“Commander, we are exiting the jump, be prepared for our arrival.” Joker said over Shepard’s helmet comm unit, causing him to leap out of his bunk. It had been a steady two-hour trip so far, and it had been well spent by Shepard’s Team so far.

Garrus and Rachel had competed on a marksmanship test against each other on the VR firing range inside the ship’s armory. To the surprise of the crew, she had initially matched Garrus’s score, but had points deducted due to extra time taken. In the end, a 300 point difference separated their final respective scores. Garrus had commended Rachel’s marksmanship, and she had returned the compliment.

James Vega and Terry Davidson, in the meantime, had begun working in the Armory, and had actually gotten off to a good start on working together. That was primarily due to their shared affinity for advanced weaponry. Davidson had also given Commander Shepard a new form of weapon for field testing.

Due to the shortage of thermal clips and fieldable weapons as a result of the Reaper Invasion, Elanus Risk Control had developed a new model of rifle, a modification of the M8 Avenger. It did not feature the top barrel that most M8s used, but instead sported a handgrip and visor-link hybrid scope.

This new “Tactical Rifle”, designated the M10 Chariot, fired in a four-shot burst with a high cyclic rate. This modification allowed it to keep up a comparable rate of fire and accuracy percentage, but reduced ammo usage and the risk of the weapon overheating. It was quickly modifiable, easy to use, and as reliable as the M8.

The only catch was that it was still actively in testing. It wasn’t ready for general distribution either, so currently only Alliance members could requisition it. James Vega was one of the lucky armory chiefs that got a batch of five Chariots for field testing, and one was promptly given to Shepard. This particular Chariot Rifle had been modified for usage by the Spectres, and it featured the N7 on the frame. Instead of it being colored black and red, it was a more gray color and maroon to set it apart.

Shepard plucked the rifle from his bunk’s quick-access weapon rack, and exited the barracks. A few human crewmembers saluted as he passed, and it wasn’t long before he was on the bridge, standing next to Joker and EDI.

“What's our status?” Shepard asked.

“We will arrive at our destination in t-minus one minute.” Joker replied. “Our up-to-date scans do support Javik’s own findings, and we have also confirmed that the planet’s atmosphere is habitable. A standard mix of nitrogen, oxygen, and various other trace elements. Rebreathers won’t be necessary. Again, just as Javik said.”

“We’re certainly fortunate to have his insight.” EDI added. “However, our scans show a myriad of lifeforms that are not registered on any other planet. I have also not detected any large-scale industry. There are no pollutants detected in the atmosphere either, which is indicative of such technological development.”

“Then how’d they manage to locate the Beacon?” Joker wondered. “Or even understand what they’re going to be dealing with?”

“We’ll be sure to find out. We have to remember, this planet is unexplored. It’s more than likely we’re dealing with a less-advanced race or races here.” Shepard said as the Normandy SR3 exited the FTL jump, and the planet appeared before them. The Commander was taken aback at seeing its pristine environment. It was very much like Earth, albeit an Earth from more than a few hundred years ago.

“Alright, we have arrived.” Joker said. “I’m locking onto the Beacon’s signal now, I’ll get us as close as we can to its position.”

“Good work, Joker.” Shepard nodded, as he headed for the well deck, where his away team was waiting to deploy. “Have a Kodiak dropship stand by for deployment, and tell Lt. Alenko that the Marines need to be ready in case we need them. Once we find a suitable landing zone, we’ll establish First Contact with the locals.”

“Good luck, Commander. We’ll monitor you and the team from here.” EDI said as Joker shifted the Normandy’s shields for a terrestrial entry. As the ship descended towards the surface, the entirety of Shepard’s away team strapped themselves in for the ride.

====

About Fifteen minutes Earlier…

“Delegates, now that we are all acquainted and settled in, shall we begin this summit?” Celelstia asked, using a scaled-down Royal Canterlot Voice, and the assembled delegates replied in the affirmative.

Dragon Lord Torch was present, alongside his daughter Ember, who quickly made friends with Spike. The younger dragon had offered to show Ember around, and she had accepted. Currently, they were both in the Gardens while Torch saw to the summit.

The next was High Ambassador Gorden, from the Griffon Empire. He had served the Griffon land’s previous three kings, and was very experienced and capable of keeping such a post.

From the minotaur lands came a tan-coated male named Rampart. He was the current advisor to the Minotaur council, as the Minotaurs did not have a ruling family. Rather, the five tribes, each with their own customs, settled their issues via a council of their tribal elders. As all five elders could not come as a group, they all selected Rampart to go in their stead.

Next from the Zebras was a male named Zaden, who had actually made a quick stop in Ponyville before arriving in Canterlot. Apparently, he was close with Zecora in their youth, and he had wished to see her before his arrival, a request Celestia had amicably granted. He also spoke in rhymes, but only at the end of whatever he spoke.

The Saddle Arabians sent Ahmed, the son of the Saddle Arabian vizier. He was a capable young stallion, and he had managed to impress Applejack immediately by insisting on
carrying his own belongings and doing his fair part. Applejack had returned the favor by splitting a bottle of her family’s cider with him. As apples didn’t properly grow in Saddle Arabia, he had very much enjoyed the gesture.

The Changelings had also come, surprising the rulers of the Crystal Empire, who were also present. Instead of Queen Chrysalis, a pair of Changelings named Thorax and Pharynx had come in her place. They, as a token of respect to Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, had given them a gift they did not expect to be given.

It was an ingot of pure jade, with an ornate carving of both Cadance and Shining Armor set into it. Thorax had said this was Queen Chrysalis‘s way of showing her willingness to let the past be in the past, and an assurance of her support for the rulers of the Empire.

There had also been a note that said Equestria was her home as well, and she wanted what was best not just for her own kind, but for all. Thus, Shining Armor and Cadance had accepted the gift, and were seated next to both of the Changeling delegates as a sign of trust.

There were other races who had elected to decline the invitation to the summit, such as the Diamond Dogs, who sent a chest of valuable ores to Princess Celestia as their way of offering tribute in their delegate’s place. Two other races had also elected to send tribute, as the Deer sent a case of valuable texts and the Seaponies a crest made from coral and sapphire.

“Now that we are all in agreement, let us begin.” Celestia said, and the Delegates bowed or showed respect in a different way to the others. “I trust your journeys were all pleasant?”

“As pleasant as could be, Princess.” Gorden replied. “I must say, your railroads have certainly provided for a quick trip. Perhaps I should take notes for King Grendale’s benefit.”

“Indeed.” Princess Celestia said. “Do as you think is necessary. We have two weeks ahead of us, so let us see to the business set for this first day.”

As the delegates opened their binders, each full of documents regarding what would be discussed each day, Princess Luna suddenly flinched at feeling a sensation she hadn’t felt in some time. Luckily, no one seemed to notice. She quickly leaned towards her sister, who also leaned over to listen.

“I just sensed an unknown object go past the moon, and begin moving towards Canterlot.” Luna whispered. “It is coming straight our way. Shall I muster the Lunar Guard?”

Celestia froze, and quickly whispered back that she, Princess Twilight, and Twilight’s new Guard would respond to this.

“Keep the delegates here until I return.” Celestia quickly added. “Luna, I will explain it properly once I know what is going on for myself.”

Celestia stood up to leave, and announced that an urgent matter involving Princess Twilight had come to her attention, and she was leaving Princess Luna in charge of the summit for a short time. As she teleported away once the doors were closed, she soon found herself inside the Palace Library. To her relief, Twilight and Brave Spark were seated together, talking as if they were friends.

“Twilight, Brave Spark, come with me. Now!” Celestia called, causing both Ponies to jump and race to follow the Solar Princess, their books left behind in an instant.

“What’s going on?” Brave Spark asked as Celestia teleported both of them and herself outside the Palace, near the main gates. “Does this have to do with that statue?”

“It does, Brave Spark.” Celestia replied. “It appears we have visitors from beyond, as reported to me by my sister. They’re coming here as we speak. As we are the only ones who know about this, we need to be ready to receive them.”

Brave Spark nodded, and stood next to Twilight and Celestia as a shape emerged from the clouds, bringing all activity in Canterlot to an immediate, screeching halt. It was an oblong, curved ship with two wings on the back. Twilight could see five bright blue lights on the back. The ship’s design was sleek and effective, but what caught her eye was the letters on the side that spelled a word in the world’s common language of Equisiean in bold letters.

NORMANDY SR3.

As the ship descended and set itself down in the vast circular plaza that lay before Canterlot Palace, the eyes of everyone in the city rested on it. A smaller object then emerged from the larger vessel. This ship was more bulky, and as it came to a rest in front of the two Alicorns and their unicorn guard, all three of them sucked in a heavy breath.

Several Solar Guards attempted to surround the three in a defensive stance, and one even offered Brave Spark a sword, but Celestia waved them off. At that moment, a sideways door opened on the smaller craft…and several beings stepped out.

Twilight swiftly counted ten of them in total, all of them bipedal and of varying heights, each wearing some kind of armor fitted to their body shape. From the left, the first was an avian creature with a gray and tan face and two small mandibles. His grayish eyes were shielded by a purple eyepiece or monocle of some kind.

Next was a blue-skinned being that seemed more feminine compared to the others. She had purple eyes, and her head had several curved features that resembled a crest of some kind.

Next was a slightly taller being, also feminine, wearing a filter-mask of some kind. She also wore a suit made of gray, purple, and tan metal and cloth, with some slightly heeled boots.

The fourth was also quite tall and more reptilian, with a horned crest on its forehead. Its beady blue eyes and tan skin, alongside a well-muscled, humped frame, showed this being’s strength.

The fifth had two sets of eyes and a finned head, along with an anthropoidal frame. It looked similar to an aquatic insect of some kind. From the look he was giving off, he was observing the Equestrians closely.

The last five were slimmer and far less exotic in appearance. One was feminine, with curly brown hair and green eyes that showed intelligence and understanding. The other three were masculine, with one being burly with tan skin and a mohawk, another had pale skin with a dark crew cut and stubble beard, and the third was similar to the second, only he had much darker skin.

The final one, the leader by the looks of him, was fair-skinned with brown hair, blue eyes, and a scar on the left of his forehead. He also sported a stubble beard, and he gave off a feeling of conviction and purpose. What really made Twilight and Celestia flinch upon seeing the leader, however, was the N7 marking on the upper right side of his chestpiece.

As they all approached, Celestia came forward with a barely hidden expression of shock and awe, and once the leader came forward, she cleared her throat.

"I assume you can all understand me?" she asked, and surprise registered on the leader's face, alongside the others to a varying degree. The one with multiple eyes registered this the most, however.

"Indeed we can." the leader replied, motioning for his companions to be at ease. "Should I introduce myself first?"

"If you would prefer it."

"Well, ma'am. I'm Commander Jonathan Shepard. I'm a Spectre of the Citadel Council and captain of the Alliance vessel Normandy SR3." he said. "My companions here are my away team."

"From the left, this is Garrus Vakarian, Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, Liara T'Soni, Javik, Urdnot Harko, Rachel De Mura, James Vega, Kaidan Alenko, and Jacob Taylor. They are each Turian, Quarian, Asari, Krogan, and Human respectively. I am Human as well." Shepard continued.

"My honor to meet you all, Commander." Celestia replied. "I am Princess Celestia, Alicorn of the Sun, first of the two Rulers of the realm of Equestria. This is Princess Twilight Sparkle, Alicorn of Magic, and her personal guard, Brave Spark. My sister, Princess Luna, Alicorn of the Moon, and second of the Diarchy, and my niece Princess Cadance, Alicorn of Love, are currently inside the palace. You see, Commander, we were beginning a major diplomatic summit when you arrived."

"I understand. Our apologies if we interrupted this summit or startled any one of your kind." Shepard replied.

"That's not necessary, Commander." Celestia replied. "May I ask why you have come to our world?" she then asked.

"That's a long story. We came to investigate a signal from a Prothean Beacon that came from this planet." Shepard responded. "It's a long story as to what that means, but we can explain everything in a more private location."

"It wouldn't happen to look like a bent metal obelisk, with green and black lights, wouldn't it?" Twilight ventured, causing Shepard to look at her in surprise.

"That would be the Beacon" he nodded. "I take it that you must've activated it?"

"If by "activated it", you mean that I touched it and saw all sorts of crazy things that I really don't understand?" Twilight rubbed her left leg in a sign of nervousness. "If that's the case, then yes, I activated it. It was an accident, I didn't mean to do it."

"Regardless of how it happened, I need to know what you saw." Shepard responded. "Let's just say I've been through the same experience, Princess Twilight."

"Then let's take this inside." Celestia said in finality, noticing the citizens of Canterlot were staring at them all en masse. "If you'll follow me."

"Of course, Princess." Shepard replied. "Lead the way."

====

Upon the combined group's entry into the summit chambers, the reaction of the others inside was as expected, Celestia admitted to herself. Ambassador Gorden had fainted, Rampart had stood up at a start and exclaimed a minotaur prayer, and everyone else had simply stopped what they were doing in an instant and gaped openly at the visitors. However, once Celestia cleared up the circumstances of their arrival, the mood settled from one of fright into one of curiosity. Ambassador Gorden, once he was roused, apologized to Commander Shepard, who simply chuckled and said it was perfectly fine.

Once chairs were brought for each of the members of Shepard's team, and everyone settled down, Celestia asked Commander Shepard if he'd like to tell his story first, in order to let the delegates prepare for their own respective stories.

"That's fine with me." Shepard nodded, as he pulled out a datapad with a built-in holoprojector, which currently contained his journal and the Alliance Codex, a vast archive on multiple subjects, such as the races in the Alliance and major historical events. After a quick overview of the Systems Alliance and how it came to be, and the events leading up to Humanity's entry into the galaxy at large, Shepard opened up his journal.

"So, where to begin? I'll admit my childhood wasn't much to tell about. My parents were Spacers, so I wasn't born on a particular planet. They raised me with a strong sense of duty and purpose, so I acted on that by joining the Systems Alliance Military when I was eighteen. I'm currently 28, just so you're aware." Shepard said. "I quickly rose through the ranks, making my way to Commander. Eventually, I was assigned to the Alliance Vessel Normandy SR1, under the command of my good friend, Admiral David Anderson."

"After I managed to earn some honors and decorations through my service, I was given a mission by Anderson to investigate a human colony world, Eden Prime, that had come under attack by unknown forces. I was partnered with an Alliance Marine named Kaidan Alenko, who still serves with me, and another Marine named Jenkins."

"What set this mission apart was that before the attack, the colonists had found a Prothean Beacon on the surface. Allow me to emphasize that the single Prothean Beacon humanity found on Mars accelerated us forward by 200 years. This was a very important discovery, and a Citadel Spectre named Nihlus, a Turian, had been deployed alongside us to investigate. As it would turn out, the Geth were responsible for the attack, and had deployed a strike force to attack the Colony."

Shepard took in a breath before continuing, making some raise their eyebrows in confusion. Shepard clarified that this next part wouldn't be pleasant to hear before continuing.

We came under fire from Geth forces after landing, and Jenkins was soon killed in action. We were soon joined by Ashley Williams, also an Alliance Marine, whose unit had been wiped out by the attackers. Once we made our way to the cargo terminal, we found Nihlus. He had been killed in action."

"After we secured the area, we learned it had been another Turian, named Saren Arturias, who had killed Nihlus. The issue was that Saren was a Spectre himself, and the best of them all. We put that aside for the moment, and we fought our way to the Beacon."

"I activated it, and that was when my story truly began. Through a vision I saw when I activated the Beacon, I learned of the civilization-destroying machines known as the Reapers. The Reapers were responsible for the Prothean race's extinction, and one of them, named Sovereign, was leading the Geth Forces."

As Shepard continued his tale, the delegates were spellbound as they listened to his words.From Sovereign's defeat, the Collector attacks, the Reaper Invasion, the curing of the Genophage, the peace between the Geth and Quarians, to the final assault at Earth. From losing and gaining teammates such as Legion, Ashley Williams, Dr. Mordin Solus, Grunt, Thane Krios, and Admiral Anderson, to the final choice he made to exile the Reapers.

"Now, though the Alliance has recovered greatly in the nine months since the Invasion, we still have a lot of work to do." Shepard finished. "I spent those nine months in intense physical rehabilitation and working to regain my Spectre status. It was difficult, but in the end, just as the Alliance defeated the Reapers, I succeeded."

"That's...my story. What do you have to say?"

"I have no words." Celestia said, very much awestruck, echoing the feelings of the other delegates. "Such a tale of heroism, of loss and triumph…I assure you, Commander, it will become legendary in its own right."

Shepard nodded gratefully, and as he and his team settled in to listen to Celestia begin her story, from the formation of Equestria, Shepard made sure to activate the recording function on his datapad as he listened intently.

After all, it wasn't every day that you got to listen to history in the making.

Author's Note

UPDATE!

Yeah, this is the longest chapter I have ever written, by over a few hundred words. It was so worth it.

Next time - The middle stage of first contact, a magic display, and other tasks that must be seen to...