Three Days After the Fall of Eidolon
The ruins of Eidolon lingered as silent monuments to a broken empire. Axel surveyed the devastation from the bridge of the Eclipse Ascendant, now orbiting the shattered remains of the former Precursor homeworld. Around him, debris from countless battleships drifted silently, glowing faintly from residual energy bursts. Axel felt neither victory nor sorrow, only the heavy weight of the cost they had paid.
"Status report," Axel commanded.
Omni appeared instantly. "All Directive Minds have been neutralized. Remaining Precursor forces have splintered into isolated factions, no longer coordinated. Most have retreated to outlying systems."
"What about our fleets?" Axel asked, looking over the tactical displays projected before him.
"Losses are severe but manageable," Omni continued. "The Metarch and Custodes fleets remain mostly intact. Ground forces suffered the highest casualties. Recovery and rescue operations are ongoing."
Axel sighed deeply, absorbing the information. His focus shifted as Catherine's hologram appeared beside him.
"We've started negotiations with liberated species," she reported. "They're cautious, but receptive. The fall of Eidolon has convinced most that the Precursors aren't invincible."
Axel nodded. "Ensure they're provided humanitarian aid first. We'll stabilize regions before discussing long-term alliances."
A few minutes later, Miranda joined the conversation from her fleet in the Mass Effect Galaxy. "Resistance in the Mass Effect Galaxy is minimal now," she informed. "The collapse of the Directive Minds caused instant disarray. Local systems are rallying rapidly to our banner."
"Good," Axel acknowledged. "Proceed carefully. We don't want power vacuums creating chaos."
Miranda nodded. "Understood."
—Six Months Later—
In the half-year since Eidolon's destruction, the Ascendency reshaped the face of multiple galaxies. Precursor remnants scattered and retreated into obscurity, hunted down by newly empowered alliances determined to prevent their return.
Axel, Catherine, and Miranda convened in the council chamber aboard the half-rebuilt Installation 00, which once again served as the heart of the Ascendency's authority. The chamber, once a place of endless strategic discussion, was now filled with the chatter of emerging civilizations sending ambassadors to solidify their bonds with the Ascendency.
"Reconstruction efforts have exceeded expectations," Miranda began, displaying charts of economic revival and planetary rehabilitation. "Allied worlds are collaborating to rebuild infrastructure at unprecedented speeds."
"It's incredible," Catherine added. "Worlds we feared lost forever are thriving. Species formerly subjugated are now some of our most dedicated allies."
Axel's eyes were filled with pride as the Ascendency dream could be achieved. "This is what the Imperial Ascendency was created for. Unifying galaxies and bringing species together."
"Yet, vigilance remains necessary," Omni interjected, materializing in the room's center. "Reports of rogue Precursor elements occasionally surface. We must maintain military readiness."
"Agreed," Axel confirmed. "Continue monitoring and maintain a swift-response task force. But our primary focus now shifts to peace and stability."
—One Year Later—
Anniversary celebrations swept across worlds in all three galaxies, commemorating the victory at Eidolon and honoring those lost. Axel stood before millions of representatives, soldiers, and citizens gathered at Installation 00.
"We have paid dearly for this peace," he declared, capturing the hearts and minds of everyone present. "The lives lost will forever remind us of the cost of freedom. But today, we stand not as conquerors, but as guardians of peace, prosperity, and unity. Our bond forged in the crucible of war shall endure for generations, a beacon of hope for all who seek liberty and fellowship."
A deafening cheer erupted, echoing across Installation 00 and resonating through the interconnected worlds watching the event remotely. Fireworks illuminated the space above, each burst symbolic of a world reborn, of alliances strengthened, and of the futures of hundreds of species that were now connected to each other.
Across the Imperial Ascendency, celebrations erupted, transcending galaxies as citizens commemorated their hard-won peace. On countless planets, cities illuminated the night skies with spectacular displays of fireworks, energy pulses, and vibrant holographic shows, symbolizing the triumph over the Precursors. The scars of war remained, but they now served as reminders of unity, resilience, and sacrifice.
In the core worlds of the Ascendency, planetary capitals like Arcadia, Valoria, and New Eden held massive parades, honoring heroes both living and fallen. Statues commemorating Axel, Catherine, Miranda, and countless anonymous soldiers who gave their lives were unveiled, becoming instant symbols of heroism and unity.
Cultural festivals emerged spontaneously across liberated worlds, each species expressing gratitude through their unique customs and traditions. On Sanghelios, elites performed ancient warrior dances, their plasma swords illuminating sacred plazas. On Earth, humanity celebrated with massive parties, music festivals, and solemn ceremonies honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Installation 00 itself transformed into a vibrant center of galactic unity. Delegations from across the galaxies gathered in the rebuilt capital for a historic summit aimed at strengthening intergalactic bonds and establishing lasting peace agreements. Trade routes reopened, bolstering economies that flourished from mutual cooperation.
In the Mass Effect Galaxy, places such as the Atlas station, Palaven, Thessia, and Earth hosted celebrations that rivaled any in their history. Spectacular parades showcased the Ascendency's advanced technology alongside native cultural traditions, symbolizing a new era of cooperation. Statues of Miranda stood proudly beside legendary heroes like Commander Shepard, representing the intergalactic alliance forged in battle.
Military academies established joint training programs between the Ascendency and the native forces of each galaxy, ensuring continued collaboration and shared defense strategies. Monumental memorials were erected on key worlds, their engravings narrating stories of sacrifice, bravery, and unity, visited by millions seeking remembrance and inspiration.
The newly liberated third galaxy flourished rapidly, embracing its newfound freedom enthusiastically. Celebrations here carried deep emotional resonance, as species once subjugated by the Precursors gathered openly for the first time, joyfully sharing traditions that had been suppressed for generations. Parades featured fleets from the Ascendency flying side by side with local vessels, symbolizing their unity against oppression.
Axel himself made appearances across each galaxy, honoring heroes and survivors alike. His presence inspired hope and pride, reinforcing the bonds forged through adversity. Catherine and Miranda similarly toured the liberated worlds, solidifying diplomatic relations and reaffirming the Ascendency's commitment to universal peace.
Cheers echoed throughout countless worlds as the Ascendency entered another golden age, built upon the values of unity, resilience, and cooperation. Though challenges lay ahead, on this day, hope, joy, and a renewed sense of intergalactic camaraderie reigned supreme.
—Three Years After Eidolon—
The Ascendency rapidly matured into an intergalactic union, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange never heard of in recorded history. Reconstruction turned into development, bringing prosperity across the galaxies. Advanced infrastructure networks connected worlds previously isolated by Precursor dominion. Massive trade hubs became bustling centers of interstellar commerce.
Education programs flourished, blending Ascendency technological prowess with local traditions, promoting harmony among diverse species. Catherine oversaw diplomatic efforts, ensuring peaceful integration while Miranda maintained rigorous security protocols, quickly neutralizing lingering Precursor insurgencies.
—Five Years After Eidolon—
Axel inaugurated the Unity Station, a colossal diplomatic complex orbiting Installation 00. It became the symbol of intergalactic governance, housing ambassadors and representatives from hundreds of species. Here, cooperative laws and treaties were negotiated, creating lasting frameworks for peace and stability.
The Ascendency Defense Force was created and had evolved into a multi-species coalition, maintaining readiness through advanced training and strategic deployments. Commander Halron Kae, promoted to Admiral, led initiatives integrating diverse military traditions into a unified command structure. His experience at Eidolon served as a critical foundation for training generations of new soldiers.
Scientific breakthroughs continued to happen despite how advanced they already were. With Ascendency researchers collaborating openly with scholars from newly allied civilizations. Quantum computing, AI ethics frameworks, and medical advancements proliferated, vastly improving quality of life and technological standards across all galaxies.
—Seven Years After Eidolon—
Axel launched the Great Expansion Project, a peaceful initiative focused on exploring uncharted galaxies and establishing colonies to further universal cooperation. Massive expeditionary fleets equipped with cutting-edge technologies journeyed beyond known boundaries, discovering and peacefully contacting numerous civilizations untouched by Precursor influence.
A galaxy-wide renaissance emerged, showcasing artistic and cultural revival festivals that drew interstellar audiences.
—Ten Years After Eidolon—
The tenth anniversary of the victory at Eidolon was celebrated massively. Across the Ascendency and allied galaxies, week-long festivities marked a decade of enduring peace and growth. Axel, now revered universally as a guardian of intergalactic unity, delivered a historic speech from Unity Station, broadcast simultaneously to trillions.
"We stand here today, a testament to what unity, resilience, and hope can achieve," Axel proclaimed. "Our galaxies were once fractured by war and oppression. Now, we are united in purpose, thriving as partners in a shared destiny. This peace, dearly won, will be our legacy, a legacy of cooperation, understanding, and endless possibilities."
Fireworks lit skies across thousands of worlds simultaneously, synchronized in a breathtaking display of harmony and celebration. Statues honoring countless heroes stood in city squares and plazas, visited by generations inspired by their sacrifice and vision.
New education initiatives ensured this history would never fade, with mandatory curricula teaching younger generations about the struggles and triumphs leading to this golden era.
From Installation 00, Axel reflected privately with Catherine and Miranda. Each had aged gracefully, bearing the weight of their roles with dignity and purpose.
"Ten years," Miranda said softly, watching the vibrant display of lights outside the window. "Feels like a lifetime and just a moment."
"I never imagined things would turn out like this, did you?" said Arthur as he turned towards his brother Andrew.
"I did not but thinks to the greatness of our father and the efforts of our family, we managed to piece it all together in the end." replied Andrew.
"A lifetime of achievement," Catherine replied.
Axel nodded thoughtfully. "And yet, our work is never truly done. We maintain vigilance, ensuring this peace lasts not just ten years, but a thousand. Our journey is only just beginning."
With the Forerunner's knowledge, seeing the next thousand years was not just a pipe dream. He constantly reflected on his first arrival in this new life of his, and never did he expect that he would have achieved all of this when he was but 16 years old. It was surreal sometimes at how far he came, the relationships he established, and the family he built.