Chapter 3: Weaker Humans

Earth, Sol System

20 Hours Before Reaper Invasion

2186

Admiral Steven Hackett had watched the feeds from the shuttles that remained to secure the crash zone of the vessel. According to Lieutenant Allison's observations from the outside and the team searching the wreckage, all evidence pointed towards this vessel being human. The evidence was clear as soldiers began to display visuals with writings and indications to locations. Pure human english, not a letter or word out of place. If a new faction of Humanity had developed somewhere else is space, Hackett would think that the Alliance would know about it. He briefly considered that maybe Cerberus was behind this. It was not a terribly far-fetched idea. They had resources. He was more than certain that they could create ships like these. They had, after all, built the SSV Normandy SR-2.

That thought was quickly vanquished when the recovery team discovered a few things. The first thing they found was an armory, comprised of an assortment of weapons. Some of them obviously human as they used bullets and cartridge clips to fire. The other weapons were nothing like any weapons they had ever seen. For one, they were too colorful even for the Citadel Council species. For another, there seemed to be no mechanism that allowed clips to be ejected or inserted. Finally, they did not fire bullets or projectiles. They fired some sort of high-energy bolt, like laser, or plasma, as one of the soldiers discovered. This was not of Cerberus's doing.

They had yet to discover what these weapons could do. So naturally, these weapons were recovered and loaded onto the shuttles to be delivered the Alliance headquarters so that the eggheads could have a field day. Apart from weapons and a few other unusual devices, there was nothing else of value, at least not intact and functioning. The crash site was to be taken care of later. There were more important things to be done.

If there was one thing that Thel 'Vadam had learned from these humans was that they seemed to be really submissive and willing to extend an olive branch rather than put up much of a resistance. He had seen it from the way he had interacted with these humans. In a way, that was fine by him. He would be better suited to get his way out of this if these humans were reasonable and were appeasable. Thel was very good at convincing others to come to his understanding.

However, Thel also realized that being submissive and docile were also signs of weaknesses, or perhaps fear. The UNSC had never been submissive and never was willing to negotiate all that much, at least to the extent of the System Allaince. They had fought and bled for their survival and were only willing to accept the Sangheili's aid only when it became clear that both shared a common enemy. That was why the war had been so long and bloody with the humans. They may not have been the ones to begin the war or wanted war at all, but they knew to do what was necessary to continue their own survival. Thel understood that fact more than most, seeing as the San 'Shyuum ordered the complete annihilation of the Sangheili races, the same punishment as the Humans. The one thing that the UNSC and the Covenant Separatists had in common was that it was either fight and win or fight and die. Giving up was simply not an option, especially when the stakes of victory and defeat were so high. The UNSC was fighting for the survival of humanity, as did the Sangheili.

Even as he watched these humans, for some reason, Thel could detect that they all gave off an air of caution and fear of things, maybe not of him, but of something. Although his political skills were not as adept as his leadership, tactical, and combat skills, he did have crystal-clear idea about why these humans were scared. Often times, enemies were scared deep down within their minds and souls. If one was skilled enough, one could learn to repress fear and mask it from rivals and enemies, but Thel knew that when one cornered their enemies and cut off all chances of retaliation and escape, most enemies would get on their knees and beg for their lives and try a last desperate chance. Thel had a feeling that these humans, this Systems Alliance, as he came to hear, would be quicker to lay down their arms before the UNSC. He supposed that this made him, in many ways, the superior being in terms of warriors spirit. These humans were quick to submit to authority and power if it served to further them or make them feel secure. Politics only sought to control and dominate others and Thel wanted no part of it really, but being Arbiter did not grant him any sort of exclusive privileges.

Besides his musings, Thel found himself pacing and waiting impatiently. It had been almost three Earth hours since his confinement, and despite his lenience towards the situation, his patience was not infinite, and he was still a Sangheili bound by honor, which demanded that if captured, he would either escape or die by his own hands. Had he still been in the Covenant, he would be long dead by his own doing.

The sound of a door opening became apparent to his ears and Thel turned his head slightly to see those armored soldiers guarding the entrance enter once again. Thel instinctively reached for his weapons and then realized that he did not have them on his person. Suddenly, he felt this regret at handing over his weapons. Perhaps surrendering his weapons was not a good idea. The comfort of his family's sword. Thel cursed under his tongue. He could have convinced these humans that even with his weapons, he would be of no threat, but asking for his weapons or trying to retrieve them now would be suspicious.

The soldiers did not say anything, but the gesture was understood by the Sangheili. Without a word, the guards begin to lead Thel down some more hallways and corridors until they reached a small room, virtually empty except for a small table and two chairs. There was an overhead light, but other than that, it was dark. Thel had a feeling that whoever this Admiral Hackett was coming, or was soon to be here. It was about time. If he waited any longer, he would begin to find ways to get what he wanted. Besides, he was also a bit weary of having to crane his head down every time a certain area was too short for his tall stature. Here, he was offered a small break by being able to stand at full height.

The door opened again, and a human of average height came through the door. Judging from his appearance, he appeared to be an aged human. The wrinkles and eyes could tell the Sangheili everything. The human also was an authority figure from the salutes he was receiving from the soldiers guarding the entrance. This, Thel assumed, was Admiral Hackett. The doors was closed, but if there was one thing that he knew about humans is that they were monitoring this room in case he dared to make a move against this one. A single soldier stood by the door. watching him specifically. Thel paid no mind to the soldier or the possible surveillance being conducted. He desired answers. That was it…and a possible way to return to things that knew.

For a moment, neither said anything, just sizing each other, and just watched just as intently as Hackett did. Then the human sat down and gestured to the empty seat that was nearby.

"I do not think that these seats can support my weight," he said.

"Theses chairs are sturdier than they appear," Hackett replied.

After a moment of consideration, Thel hesitated before sitting down. The chair did not groan or give any indication of collapsing as he expected. He quickly shook that thought aside. He had not time think of such small things.

"You seek answers, as do I," Thel continued.

"Yes," Hackett said, "Your presence here has caused somewhat of a panic amongst the Alliance. What's even more concerning is that you are not like any race we've ever encountered, hence the confinement."

"Why do you humans and your System Alliance have to take unnecessary precautions to...accommodate me? I would think that one is not worth your time," Thel growled.

"Look," Hackett began, " You probably have no idea if you know what we're up against, but we have an ancient race of genocidal machines called Reapers invading our galaxy."

A genocidal machine race? It sounded too much like the Flood all over again, and his honor demanded that enemies of this type were a parasite to be removed before they plague the galaxy. Such things could not be allowed to live. This was his chance to prove how he was more valuable as an ally than as a prisoner.

"Do I appear to be a mechanic being of any sort. I thought my show of surrendering was ample evidence that I am not your enemy and that I can assist you better if I am not confined," Thel asked annoyingly.

"No, you've showed no hostile intentions, and you don't look synthetic, but with everything going on now, people aren't think rationally. As far as the Alliance is concerned, you're an unknown and a potential threat, so I ask: who or what are you?"

Thel did not miss a second. He had been prepared for the question.

"My race is called Sangheili. I am the leader of my people, the Arbiter of my people. I have led our people against enemies that threatened genocide on my race and that of our allies. Our allies are humans."

"Humans," Hackett inquired, "We've never encountered your species, at least not that we know of."

"No," Thel agreed, "at least not in this galaxy. However, I come from a galaxy in which the Sangheili and humans are allies. We fought to help each other from a common enemy."

Thel had purposefully omitted the parts concerning the genocide the Covenant did against the humans. These humans need not know about the Human-Covenant War, and they would never need to know. The Admiral seemed to digest this information without much shock or astonishment, which led the Arbiter to assume that such things like other galaxies were not unheard things to these humans, either that, or that this one had been through enough and had seen enough to know that his sayings did carry some sort of merit or that there was a possibility.

"You'll forgive me if I find your story far-fetched," the admiral said.

Thel shifted his mandibles into what his species would recognize as a look of anger. His voice projected some of that anger.

"I am no liar. I would have nothing to gain from fabricating lies and fantasies. Everything I speak is truth. Whether you believe it or not is your decision, but choosing not to believe would be your loss."

"I have no reason to doubt you, but I have no reason to believe you either," Hackett continued. "So why should I believe you?"

Although the situation was far from a challenge, at least at face value, the Arbiter viewed it as a challenge. This admiral was challenging him to convince him. Thel was not one to back down from challenges, because in the end, he was always the victor.

"As I have said before, my show of surrender was suffice enough to show you I do not carry any ill thoughts towards your species. I offer my assistance because it seems to me that you have no experience when it comes to combating threats that can destroy galactic civilization. I do possess knowledge in this field. I can give you the means to prepare. I may not know these Reapers personally, but no matter the enemy, I can adapt and fight."

The Arbiter watched the human carefully as he thought about the words spoken. The face was neutral, giving off no emotions of any kind. This one was clearly a leader of many years. This Admiral Hackett reminded Thel of the UNSC Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood.

"I … will give the benefit of a doubt … for now, but the Alliance will not be so lenient, and unless you have hard evidence or some means to show us other than stories, they will keep tabs on you."

Thel shook his head in sheer amazement at their caution.

"Can you not persuade them to make an exception?"

"I will do what is within my power, but I doubt it'll be enough to ease his mind."

The Arbiter did not move nor did he respond. He watched through orange eyes, waiting.

"Moving on," Hackett said, "you said that you and your species are allies with the Humanity of your galaxy."

"Yes," Thel replied, "Our forces, the Covenant Separatists battled alongside the human United Nations Space Command against enemies that would seek to bring an end to all sentient life in the galaxy believing that in doing so, they would be delivered to Godhood. We also battled against an enemy that seeks to consume all sentient life in the galaxy and absorb it into their conscious. We fought against our enemies on Earth and on an ancient construct called the Ark, Installation 00. In the ensuing battle, I and my fellow comrades remained behind to end the threat once and for all. We knew that our lives may be forfeit, but we were determined to escape from the ensuing explosion that would destroy our enemies once and for all. One fell in combat. The two of us remaining attempted to escape via a Forerunner portal. I do not understand why, but the portal brought me here to this time."

"You mentioned that you were called Covenant Separatists. Were you and your race one part of some larger group?"

Thel had a response prepared. It was not difficult to pull that fact from what he had spoke. Thel paused in order to make it seem that he was hesitating on purpose.

"Yes, the Covenant Separatists were once part of another larger government, but that government is no more."

Thel was careful in what he said. He was good at letting people know the only things he wished for them to know, and he felt guilty for none of it because in the end, he was not lying in any fashion. He was merely leaving some facts and details out. Besides, what did it matter. If this was a truly different galaxy, which it was to him at this point, his past was of no consequence.

"And why did you leave?"

"We were lied to. There was a civil war, the Great Schism, that broke out within the ranks. We Sangheili despise traitors and liars and when betrayed, we declare war on those who would dare to betray us. In the ensuing war, the Sangheili resigned and became the Covenant Separatists and allied with the humans."

"Why did you not ally with the humans before this civil war," Hackett questioned.

"Before our resignation, we and Humanity had differences that prevented each from becoming allies, and neither had any sort of desire to become allies, and even after the Flood, the parasitic organism threatened to consume all sentient life in the galaxy, the leaders did not want Humanity's help. Being free of the prophet's lies, we chose to help the humans because they were fighting the parasite like the prophets were, and required their help. In the end, we aided each other and helped to win the war against the invaders. In the ensuing battle, the government was completely decimated."

Thel had to tread carefully here. Although he was fully confident that the story was very plausible, if there was one thing that humans did a lot, it was question things. He would continue the game. He would have to be as tenacious in answering as this admiral was in asking. In any case, he could not be cornered. He was telling the truth...to a certain degree.

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Admiral Steven Hackett listened with great attention to this alien. The story that the alien, the Sangheili as it called its species, he was sure, was a dumbed-down version of the war he fought. The admiral had no reason to believe that this alien was lying. The way he spoke carried authority, certainty, and respect. It seemed that he knew a great deal of things, and if his claims were true that he was the leader of his people, then he seemed to be a sort of ideal figure, one that could inspire others to follow his lead and become better. That same voice also displayed honesty and honor. This may be easier than he thought.

However, now that he knew that he was dealing with a leader of a new species, he had to do this carefully. Any harm to this Arbiter could be catastrophic should his species ever find Earth, though he tended to doubt that since intergalactic travel was still a complete mystery to the galaxy. Hackett had no intention of causing harm, but whether he would do the same, he would see.

What was also unusual was that this galaxy had an ancient civilization that possessed technology, similar to that of the Reapers. Of course, he could be making that up as well. He might as well be making everything up and Hackett would not know the difference, but he would get nowhere if he didn't believe, so he would bite.

"I believe you. You are not the kind of individual I would think was a liar," he said, "but as interesting as this story is, this doesn't help our current situation. I honestly appreciate your offer to assist, but why would you want to help us? You don't know us. Why not just ask for a way off the planet?"

Even though the answer came almost immediately, Hackett could not help but notice that the alien's eyes looked somewhat readable despite not being human. One look into his eyes and it was apparent that he had seen a lot in his lifetime. The eyes also led him to believe that there was some hesitation or regret, something to indicate that he had indeed seen a crisis like the Reapers.

"The Sangheili are a warriors people. Our culture thrives on a warrior's spirit. It is the goal of every individual to become a warrior who serves in the military. We fight for honor and for glory. It is our privilege to fight and defend ourselves as well as our allies. I myself owe humans my own lives."

"But you have no obligation to us," Hackett countered.

"To you perhaps not," Thel said, "but a Sangheili's vows and promises are stronger than the strongest metals of a ship. I promised to help Humanity and I intend to do so, whether it be in my galaxy or this one."

Hackett was impressed by this alien's convictions, even if he felt they were somewhat extreme.

"Why do you feel that you must help Humanity?"

"For being part of a power who denied humanity, for denying them aid when they required our help. Our people cannot sit idly by as we watch a race fight and die trying to defend themselves, and that is what we did. Our race was once strong and had honor, but we strayed from the path. It is our duty to rectify the errors we have made. It is also our duty to see that parasites that would seek to destroy the galaxy be pushed back. These threats may seem unstoppable and unyielding, but I know that no enemy is truly invincible. They can be stopped."

"Maybe in your galaxy," Hackett spoke, "but here, it's another story. We're not prepared to go to war. According to our best soldier on the field, the Reapers are far more advanced than us. We have trouble enough trying to take down one, and we're told that a whole invasion force is coming to Earth. We simply don't have advanced enough technology to fight the Reapers."

The Admiral watched the alien. The alien's "mouth" or rather mandables shifted slightly, its mandibles twisting into an expression that he could not place. If he had to guess, maybe silent cursing or hard thinking.

"Superior technology means nothing if you are united with all comrades and allies. Surely. The humans in my galaxy did not falter when faced with extinction. They fought for everything they had left despite their technology being inferior to the Covenant. In the face of impossible odds, they stood their ground. Before we became allies, we fought humans, and we respect humans for their ability to fight."

Hackett realized that this alien was serious about a fighting culture. It seemed that no matter the odds, the only thing to do was fight, and from the alien's tone, fight to victory or death. It was an worthy trait, and Hackett wanted to believe that the galaxy wouldn't be destroyed by the Reapers, but from what he had seen, the facts just were not in their favor.

"I didn;t say that we will surrender Earth easily." Hackett argued, "We will fight to defend it, but we can't stay here and watch our species be destroyed."

"Do you not have allies or other races that can help," the Arbiter asked.

"Yes, we do." Hackett responded, "We are part of a galactic community called the Citadel Council, but they may not be willing to lend much help if they don't feel threatened by the Reapers."

"Can they not see the gravity of the situation? If the Reapers threaten the galaxy, that should be enough incentive to answer the call of war."

"You have to understand that the Citadel Council believes that this threat is not as great as it may be." Hackett explained, "And even if they did know, they would be hesitant."

"The Reapers will not give anyone time. If they are the power you speak of, then they will kill all. This Citadel Council must be made to acknowledge the threat and take action against the invaders."

"I understand your frustration, but the simple fact is we're not ready."

There was a five-second pause.

"Whether you are ready or not, you must fight."

Hackett was about to respond when the voice of the N4 soldier guarding the entrance spoke up.

"Sir, the other Admirals want to speak to you concerning Commander Shepard."

Hackett turned his head towards the Sangheili.

"I'm sorry, but we're going to have to cut this short. The N4's will bring you back to your room. If we are allowed to speak again, I will see what the admirals will say."

The alien nodded.

Thel watched the human leave the cell. Shortly after, the soldier guarding gestured for him to follow, and he did in silence. As soon as he entered the familiar room, he began to think over what had been said.

He was right. The System Alliance were fearful, more so than the UNSC. They would be quicker to fear and defeat than the UNSC, at least in spirit. They did not believe they had a chance against the Reapers. Thel did not think this was an apt excuse to even entertain the idea of giving up. There was no excuse that could possibly justify not fighting to the death, at least not to him, especially when the lives of so many depended on victory or defeat, but humans shared so many different opinions regarding how to handle war. Caught between a rock and a hard spot, as the human saying went, Thel could only influence through his words, and even that may not be enough.

Politics be damned, he inwardly cursed.

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"The word of one new alien species is not enough. He could by lying to us."

"If you'd been there to speak to him, it would almost be immediately apparent that he couldn't be lying," Hackett argued.

"He could easily be a good liar," another admiral said.

"As much as I am hesitant towards this Sangheili," Admiral Anderson interrupted, "I would think we'd be rather stupid to pass up the assistance."

"But what can one individual do against the Reapers," Admiral Mitchell questioned.

"You should ask that same question to the former Commander Jane Shepard," Anderson immediately replied. "Against all odds, she has triumphed against impossible odds, and now she's been "detained" because she was working to save the people we weren't willing to save."

"Shepard was working with Cerberus. That, alone, is treason," O'Brien said, "The only reason we still even value her at all is because of her record. This is a new situation altogether. We know nothing about this Arbiter or his intentions. It sounds too easy for this alien to just side with us."

"Do you truly expect an alien to just reveal all of his secrets just because of this situation he's in? He had no reason to tell anything to us," Hackett pressed, "but he did. What's more, he's offered to help."

"Do not compare this alien to Shepard," Kyles chided.

"Why not," Anderson barked, "Shepard can inspire individuals of all races, pasts, and personality. If this alien is truly genuine, which he seems to be, then we're fools to turn down help."

"But he's only one,' O'Brien commented.

"A very important one, mind you," Hackett said, "If his claims that he is the leader of his people are true, then we have an opportunity to make an ally."

"To make an ally of a species that doesn't even exist within our galaxy? What good would that do us?"

"This is hardly the matter at hand" Anderson spoke, "The matter at hand is that we have Reapers coming, and we have no idea how to face a threat of this magnitude. We need someone who knows these enemies."

"Which is why we have Shepard," Mitchell said, "We don't need the help of an unknown."

"Then perhaps Shepard can use this alien. She has many friends that are different species. She could use allies," Anderson said.

"No! We are not reinstating Shepard. She has done enough. We will be ready."

"Do you truly believe that," Hackett said, "We have hundreds of ships in orbit above Earth, and we're anything but certain that we're ready. Our only chance is to go to the council for help."

"The Council won't listen to us," Admiral West rebutted, "They're content to sit back and watch."

"That is exactly why Shepard is needed. She can rally the support we need. Why can't you see that?"

Anderson's annoyance and anger was present. Everyone knew that Anderson was close to Shepard, like a second father. Hackett, too, would support Shepard as well. It was soon becoming clear that the board was weakening in their denial. They had little choice in the matter. With their time growing short, it only made their frantic behavior worse. The silence that filled the room only served to worsen the tension. Anderson continued to glare, Hackett continued to remain neutral, while the others looked off into space.

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Shepard tapped away at the datapad she had. She would be using her Omni-tool, but since the Omni-tool did not give much for visuals, she had to use the next best thing. Despite spending her time trying to vaguely keep up with the Alliance going-ons, she needed to get out. Sitting here, doing utterly nothing was setting her on edge. She was made for battle. It was her element, and that was what caused a bit of fear to grip her. She was beginning to think that all the combat she had done over her time in the Alliance had begun to affect her negatively. like PTSD negatively.

With all the things she had seen over the last two years, she wondered if perhaps her mind was intact or if she was slowly being influenced by the Reapers. She would not allow it as long as she drew breath. She…

"Commander," James's voice cut off her thoughts.

She paused from her musings, all fear and doubt gone. She was not weak. She was better than this. Her time would come soon.

"Just got a message from Anderson, The Committee will be seeing you tomorrow at 1100 hours."

Finally, something to do.

Not exactly the most exciting chapter I've ever written, but this is a very delicate thing to deal with. I deeply apologize if this story has too little going on now, but I believe that it is important not to rush stuff like this. As always, REVIEWS are welcome, and tell me everything that went well and what needs to be better, and if this chapter sucked, I'll fix whatever needs work. Many thanks for reading. Peace!