ability to leave the planet, Rael, they were stuck on it. With their people dying, they resorted to using an untest technology to transport them away from their dying planet to save themselves. IF it didn't work, they would of died on that planet. Your people were fortunate enough to have the means of escaping their worlds, the humans did not.”

“I....I...” Rael attempt to apologized, but only stuttered in response

“Also, my General was alive at that time.” Celestia stated, almost as an afterthought. “He saw almost all his friends and family died on that planet. I believe he understand your plight better than most.” Rael swallowed before turning to CG, who was strangely silent.

“I-”

“Save it. Take the offer or don't.” He stated, standing up and briskly walking away from them. “I don't care anymore.” Celestia sighed, making note to call Luna and have her talk to CG, as she is the only one to get through to him.

“I'm sorry.” Rael muttered quietly, only earning scoffs from the human soldiers.

“What is worse, Rael.” Celestia continued, “Several centuries ago, we ran into the human home planet. It was a dead empty world, no one is allow on the planet as well due to certain circumstances.”

Rael felt like total bosh'tet at that point, Wrex turned to the quarian. “Good job, quarian. You manage to make an entire race hate you without the rest of the galaxy telling them to. Thats impressive even to a krogan.” Rael head fell even further.

“Wrex, please.”

“Ok, Queenie.....Let me think about it....your offer seem sincere. Let me have some time to think.” Celestia nodded her head, but cocked her head at the statement.

“'Offer seems sincere.'?” she asked.

“I can tell when someone is lying to me, Queenie. Benefits of old age as you know.” Wrex nodded his head before leaving. Celestia stared at the retreating back of the krogan for a time before turning back to the quarians.

“I will have my sister talk to my General. At least to calm him down.”

“Sister?” Lela asked.

“My younger sister Princess Luna, however, she really doesn't want the title anymore, not since she became the lead director of M&T Adv. She has enough on her plate with that.”

“Oh, well....at least let me-”

“That won't be necessary.”  Celestia said, smiling at the Quarian, “its been paid for.”

“Oh....ok.” She raised her arm to use her omni-tool to check the time, at the same time Celestia raised her cup to get a drink.

“KEELA!” Lela yelped in surprised as her omni-tool shorted out. Celestia  drop the cup immediately.

“Oh dear. I am so sorry.”

“What happen?” Rael asked, a bit surprised by Lela yell. He watched as Lela tried to work her omni-tool back on, but was unable to. Celestia grimaced as she explained.

“I shorted out Lela omni-tool.”

“How.”

“Magic.”

“What?!”

“Our people can use magic.” Celestia explained.

“You mean biotics right?” Rael asked, trying to save face, sadly, another scoff was heard from the soldiers.

“Can your biotics do this?” Celestia's horn glowed and the seat the Lela was using exploded with a bright light, a small yelp can be heard before the light dimmed. Sitting in what was called a bean bag chair.

“H-h-how?”

“Its just how it is, we always were able to use magic. But back to the question.” Celestia explain, “Our magic, while mostly controlled, wreak havoc on your technology. Not so much on to a certain degree to all technology. But tools such as omni-tools or other smaller devices have little protection from the energy of magic itself. And Omni-tools has been the main tools for scanning objects....”

“Thats why the turains....uh....did what they did on your colony.” Rael ventured. “They were unable to use their omni-tools to scan....umm....yeah.”

“Indeed, the down ships were unsalvageable in the terms of gathering resources. Surviving ships were unable to spread food to their troops below due to the large numbers. They were force to scavenge for food, and with no way to scan what they were eating, they had to take a shot in the dark.”

“But they ate your people!” Lela growled out, “How can you be so calm about it!”

“Because the deed was done already done and in the past, and those that were responsible are gone as well. I morn those that died and suffer such a fate. But I cannot let that cloud my judgment on all turians.”

“But-”

“I ask you this, Rael, Lale. If I were to simply walk across the Citadel itself, without my crown or said a single word to anyone. What will be your first opinion of me?”

Silence echoed out from the bar, both quarians fidgeted before finally answering.

“We would think you were some sort of wild animal smuggled onto the Citadel.”

“Indeed. The only people who walk on all four are the Elcor, and even then they can use their arms and hands to a degree. We ponies can't do that. As for the griffon's themselves, they got lumped with us. I am not going to lump all the turians as cannibals with the action of the few.”

“You....why don't you hate them?”

“I don't hate, I worry about their views, but I don't hate them. As for humans, they will be wary of them, and hold them at a distance. Not without cause of course, humans are a generally suspicious of everyone to a degree. It is a blessing really, and i value their opinions on many matters.”

“Why do human opinions mean so much to you?”

“Mostly due to the fact that humans are a suspicious lot. They will scrutinize and debate over a simple object for days until they are satisfied, and they will try and find out everything they can about it. Even after a thousand years of peace, they are still the same as they were when I first met them. I have to thank my General for that.”

“He...he really is that old? How? Do all humans get that old?!”

“No, he is a special case, and he has a role to play, but what that role is, I cannot see it.” Celestia stated, she turn her to the door. “Come, it grows late. I have paid for rooms nearby were we are located at. I will see to it that you meet with my General at a later time.”

-Cyllene starboard quarters-

CG looked out into the vastness of space, always wondering why he was chosen to live as long as he did. He didn't understand why the Elements practically made him immortal, but he was tired. He was tired of living and there was very little keeping him from trying to off himself. Actually 2 reasons.

1- The elements of victory kept him alive. Against his will.

2- Luna.

He didn't really get close to Luna until after they gotten and explore space itself. Since then they dance around each other for centuries. He was unable to figure how to approach her. He liked her, hell attracted to her personality and intelligence from the get go, but was unable to push forward. Unlike the other humans these days, he had no physical attraction to her. He tried really, but was unable to. And he hated himself for it. They been on so many dates, most of them were fun....and the occasionally bad date would spring up. But they usually stop before it got serious. He was tired of feeling that he was leading her on.

“Ramirez....”

CG stiffen, only one person called him that and got a away with it.

“Luna.”

She came out of the shadows, walking towards him and before sitting next to him. They stayed silent for  awhile before Luna spoke up.

“He didn't know.”

“Doesn't give him the right to cry about injustice when there are other people with worse problems. And its not my fault that his people are too stubborn to let it go and settle somewhere else.”

“You can't hold it against him if that was what he was taught.”

*Sigh* “Yeah.....your right.” He said. “I'm tired, Luna, I want to rest.”

“Then sleep. No one will hold it against you if you oversleep for a bit.”

“Not that kind of sleep.”

“You shouldn't think like that.”

“There was nothing to keep me alive after all this time. Its hard to change that.”

“Nothing....” Luna look downcast at that. CG looked at Luna with a smile.

“I said, 'There WAS nothing to keep me alive.'” he chuckled, “Past tense you know.”

“Oh,” Luna perked up, “And what is the thing that keeps you around?”

“WOW.”

“Excuse me?”

“World of Warcraft. Gotta give those programmers some prop for keeping it interesting after 7 centuries.” he joked. He felt his arm get swatted, he turn to see Luna with a pout on her face. “I'm joking.” There was a moment of silence before Luna spoke up again.

“What are we, Ramirez? We dance around each other for so long....and I am confused. Please tell me that you feel something for me.”

“I.....don't know. I want to feel something, and I do feel something for you. But....”

“My current form.”

“Yeah.....and really hate myself for it.”

“I see.....” Luna got up and walked away. CG growled  hit his head several time, cursing himself over and over.

“Ramirez. Look at me.”

“Look, I am sorry, I really.....am.....trying.” CG jaw dropped. “But-”

“Shh....my secret.”

-Next Day-

“Please, forgive my outburst yesterday.” Rael said, keeping his head lowered. “I didn't know.”

“Rael,” CG spoke up, “I am going to be blunt with you. Simply because your people are forced to wander the stars, you are not the only one who has hardship.”

Rael fought back a growl and another outburst, Lela as well, but CG continued on. “Out there in the galaxy, people are being sold as slaves, for money, pleasure, or cheap workforce. People are forced to pay higher taxes due to corrupt officals, making it hard to keep their homes and food on the table. Out there, a man is killing people to keep his own family safe from harm from kidnappers. Your people banded together and have a home, decrepit as it is, but a home nonetheless. Food is hard to come by, but you make due. And all of you work together to keep yourselves safe. You are blessed, whether you believe it or not.”

“I.....yes. I know.” Rael said quietly.

“There is nothing to forgive. You didn't know, and I can't hold it against you.”

“Thank you.” Rael bowed to him. Celestia smiled as she watched the two talked. She did notice that CG had a strange bounce to his walk today, but was unable to figure out why. She did speak to her sister this morning about it, but was unable to get an answer from her.

“Here you go, Rael, Lela.” Pulling out a stack of paper, she handed it to them, they spluttered in surprised when they saw it was written in Quarian. “I figure it will be better for your people to read it with their language rather than translate the entire treaty itself. In short, if your people accepts. There is a large section of space, about 4 or 5 system for your use deep within our territory. So your people will be well protected.”

“And in return?”

“Teach my subjects your technology and how to use them if they had too. Your people might be called for other projects as well. They will be compensated for their work.”

“Thats it? You don't need us for anything else?” Rael said, trying to find some sort of trick.

“They do have the right to refuse to work for us, of course, but that is up to them.”

“I have.....I.....Thank you. I will present this to our Admirals. I am sure they will at least tossed the idea around.” Lela said.

“Thank you, Lela. If they wish to talk, they can call the Arcturus Station in the Arcturus Nebula. It is our front line defense from the rest of the galaxy.” Celestia informed them.

“They will call to me,” CG crossed his arms, looking at the two. “and I will let Celestia know that your people are coming.”

Both quarians nodded their heads, then bowed to them both, “Keelah Se'lai.”

Both ancient beings watch them leave towards the docking bay.

“What do you think?” Celestia asked, “Think they will take it?”

“Don't know, but....I think they will, probably be hard asses about it.”

“And Urdnot Wrex?”

“Probably going to have to break a few head to show them that we are far from weaklings.” Celestia giggled somewhat at the answer.

“Just don't over do it.”

“Right, my queen.”

-End of Flashback-

Wrex looked back at the growing colony, before turning back towards CG. “You saw us as people, not bloodthirsty idiots or scavengers.”

“Its no problem Wrex, I know that........” CG clutched his chest, eyes widening at surprised. Wrex rushed up to his side when CG collapse to the ground.

“General! Whats going on! Whats happening?”

“I....Shepard, my student.....he is in trouble....big trouble.”

Open the door  Chapter End

The Sword and Shield of Elysium Chapter Start

Well....I got Mass Effect 3. And I enjoyed everything....about 99 percent of the game....

I HATE THE ENDINGS!!!! F*)K!!!!!

I will let you guys figure out what I mean. Anyways, if anyone can get a hold of ResidentalCody, that will be awesome. This is pure me right here, and I will make changes when I can. Or until RC comes around to it....whatever. If anyone else is up for the job of correction or improving the story line, just shoot me a message and I will place your name on the top of the chapter for your contributions.

Codex Entry will start the next chapter before the event. Then we will hit M.E. Storyline.