This was the fanfic that hooked me into reading fanfics. And the Meek Shall Inherit the Galaxy. This fanfic is a alternate universe, some events of the timeline are altered so specific characters are born earlier or later. But keeps the general feel and universe of mass effect very consistent.
No ridiculous departure of technology, no grand alteration of know elements, just a different history to the universe because the Quarians were the first contact with humanity instead of the Turians.
It is fascinating, well written from the get go, with charismatic characters, good and bad tendencies and in my opinion very respectful to the source material.
It is completed and is the first part of a trilogy. This one is basically the first contact and the alliance first steps into galact society. It will not cover the Mass Effect events till the next book.
A delight and emotional work, that brings a little of that we could do better hope into our hearts. I do hope you can enjoy it. It is one of my favorite fics ever.
Original work link:
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9156000/1/And-the-Meek-Shall-Inherit-the-Galaxy
Original summary:
Due to a shift in turian and quarian patrols, first contact for humanity is friendly; Rael’Zorah and Hannah Shepard become friends, as do their species. But the galaxy is not a safe place, and schisms develop when the Council steps in. As humanity finds new allies among the stars, something darker stirs. The Meek must beware, for it is nearly harvest time. AU, lots of worldbuilding