Prologue:
Bzzzt! The control interface on the exterior of the slim vessel sparked, signaling the connection between the vessel and a universal data splicer.
The user of the splicer entered a few keystrokes into a holographic interface; the splicer glowed a soft blue which slowly grew in intensity as it hacked the foreign computing systems.
/PASSCODE REQUIRED/
/INTRUDER DETEC-/
/ACCESS GRANTED/
'The Citadel Council consists of many client races, but consists mainly of three ruling class species: the Turians, the Asari, and the Salarians. Each have separate roles in the Galactic community, taking up the roles of the military, economy and politics, and science respectively.
The species get around using element-zero, which is an especially rare material, and as such is very expensive in the Citadel economy. However, despite this, the Citadel gets around using object floating at random points in space called "mass-relays." This allows for very fast travel of ships, allowing in-'
The text showing up in Kevin's HUD was abruptly cut off as all caps text showed up reading: "ALIEN EVA TEAM INCOMING; GOING SILENT. DETACH WHEN I GIVE THE ALL CLEAR." Kevin sighed and engaged his stealth protocols, becoming effectively invisible to heat, visual, radar scanners, and, as a bonus of stealth protocols, gravitational reading originating from his body mass. As part of an exploratory group sent through a sort of tuning fork object, now identified as "mass-relays," he had been charged with stealth infiltration in order to gain all possible intel on the new species. Even though the mass-relay was not exactly a stealthy entrance to alien space, the prowler's stealth systems had thus far prevented the unknowns from detecting their position, though the aliens were madly shooting out radio signals for a potential ping.
Kevin suddenly started as the xenos shined their lights on his position. Remembering his stealth training, he immediately stopped making any movements and locked his armor, all the while sending a level 3 flash transmission to the prowler warning of a possible encounter scenario. He then sent a signal through his neural interface for a possible data wipe if the aliens found him, however unlikely; still, every precaution must be made, especially if caught in a position like his. If the xenos found him, the act of stealing and extracting data would most likely be an act of war against this "Citadel Council." It was imperative for him to remain hidden or risk the mission and more, possibly even humanity, as the Citadel was unknown in military and industrial might.
Suddenly, the xenos abruptly stopped their EVA and went back into their vessel. Kevin was confused as to why they had stopped the search, when suddenly the vessel began to increase speed toward the mass-relay. Kevin lurched as the ship he was magnetically attached to sped up suddenly, and he realized their intention to go through the relay. He sent a level 1 flash transmission to all UEG colonies that the xenos were going through the relay to the only UEG-Sangheili joint colony.
And suddenly, the relay flashed, and he was looking down on the world of Shanxi. Kevin took his quantum entanglement communicator from his back and opened a comm line to the 4 orbital platforms around the planet.
"Shanxi Orbital Defense Network, do you read? Xenos are in the system, potential hostiles! Shanxi Orbital Defense Network, how copy?"
"This is the SOD Network. We read you operative. Spinning up energy projectors and MAC guns, mobilizing ground forces and alerting the planet, Stand by."
…..
The cool, brightly lit room at the top of the capitol building was apparently calm, but full of hidden, tense energy, buzzing about and leaving the military delegation in the forms of sweat and excessive body movement.
"What is so important that you must summon us at 2 in the morning ?" groaned the minister of economics.
"I'm here to discuss a priority one alert sent by the UNSC Spec Ops Operative, Kevin Cho. Here in the flash transmission it says that the unknowns were heading through the relay. He has forwarded all relevant data on the unknowns, now identified as the Citadel Council. We are here to discuss what to do in this situation, as we must identify a course of action. Remember, any plan suggested must be in the best interests of the UNSC or the Sangheili, not for oneself or the Citadel."
The UNSC representative piped up. "We should send the 3rd Rapid Response Fleet. They comprise of a small enough force so as to not cause serious alarm to this 'Citadel,' but could still probably hold their own in an engagement. However, if things go south, then the 1st Rapid Response Fleet should be on standby at Magnus, since it's the closest colony to Shanxi and would allow for a quick response. Is this plan good enough?"
"One small problem admiral; how will the 3RRF be able to reach Shanxi on time given that it's about 900 light years away, and our current SF-Drives can only travel that amount of distance in one day? If the Citadel decides to engage in hostilities, then what would give us one day to arrive in system?" The director of the Fundamental Academy of Sciences and Technologies inquired, worried..
The admiral simply grinned. "Why, director FAST, you underestimate the powers of space and ground based defences. Remember that now they have 5 ground-to-space particle accelerators, as well a recently deployed onager for low orbit craft. They should be able to hold out long enough for the 3RRF to reach Shanxi."
Then the council turned to the president. "Well, ?" asked the minister of economics. "Should we proceed with this plan? Remember, if you disagree, you are the commander in chief, so your decision is all that matters."
The president, put his head to his forehead, thinking hard about what future consequences his actions could have. He then abruptly lowered his hand and said "Pass the motion. Write out the documents and I'll have it signed. Social Minister, please alert the public about this new discovery as soon as possible please. The meeting is adjourned."
And with that, the military delegation shook hands, talked for a little while, and then left through the exit, and forward into history, and beyond…
…...
.
Hey reader of my FIRST EVER fanfic (woohoo! *cheers and fireworks), how's it going? Remember to rate and review my fanfic (cut me some slack guys), and thanks for reading!