Disclaimer: I do not own Hyperdimension Neptunia or Mass Effect. Both are owned by their respected owners.
Chapter is rated R for References. Some painfully obvious, some subtle...
Readers Discretion is advised.
Ambassador Resira Loc'et held her breath as she stared at the massive ships in front of her.
Most were over a kilometer long, while some were around two to three. But six stood out and were massive...all larger than the Destiny Ascension!
The smallest one, which can be described as a box like ship, was six kilometers in length. The two green ones were at the equal length of seven kilometers, and somehow looked exactly the same. Then there was the black one...
A large nearly eight kilometer long black dreadnought suddenly appeared in front of them, when there was clearly nothing there just a minute before. Along with a number of much smaller black ships all converging with the fleets of ships in front of them. Making their quick reaction force look like a standard squad of fighters...
These ships appeared as soon as the white and green dreadnoughts came out of their wormholes. Actual to goddess wormholes...something that was only theorized! Something they could not figure out...
The Ambassador barely maintained her composure when all those ships revealed themselves. So did the crew around her say for a few that nearly panicked at the sight.
And lastly were the two purple colored dreadnoughts, one that was eight kilometers long and the other that was nine. The most largest ships she has ever seen...
What were they dealing with?
From how each of the ships are designed, it seemed as if that they were all different species that are allied with each other. But that wasn't true...
From the first contact package that was received, along with a basic history, it revealed that the Turians had attacked a faction of a species known as Humanity. The faction that was attacked by the Turian's is known as Lowee. It also mentioned other faction names, Lastation, Leanbox, and finally Planeptune.
There was a mention of something known as CPUs, and claims them to be...divine entities or goddesses.
Loc'et wasn't sure if it was a miss translation or this species had some form of effective propaganda. As parts of it indicate that these humans truly believed that they were being lead and governed by goddesses.
The Ambassador let out a breath as she placed her hand on her forehead. While she will be respectful about it, she couldn't help but have doubts with these claims. No doubt the council will as well...and likely voice them...
From what she remembered hearing, as well as learned from some contacts, a Turian fleet patrolling a section of the galaxy had gone missing. They were there as a show of force and reminder that they were the peacekeepers to the galaxy. Whether or not this was done cause of the rumors of Batarian slavers in the area were unknown.
Regardless of reason, the fleet had disappeared and there were no clear indication as to why.
When pressed for information, the Turian counselor, Sparatus, had revealed that the fleet was in pursuit of an unknown alien species. That was in the middle of activating Relay 314. In accordance to protocol, the Turians engaged the new species then gave chase when a single ship escaped. Presumably to it's homeworld...
That was over a week ago, and no word has arrived from the fleet.
However the Turian counselor admitted that he doesn't know the reason why the fleet wasn't in communication. He suggested that it was just equipment problems on the fleet's end. But everyone including him were doubting that...
Then news appeared about both Pheiros and Palaven being attacked by multiple unknown fleets with dreadnought sized ships. The council, after seconds of shock, quickly responded by deploying a quick reaction force, one to Palaven and the other to Pheiros but that one would have taken some time as the majority of the forces were being sent to Palaven.
And now here she was, an Ambassador assigned to request a possible ceasefire and reason as to why the Turians were being attacked.
Of course, she didn't expect to be hailed by the unknown ships after they exited FTL. She didn't expect to be face to face with a leader of the unknown species that remarkably looked similar to hers. She didn't expect for the alien leader to speak perfect Turian even though it was obviously translated. She didn't expect the alien leader to agree to a ceasefire so quickly and willingly.
She wasn't expecting the unknown species to be allies of a faction that was attacked by the Turians.
This in all her few hundred years of life was something she did not expect.
With a sigh as she removed her hand, she stared at the ships.
She would negotiate with the leaders of this...Gamindustri Alliance to come to the citadel in order to have negotiations with the council. In what hopefully would be a peaceful outcome...
When she accomplices that...she would have to warn the council about the massive ships. Other wise there may be a misunderstanding and will trigger these events all over again.
"Ambassador Loc'et," One of the crew members speak up. "The unknown ships are hailing us..."
"Time to get to work..." Loc'et says as she lets out a breath. "On screen..."
"Ambassador Loc'et," Neptune greets the alien as three other screens connected with hers. "Joining me are the three other leaders of the Gamindustri Alliance. We are comprised of four different nations. Mine being that of Planeptune."
"I am CPU Black Heart." Noire introduces herself first. "Ruler of Lastation."
"I am CPU Green Heart." Vert goes next, there was a slight bounce to her chest as she bowed her head. "Ruler of Leanbox."
"Tch, CPU White Heart." Blanc says as she crossed her arms. "Ruler of Lowee."
She was in HDD form, wearing a white military uniform with her nation's symbol on her shoulder. There was a white military like cap on her head and she still looked reasonably...upset. But thankfully she appears to be willing to be apart of the negotiations.
"Greetings," The Ambassador says as she bowed her head. "I trust that the first contact package was delivered?"
"Yes, it is being distributed between us..." Vert answers. "Currently being looked at as we speak."
What she didn't add was that it was swept for viruses or anything similar. It was a precaution in case the package was a Trojan horse of some sort.
"We've also received your first contact package," The Ambassador slowly says. "And on a personal note, I apologize on the behalf of the Turians. They...were in the wrong for their actions and can be a bit overzealous but-"
"Overzealous!?" Blanc gritted her teeth as she narrowed her eyes. "They attacked my people and invaded one of my worlds! All because of some shitty law we didn't know of! You call that being overzealous!?"
"...Yes," The Ambassador says after a second. "As I said before, the Turians made a terrible mistake in their actions. One the council will make right, now I must inform you that by normal procedures. Negotiations with a new species are conducted at the citadel, the heart of the Council. It is quite a ways from here and will take the mass relay-"
"Oh, we have the necessary means and knowledge to travel there ourselves..." Vert says as she crossed her arms. "Unless it is normal procedure to be under armed escort that is..."
"Normally no," The Ambassador shakes her head. "If you do not mind me asking but what exact means of travel do you have? It is something to due with those wormholes your ships appeared from?"
"Yes, but we can discuss that matter another time." Vert redirects the subject before it changed. "Do we have to arrive at this Citadel immediately or can we arrive after some time? Our form of travel does require us to take some time to prepare for long trips. As well as prepare some other diplomats...it is necessary that we do this if we are to insure peaceful relations."
"Of course," Ambassador Loc'et nodded seemingly believing the lie. "The council can await for some time."
"A few days should be more than enough time," Noire smirked as she nodded, joining in on the lie. "Thank you for understanding."
Neptune did wonder where Vert and Noire was going with this idea. As the Stein Drives just need seconds or sometimes a few minutes to adjust the necessary coordinates. In simple terms they just need to upload the coordinates and they would be good to go.
Fortunately the first contact package they sent doesn't have the specifics on the Stein Drives. Just a basic history and use but not how they work exactly. The same on everything else really...
"If there isn't anything else Ambassador," Vert speaks up, a smirk was on her lips. "We shall meet this council soon, it is a shame to meet like this. But as another gesture of good faith, we'll pull our forces away from the Turians home system. Of course if my fellow CPUs agree with it."
"...I do not see a problem with this," Neptune says first, deciding to ask later. "My fleets will pull back from the Turians home system."
"As will mine," Noire says after a second.
"Tch...fine my dreadnought will pull back." Blanc says as she still looked a bit ticked.
"...Thank you," The Ambassador says, sounding a bit surprised of the sudden pull back.
"Till we speak again Ambassador." Neptune says as the call ends and screen showing the Asari disappears.
A pillar of light engulfs Neptune a second later revealing her human form.
"Man..." Neptune groaned as she laid back on her seat. "If I'd knew this would be really exhausting, I would have just sent Nepgear along with Histy."
"And now your back to being a bite sized idiot..." Noire muttered as a pillar of light engulfs her then reveals her human form. "But it's been awhile since we've been in HDD this long."
"Yes..." A pillar covers Vert then turns back to her human form. "But at least we've manage to gain a chance to resolve this peacefully."
"Tch, we still could've kicked their asses..." Blanc returned to her human form. "Our fleets held the advantage, we would've taken Pheiros."
"Yeah, but we didn't want to conquer them..." Neptune reminded her fellow CPU as she stretched her arms a little. "And we don't do stuff like that...not anymore."
"Still," Noire crossed her arms as a screen appears in front of her. "This Codex of theirs holds a lot of information. Especially coordinates, stuff about this council...it's history, a lot of things really."
"Speaking of their history..." Vert adds as a screen appears in front of her and starts typing into it. "While I did say that was it was being looked at, I didn't mention that I actually read a large number of it on the way here. And there are somethings that...is quite concerning. You should see for yourselves...it's marked as laws and history."
A beep was heard next to Neptune, and a screen appears next her.
She lazily reads it then narrows her eyes when straightens herself up.
"Hold on...nuh uh...wait...seriously!?" Neptune's face displayed shocked as she read the text. "Is this even possible!?"
"Ah, it seems you found the council's history and laws," Vert says as she crossed her arms. "From as it seems the council has done some rather-"
"Not that!" Neptune quickly types at the screen and a picture pops up at the all the CPUs screens. "I mean this!"
It was a picture of a squid/jellyfish like creature, only that it was tall and pink with parts of it glowing. It was known as Hanar, a council species.
"Eh?" Was the three other CPUs reactions as they stared at the creature.
"It's a tentacle monster!" The purple CPU pointed at the picture with a shiver. "One of the natural enemies of cute moe girls! And we're cute moe girls that can transform into super sexy versions of ourselves! If this council has this fearsome enemy among it's ranks...we might not stand a chance! They'll catch us then do M rated things to our bods, don't let that happen author! This sexy bod has to stay pure!"
"...Eh!?" Was the three other CPUs response, each had deadpanned. As Neptune had trembled and muttered something about 'please no tentacles or eggplants' and other things that weren't audible or possibly appropriate...
Meanwhile, Admiral Steven Hackett was quietly ordering the Planeptune fleet to fall back to Shanxi. While he and the rest of the crew members were doing their best to politely ignore their goddess's sudden outburst. As they have grown used to the CPU's random personality in human and goddess form. So this was an everyday thing for them...unfortunately.
"Neptune be serious!" Noire yells as she was the first to recover. "Or I swear I'll pause this plot advancing scene to-"
"Neptune's pointless outburst aside." Fortunately Vert reigns the conversation before it went into other territory. "As I was saying, there are some concerning things within this Codex. We should read them as we 'gather our diplomats'. It is better that we are prepared for what the council will throw at us politically. As in terms of experience, they'll likely hold the advantage..."
That last part was true, the four CPUs had friendly relations, various amounts of trades and territory disputes. They have truly never dealt with each other that much politically, at least in a hostile or semi-hostile manner. Ever since the end of the console war, they've never tried to conquer each other.
If this council was as experienced as it seems, then they face a different battlefield. One they may have trouble in...
"We should leave now," Noire says as she waved her hand making the screen in front of her disappear. "If we take any longer, then the Turians and their allies may become suspicious. We need to read everything this Codex has, even if it's stupid propaganda. We'll need every advantage we can get..."
"Right." The other CPUs answered, even Neptune despite her earlier outburst.
And so...time had passed, as the CPUs gathered their so called 'diplomats'.
In reality they just summoned the presence of Histoire and the CPU candidates. As to not only increase a possible advantage with Histoire, who is a living tome that holds the history of Gamindustri, as well as political experience she has. This will also help the candidates learn somethings for their future duties, and some sight seeing.
Since apparently the Citadel Council, governs from a space station known as...the Citadel. As it name suggests, the station is massive, just shy of forty five kilometers. With five long arms that act as areas for civilians to live in. It surprised the CPUs that such a station could exist, especially the candidate of Planeptune, Nepgear. She actually drooled at the image that was provided from the codex...
Still, it is a risk to bring not only the living archive of Gamindustri, but also it's future rulers. If something were to possibly happen, then Gamindustri will suffer a severe tragedy it won't recover from.
Which is why the personal guard of the candidates would be present, of course while the candidates are capable of taking care of themselves. It is more of a precaution in case the worst were to happen so most will be on standby.
For the Lastation Candidate, a small tactical group of the personal guard would be on standby. As an added precaution, one of the personal guard and several selected N7 special forces members would be present. To not only protect their nation's future ruler, but as well as the future rulers of the other nations as well.
For Lowee's candidates, their personal guard's Mage Knights would be present, and onsite will be a trusted guild agent.
For Planeptune's candidates, they'll be escorted by a few known and trusted guild agents. Along with a squad of specialized Geardums on standby in case something were to happen, they would drop in and escort the candidates to safety via shuttle. As well as the other nations candidates if needed, and dealing with any trouble in their way.
As for Leanbox, while it doesn't have a personal candidate guard as there isn't a candidate as of yet. A few of Leanbox's Spartans would be on standby to support the other nations candidates.
Let it be said that the CPUs care dearly for their sisters...and will severely punish those that dare to harm them.
...
Of course should a set of fools try...they'll face a wrath unlike any other. The wrath of sisters protecting their loved ones...
Alison Shepard was quiet as the shuttle's door opened letting both her and IF out.
They personally had received an urgent quest from Planeptune, and IF was smiling about it for some reason. It had something to do with an escort mission, but the details were listed as classified. When she had asked IF what she thought what exactly it'll involve...her partner simply closed her phone and led them to an area where a shuttle picked them up.
It must've been a really important job as they were transported straight towards The Purple Regalia! Planeptune's main dreadnought and most advanced ship in Gamindustri. She couldn't stop staring as they docked with the ship.
As they walked through the hanger, Alison couldn't help but look at the various ships, shuttles and Geardums. Actual Geardum mechs being prep for combat by their pilots and engineers.
She heard stories about these mechs. They are the only mechs in Gamindustri that are able to survive, and fight in deep space combat. Some were even capable of transforming into fighters for greater speed or mobility, others had unique skills and abilities.
They were designed and some special transforming models were personally built by one of Planeptune's CPU candidates. Hence the name they have, passed down from their creator, who is well known for her love of machines and tech.
There were rumors all over the Extranet that she had partnered with the legendary creator of the Alloy Cogs, Hedio Koujima. The rumors state that they were designing and building new models of the Alloy Cogs. Ones that might be able to walk upright and fight in deep space combat. Something that Lastation's Alloy Cogs had not been able to do as of yet.
Should these rumors actually be true then that would drastically change future designs of Alloy Cogs. There may even be future models that surpass current Alloy Cogs.
"Agent IF," A basilicom staff member approached them. "Welcome back, please allow me to escort you to where you'll be staying along with your partner."
IF nodded as Shepard rose an eyebrow.
"Huh? Welcome back?" She asks as they followed the staff member. "Iffy, you've been in the Purple Regalia before?"
"Yeah, for a few missions and personal visits..." Her partner didn't elaborate any more.
Shepard narrowed her eyes as they continue to walk for sometime until the staff member stops at a large set of doors.
"This is my stop," The staff member says as she bows. "You know the way, her sisters and the oracle are here with several other guests. The ship will be departing in a few hours, I bid thee well Agents."
IF nodded as the staff member turned and leaved. Her partner walks up to the doors, a beep was heard and the doors opened up. Revealing an elevator, her partner walks in and pulls out a cellphone.
Alison walked in after her partner, the doors quickly close and the elevator begins to go down.
For a few seconds there was nothing but metal walls, then a bright light appears and Alison covered her eyes. When they refocused, she was met with an awe sight.
She sees a bright green grass field, with sun light coming in from above them. The field stretched for some distance, almost to that of a kilometer, there were rivers even a miniature beach present.
At the center was a spiral tower, with the symbol of Planeptune labeled in the center of it.
Alison didn't need someone to tell her that this is the private space of the CPU of Planeptune. She stared at her partner wide eyed, and a questioning stare.
Her partner merely smiled as the elevator stopped and the doors opened. They walked silently through the beautiful space until they reached the tower.
"IF, I know you never really talked about your personal life." She finally says, stopping in front of the building's doors. "But since this obviously has something to do with the CPU of Planeptune. What exactly have you never told me?"
"Oh it's-"
"Iffy!" The doors open and a green blur suddenly slams into her partner.
"What the..." Shepard widened her eyes in shock.
Standing before her, possibly suffocating IF in her very large cleavage, was Lady Green Heart. The CPU of Leanbox...
Shepard's reaction is as follows..."Eh!?"
"Mmm..." IF pushes herself away and takes a breath. "Lady Vert! It's been a while!"
"Oh Iffy." The green CPU gently smiled as she hugs IF tightly again. "It certainly has..."
"...Eh?" Alison was in a loop. "Um...Iffy, you know the CPU of Leanbox personally!?"
"Oh," Lady Green Heart looked at her. "You must be Iffy's partner, I heard a lot about you. Thanks for keeping my dear Iffy safe and sound..."
"That...doesn't answer my question at all..." Shepard deadpanned before shaking her head and doing a hasty bow. "A-apologies Lady Green Heart, but may I ask why are you here? And how you know my partner?"
"You don't need to be so formal," The CPU says as IF manages to free herself from her chest/clutches. There was a bright smile on her face as she took a few breathes. "A friend of IF's is a friend of mine. Please, call me Vert."
"V-Vert!?" Alison stuttered the CPU's true name. For very few have the honor or dare to address the goddesses as such. The fact that her partner and friend not only knew the CPU but was also in first name basis. Was rather shocking...who was her partner...and why didn't she press IF for background details on her life!
"Alison? That you?" She hears a familiar voice and turns to see a familiar sight.
A girl with white purple-ish skin, green hair and ruby red colored eyes. She was wearing a large gray jacket with a mouse eared hood, with black, white lining and red on the inside. It was open, revealing a lot of skin. There was a small black tube top on with X shaped strings in the middle with an opened heart on each side. One being red and other yellow. There was also two piercings on her belly button and slightly above.
Grey baggy pants with a pistol hostler strapped to her leg along with a handled metal bar on her hip. Black boots and gloves with the underside being red. There was a black collar like choker around her neck. One of her physical features was that her ears were pointed instead of round.
A trait that got her picked on when she was a kid, until Alison and her little bro chose to step in.
"Underling," Shepard says as she crossed her arms and smirked. "Been awhile, still at the bottom of the food chain?"
"Tch, still a guild bitch I see..." Linda, 'Underling', smirked as she crossed her arms as well. "The hell you doing here anyway?"
"Doing my job as a guild bitch," Shepard smiled as she approached her old friend. "Still, good seeing you Linda, heard you got promoted. Certainly an ambitious one ain't cha?"
"Oh, nothing special," Linda grinned as her hands rested on the back of her head. "Just apart of the personal guard of Black Heart and Un-I mean Black Sister."
"Right and is she here?" She asked, slightly hopeful that she might not only meet the candidate and hopefully the CPU of Lastation.
"Yeah but she's busy with Planeptune's candidate." Her friend yawned as she motioned her to follow. "Come on get inside, don't want to stand out all damn day like morons."
"Wait what about..." She turns to see an empty space where the CPU and her partner once stood. "Eh?"
"They went in while we were talking...also I think I saw your partner nose start to bleed."
"Damn, missed an opportunity for blackmail. Alright then, anyone else in there? Other than the CPUs?"
"Other than our candidate and CPU, a few N7 boys we're familiar with, there's this Spartan 'escorting' Green Heart." Linda clicked her tongue as she crossed her arms. "That guy is in power armor, armed to the teeth and has a major stick up his ass..."
"Oh? What's his name?"
"Didn't say it, only his rank. Master Chief, Sera Eleven Seven."
Within a unknown location, a woman was staring at a screen, she pressed an icon on it.
"T-this is Rei," The woman timidly says as she the lines connect. "Everyone report..."
She had blue silver-ish hair and blue eyes. She was wearing a black, blue and white outlined business like uniform. With white gantlets, black gloves and white long boots. Black thin framed glasses where over her eyes, and a metallic white horn like object was attached to the side of her head.
Her name is Rei Ryghts...a rather timid and low self esteemed woman. But was second in command to the organization she was apart of.
"This is Miranda," One of the Agents responds, Miranda Lawson. "I successfully delivered the data and covered my tracks."
"Jacob reporting in," Another agent reports, Jacob Taylor. "The package has been delivered, no one will know it was us."
"G-good, remain on standby until further notice," Rei says as she types into the screen. "Remember when the CPUs ships arrive at the Citadel you are to only observe and report. P-please stick to your mission objectives..."
"Understood ma'am." Was the response of the two agents, before the line was cut.
Rei sighed as she adjusted her glasses. The mission was soon to begin and she was nervous about it.
While they managed to deliver the data to all of the nations CPUs, which was 'theorized' ideas and plans of various things. Including one on how to permanently disable a Mass Relay. One of the things their organization successfully pulled off without blowing themselves up.
What ever results that are pulled from it has been in place for the CPUs, from their legitimate private corporations. Example being that of Avenir...of course there was a cover story to explain the company's secret studies of a Mass Relay.
Still, it is fortunate that this Citadel Council and other alien species are heavily reliant on technology based on the element found in the Mass Relays. They appear to be stagnant in terms of tech, and only make some advancement when a new species was accepted into their society. But that doesn't happen to often...so they can considered to be found wanting in tech.
Their mission was simple, watch the CPUs and their negotiations with the Citadel Council. While at the same time 'discreetly' record the negotiations then eventually broadcast it to all of Gamindustri, to show Humanity's protectors and leaders performing their duties.
Harp-The Illusive man thought it best to do this, to show that the CPUs are still have humanity's best interests, but also assist the CPUs in gaining shares. To further strengthen Humanity and the goddesses as a whole, since it was obvious while the CPUs would be friendly to this council they would not consider joining them.
Which means they'll gain either unsteady 'allies', or new enemies. Ones they have to face on multiple fronts, including espionage. This is where they come in...the organization comes in. So far they manage to exist without being discovered, as they're supposed to be the hidden arm that helps the CPUs and Humanity. To face against the monsters, and now...aliens.
As with this Codex, it showed that the galaxy is not a kind place when compared to their nations.
Only two people has some idea of their organization's existence...
There is the first one, but nobody seems to think she's actually knows anything. So they keep quiet and do not approach her with an offer to join. As she is a well known figure to humanity and is someone who may not support their organization, the self proclaimed 'Mad Magician'.
The other...was an old ally that turned enemy when her true plans came to light, Jac-The Illusive Man had 'disagreements' with her on humanity's destiny. He was still a firm believer in the CPUs while she wanted to be rid of them and wanted only the 'strong' to rule humanity 'fairly'. She disappeared after a few engagements with their organization and her ragtag group, there are currently no leads as to her whereabouts...
Even that rat underling of her's has no clue where she had ran off...so as far as Harp-The Illusive Man was concerned, she was dead yet still a major threat to humanity. So it's possible to encounter her again...
Either way, it was good to be rid of the old hag...Rei could barely stand her laugh...
A notification on the screen tells Rei that the two agents are in position and will await for travel. Or any changes within the mission.
Rei adjusted her glasses as she sent a report to the Illusive man on the mission's progress. Nervousness still filled her but the job needed to be done.
...Heheh...this'll be fun. Only a matter...of time...then...I'll be...o...u...t...
Unbeknownst to Rei, a sinister part of her mind watched as she nervously looked over the mission details. Then fades away as if it was never there in the first place.
It was something she had long forgotten about, though forgotten wasn't the correct word. It was more like she had lost it so long ago, and was very slowly gaining it back without realizing it. Something that if unleashed onto the galaxy, will cause a devastating path of destruction...but to who or what.
Is unknown...
...
Of course...it isn't the only thing that can threaten the galaxy...
It was another day for Matriarch Lidanya as the Destiny Ascension was in it's patrol route. Okay that was a lie, it's really more than that...
The Citadel fleet has been put on alert as a new species has been discovered and were making their way to the Citadel. She has heard somethings about this species, apparently they were the ones that attacked Palaven's defense fleets and the fleets defending Pheiros.
Because as a result of the attack...an estimated sixty to seventy percent loss of the ships that were defending Palaven. More than half...a huge blow to the Turian forces, and that's not even adding up the loses sustained from Pheiros. Which is nearly eighty percent...the Turian Hierarchy may not be able to recover from those loses...
"Large unknown energy signatures detected!" One of the crew members spoke up.
"Where?" Lidanya snapped out of her thoughts as she looked forward.
"Directly ahead, in front of the Citadel!" As that was said, several large...what can be described as...wormholes! Black and blue wormholes appeared directly ahead of them!
"Alert the fleet, put them on stand-" Lidanya stopped mid sentence as several dreadnought sized ships exited from the wormholes.
A total of five ships appeared from the wormholes, all larger than the Destiny Ascension! The ship she was in command of!
The Matriarch stared with widened eyes at each of the ships. One was white, looked like some sort of boxed design and was Six kilometers in length. Two were green, looked exactly the same, and both were Seven kilometers in length. Another was black as night and nearly Eight kilometers in length.
Finally the one that stood out the most was the one colored purple, it was Nine kilometers in length and looked to be the more advanced of the five.
"Goddess...what is..." Lidanya shook her head as she forced herself to focus. "Put the fleet on standby! Be ready to fight if those ships prove to be hostile."
"Understood, we're being hailed by those unknown ships!"
"On screen," With that she was met with a surprising image. It was something that looked similar to her people but had vastly different colored skin and fur on their heads.
"This is Matriarch Lidanya of the Destiny Ascension," The Matriarch says as she narrowed her eyes. "To whom am I speaking to?"
"I am CPU Purple Heart of the Gamindustri Alliance," The Asari like being says as she tilts her head in greetings. "I and my fellow allies are here to negotiate with your Citadel Council."
It...it was the new species...the ones that dealt a severe blow to the Turians. They've finally arrived...
"Oh..." Was Lidanya's intelligent response. "Of course, we've been expecting you..."
The being nodded, "Yes, is there a dock for dreadnoughts? If not, we have the means to dock with a smaller ship."
"No...there isn't a dock that can support your ships." The Matriarch shook her head. "You have to use shuttles to dock on the Citadel, from there an escort will guide you to the Council's chambers."
"That is agreeable," The Asari like being nodded once more. "A few shuttles will land on the Citadel, if it's no trouble they'll be escorted by our forces. Is this agreeable?"
"Yes, such a thing is normal among diplomats...you'll be guided into the citadel."
"Alright, thank you Matriarch Lidanya." With that the connection was cut.
"What are we dealing with..." She thought out loud before returning to her duties.
It was but another day...
Garrus Varkarian...didn't know what to think as he watched the shuttles land.
The fighters and mechs that were escorting them stopped following and appeared to be keeping watch from a distance.
Yes, actual to spirit mechs, that somehow fly in space...and look like they have multiple ways to kill. There were five of them, each one looked vastly different from the other, and seemed like some kind of special unit.
He must've done something to annoy Pallin, because for some reason he put him on escort detail. Which is strange since he normally doesn't do that, as he is a detective. When he asked the C-sec executor, he simply replied that they needed all hands on deck, as this was the species that attacked Palaven and Pheiros. And Pallin didn't want to take chances...several areas including the docks were cleared out for the safety of civilians.
Since they did kinda stop what they were doing to stare at the massive ships that suddenly appeared. He could have sworn that he heard something about some Hanars preaching about the return of the Enkindlers. Or Protheans as everyone else know them as...
...He remembered hearing about the attack and immediately contacted his family. Thankfully they were alright, just a little shaken up, the new species didn't attempt to invade the planet. They seemed to have been more focused on the defense fleets. From what his sister had heard, the fleets had taken a really bad hit, and Hierarchy wouldn't be able to recover so easily.
The shuttles doors open and several other C-sec officers grew tense as they along with Pallin slowly move toward them.
Then a large figure steps out one of the shuttles, it was a little over two meters in height. Wearing dark green armor and some kind of rife in it's hands. With two pistols at it's legs and some kind of huge bladed weapon on it's back. Several other figures stepped out of the shuttles, some as tall as the massive figure and some were shorter.
Each had various uniforms and clothes, some had military like uniforms, which varied from white, green, black and purple. Others had different sets of clothes...they looked like Asari without blue skin and had different colored fur on their heads.
There was also some kind of...drone?...like thing that flew out one of the shuttles. Getting a better look at it, it appeared to look similar to the Asari like species, yet it was considerably smaller than the rest of them and had wings sticking out it's back. What exactly is it? A variation of their species?
After a few seconds bright lights come from the shuttles, prompting some of C-sec escorts to shield their eyes. When the lights died down several figures step out of the shuttles at almost the same time.
Garrus's eyes and mandibles widened a little as he stared at the emerging figures. They were different then the other ones, their eyes had some sort of glowing symbol, and something about them felt...strange...yet not unwelcoming.
The Asari like beings moved from their shuttles, several other Asari like figures stepped out of the shuttles. For some reason they looked considerably younger then the others, were they children?
Why bring children to a diplomatic meeting? Something wasn't right about this...yet he didn't feel any hostile intent from them...just that strange feeling from the four figures. He couldn't figure out what it was...though one thing was clear.
Those four were the ones in charge, which was really obvious as some of the other ones lowered their heads to the four before falling in with them.
Before Garrus could ponder anymore questions about this new species, Pallin does a mock cough as he approached the figures.
"Welcome to the Citadel, I am C-sec Executor Pallin." Pallin says as professionally as he could, despite his slight glare. "I'm here to escort you to the Council's chambers."
"Greetings, we are the leaders and representatives of the Gamindusrti Alliance." The figure clad in Purple says as she? bows her head in greetings.
Pallin just nodded his head, "Just follow me this way...for those that aren't apart of negotiations, will have to wait outside the council's chambers. They are free to explore parts of presidium under C-sec supervision."
"We understand," The one clad in Green nodded. "Our escort will stick with those that aren't apart of the negotiations."
That made Garrus's eyes narrow a bit, now why would they do that? The ones in Purple, Black, White, and Green appeared to be unarmed. Unless there was something that was missing...
"Follow me," Pallin says as he and the rest of C-sec officers started leading them to the Council.
Garrus fell in line as he stared at the ones with the glowing eyes.
This was bound to be an interesting day...
After the longest elevator ride possible, the four CPUs arrived at their destination.
The Council chambers were...a little under whelming. While the trees, river, and overall design were a nice touch. It was plainly obvious to the CPUs it was supposed show off a form of superiority.
Such as where the council was standing from, it was higher than the stage for those that were there to see them. As if to display that they were in their territory, and they're obliged to follow their rules. For the CPUs it seemed rather off putting...
The four goddesses stood in front of the council and looked at the counselors. One was an Asari, the other was Turian, and the last one looked like some kind of amphibian. Known as a Salarian. There was only three councilors...another thing that was off putting to the CPUs.
As there was more than three council races...
"On behalf of the Council, I welcome you to the Citadel." The Asari says as she greeted them. "I am Tevos of the Asari Republics."
"Valern. Of the Salarian Union." The Salarian says as he stared at them with an analytical type look.
"...Sparatus, of the Turian Hierarchy." The Turian made a subtle glare at them, there was obvious dislike in his voice.
"I am CPU Purple Heart of Planeptune," Neptune decides to introduce herself first. "Member of the Gamindustri Alliance."
"CPU Green Heart of Leanbox," Vert goes next as she smirked. "Member of the Alliance as well."
"I am CPU Black Heart of Lastation," Noire goes next as she stared at the councilors. "An Alliance member."
"...I'm CPU White Heart." Blanc crossed her arms as she narrowed her eyes at the Turian councilor, no doubt still having some lingering feelings. "Ruler of Lowee and member of the Gamindustri Alliance."
"We're the rulers and guardians of Humanity." The four say as one, before becoming silent.
"Right, we can begin by-"
"Explaining why you attacked Palaven," Sparatus cuts Tevos off as he glared at them. "Pheiros, and bring these large dreadnoughts of yours at our door step. All with little cause..."
"Little cause!?" Blanc gritted her teeth as she glared right back. "One of your fleets attacked my people and invaded one of my worlds all because of a law we had absolutely no knowledge about!"
"That is true," Noire speaks up. "The fleet that engaged Lowee's ships didn't try to negotiate at all. They fired upon vessels with no explanations or warnings...then invaded with the intent of conquest."
"They were merely following protocol," The turian says a matter of factly. "When a Species activates a dormant relay with out Council approval it is against-"
"Council law," Vert says as she narrowed her eyes a little. "Yes as stated in your Codex, due to war you had with beings known as Rachni. That can be a bit understandable, however it is no excuse to bear such a law down on those who have no knowledge of it and are not part of your alliance."
"Sparatus that is enough," Tevos cuts in before the Turian can retort. She looks back at the CPUs. "It is true that the Turian's were following protocol, however the actions taken are not acceptable and will be punished accordingly."
"Reparations." Blanc stated as she uncrossed her arms. "From the Turians."
"You expect us to pay reparations!?" Sparatus's mandibles widened as he narrowed his eyes. "After what you have done to the fleets in both Palaven and Pheiros!?"
"The fleets in Palaven and Pheiros were given a chance to deal with the situation civilly." Neptune says as she narrowed her eyes. "Yet despite the chance for an open dialogue, they chose to attack. Causing us to fight in self defense."
"They couldn't have known that your offer was genuine," The Turian argued. "The Admirals and Primarchs did what they thought was best to defend our people."
"Unfortunately, their decisions ultimately lead them...to their deaths." A small voice speaks up as something comes from behind Neptune.
It was Histoire, the fairy/living tome and oracle of Planeptune.
She wasn't that tall, just around a hundred and seventeen centimeters. She was sitting on a floating/hovering tome and had her legs close together.
She has blonde hair, and blue eyes. She was wearing a purple, white and orange outlined dress. With a teal colored tie with the letter N placed at the top of it. There was a hat at the top of her head, it was white and had the letter N at the center of it. There were two purple and orange outlined ribbons that separated her hair into pigtails.
With white stockings that went above her knees and matching shoes. One detail that stood out, other than her size, was her fairy like wings from her back. They glowed somewhat and did not seem to be attached to her skin.
"Histoire," Neptune greeted the oracle as she moved in front of the goddesses. "Finally able to join us?"
"Yes, it only took me three minutes to read the codex entirely." The living tome nodded as her placed her hands on her lap. "It was faster than I expected."
Before the CPUs made their way onto the stage, Histoire decided to read the entire codex. The version that they were able to gain by politely asking one of the C-sec officers. Who conveniently had a tablet on them...
They wanted to be sure the information was accurate and nothing was 'conveniently' left out. Another thing to be sure they weren't caught unprepared...
"What...who is she?" Tevos asked as she stared at the fairy tome. Obviously not expecting her at all...
"Small, no mechanical like exteriors. Has similar appearance, yet does not appear to be your species." The Salarian says as he stared analytically. "Was under impression there was one species in Gamindustri Alliance."
"Greetings, I am Histoire." Histoire greeted the three councilors. "I am the oracle of Planeptune and a diplomatic representative of the Gamindustri Alliance."
"What are you?" Sparatus asked as he stared at her.
"I am the keeper of Gamindustri's history. As you can tell I am not human, I am something else." She shakes her head. "But that isn't what we are discussing right now."
"That doesn't explain what exactly you are but we can discuss that another time." Tevos says. "We've read the package that you delivered to our Ambassador, and we believe that it might have been mistakenly mistranslated."
"Mistranslated? How?" Histoire asked.
"There are claims that you four are..." Valern begins to say.
"'Goddesses.'" Sparatus says as he did air quotes. "Which is impossible, so there was a miss translation on your end."
"...Councilors." Neptune begins to say as she narrowed her eyes. "There was no miss translation, everything given to you is accurate and true. We are goddesses, we govern and protect Gamindustri."
"Then your race has effective propaganda," The Turian bluntly says as he gave them another glare. "Propaganda this Council will not fall for so easily. There's no way for you be divine beings as well as claim to have so many rare garden worlds and terraformed moons under your control. Such is impossible."
"Tch..." Blanc gritted her teeth as she looked she wanted to summon her axe. "Listen here you piece of-"
"Regardless of what you believe," Vert interrupts her from making the situation any worse. "It is all true, but we must return to the matter at hand."
"Yes, the joining of the council," Tevos nodded. "While there are some issues, we can reach a compro-"
"We are not joining the Citadel Council." Noire states as she crossed her arms.
"...Eh?" Was Tevos's intelligent response. "Wait, what do you-"
"We are not joining the council," Neptune projects her voice clearly. "Due to disagreements we have with your laws and the decisions your council has done in the past."
"Such as how you treated the Quarians when they lost their homeworld to entities known as Geth. The Krogan whom you practically sterilized all for knowing the only thing you uplifted them for, War. The Batarians on slavery despite it being illegal and immoral, you allow them to roam free to enslave colonies. Even the fact that only three species hold all the power in this alliance of many, and dare to think lowly of the rest." Neptune shakes her head. "So much I can say, but in the end I will say this. Planeptune will not join this council."
"This Treaty of Farixen, only allows dreadnoughts of a certain number." Noire says as she narrowed her eyes. "At size which you classify as a kilometer long, our fleets has ships much longer than that length. So by your standards they are all dreadnoughts. Joining you would mean scrapping our entire fleets. Stripping us of our defenses...Lastation will not weaken itself so it can follow your status quo. We refuse to join!"
"There are many issues with these laws..." Vert slowly shook her head. "So much so that we cannot voice them all. Leanbox declines the offer to join."
"Tch, first you attack us with no cause..." Blanc slowly says as she narrowed her crimson eyes. "Killed many of my people, then think a simple apology will make up for it and make us join you!? There's no way in hell Lowee is joining this council!"
"The Gamindustri Alliance will not join the Citadel Council!" All four CPUs say as one.
Histoire looked at the CPUs, she was expecting this outcome. There small smile on her lips as she watched Neptune taking this absolutely seriously.
"Councilors," Neptune slowly says. "We will return all prisoners that were taken captive, and return any bodies found to their families. While we'll not join your alliance, we are open to negotiations on trade. But we will not trade technology, the only exception being that for entertainment. Though that will come with some restrictions..."
"You..." Sparatus slowly says as he narrowed his eyes and mandibles move. "You dare insult-"
What ever the councilor was going to say was cut off when a bright harsh light engulfs the room. Then followed by the sounds of something crashing in the council chambers...
"Is everyone alright?" Histoire asks as CPUs turn to the source of the light. She looks at the council and sighs in relief that other than being surprised, they appeared to be alright.
They were looking at what had crashed, disbelief written on their faces...at least at best as what the CPUs can tell.
"Nepu!? I mean, what?" Neptune widened her eyes as she looked at what had crashed.
"What is..." Noire trailed off as she looked.
"This is...unexpected." Vert states as she looked as well.
"The hell!?" Blanc yells. "What's that doing here!?"
The thing they were looking at was taller than them, had ferocious claws, wings and a long tail.
It was an Ancient Dragon, a monster normally found in any of the Gamindustri worlds. Why was it there?
The Dragon slowly stood up and unfolded it's wings, fire appeared from it's mouth. It roared at them before launching a fire ball at them.
Before anyone, meaning the councilors, could react a large runic circle blocks the fire ball from making contact.
"Be erased from history!" Histoire yells as her barrier and the fire ball disappear without a trace.
A second later, a large axe is thrown and smashes into the Ancient Dragon.
Blanc's wings appear as she jumps from the stage and towards the dragon. She grabs and removes the axe from the dragon, brings it over her head then smashes it to the floor.
The Dragon roared in pain as the CPU brings her axe up one more time and lands it on it's head. It stays still for a second before a light engulfs it and physically shatters it. When the light died down the dragon was no more, literally no trace of it, other than it's destructive entrance, was seen.
"What...What was that!?" Sparatus yells. "How did it get here!? And it just disappeared!?"
"An Ancient Dragon." Neptune narrowed her eyes. "A monster that is native to our worlds."
"But that doesn't make any sense," Noire says as Blanc's axe disappeared, making the councilors even more surprised. "Why is one here? There isn't enough-"
A loud roar cuts her off as another Ancient Dragon comes into existence some distance away from the councilors. The councilors step back as the Ancient Dragon spreads it wings and lifts itself off the ground then moves toward them.
Before it could even reach them, a green spear slams into it's head, making it stagger back.
A bright light engulfs Vert, when it was it finished she was in her revealing barely covering anything white swim suit like armor. Six purple colored wings appeared from her back and were pointing downward.
The green CPU flies upward with another spear and throws it at the newly appeared Ancient Dragon. It pierces it's head and the dragon stops moving, glows then shatters into nothing.
"This is quite unexpected," She asks as another spear materializes in her hands. "Two Ancient Dragons in a location they shouldn't be. And there isn't enough Share Energy either...something is wrong."
The councilors still looked shaken up, but other wise unharmed. Several of their security finally reach them and stood close to them.
"What...What is going on!?" Tevos yelled as she and the other councilors shake their heads in disbelief.
"How did those creatures get in here? How did they just disappear? And...and..." Valern questioned, looking as if he was trying to make sense of the situation and failing.
Vert looked at the confused Asari, and muttering Salarian. Then widened her eyes at something behind them.
"You...might want to see this." She used that cliche line as she flies to where the councilors were standing. Prompting the other three CPUs to sprout their wings and join her. The four along with the councilors looked out the window that was behind them.
"What...the hell!?" Blanc pretty much said what they were all thinking.
All across the Citadel, they see fire from burning buildings and various explosions all over each of the space stations arms.
The four CPUs immediately materialized a set of visors and put them on. The visors HUDs zoomed in on the areas with explosions and fire.
What caught their attention, was the sheer number of visible monsters flying across the wards. From Ancient Dragons to the familiar attacks of certain mech like monsters, even giant Dogoos were present. These beasts were attacking the Citadel, attacking innocent people.
"W-what?" Sparatus says as he looks out at the window in horror. "What is happening..."
"A monster spawning event..." Neptune slowly says, her visor disappears as she narrowed her eyes. "A high level one at that, how can this be!?"
"We...we have to call in the fleet, assess the situation," Tevos slowly says as her horror was still showing. "Evacuate any civilians within the effected areas...goddess, it's happening every where!"
"This is Councilor Sparatus, broadcasting on all emergency frequencies." The Turian turned on his Omni-tool, static was heard from it. "Anyone, respond! What is happening!?"
The communication line buzzed and static was heard for a few seconds.
"Th...is...Spectre...Nihlus...Kyrik." A voice was said but something was wrong on their end. There was the sounds of gun fire and shouting.
"Spectre Kyrik, what is going on?"
"Unknown...monsters...appeared...attacking civilians...C-sec overwhelmed...taking casualties...need assistance! Spirits...Take cover!"
Something mechanical along with a roar was heard, followed by a scream before the line was cut off.
"This is..." Neptune begins to say as a purple earpiece materializes on the side of her head. "This is CPU Purple Heart, Geardum escort do you copy?"
"This is Pilot Jeff Moreau of Geardum escort, ma'am things have gone crazy over here! Monsters just stared spawning out of no where! The Candidates with their escorts are engaging them! We've engage them as well. Permission to request reinforcements from the Purple Regalia? These people need our help...there's so many monsters!"
"...Permission granted, protect and assist any citadel forces. If my sisters or any candidate are in need of assistance, help them as well. Contact the Purple Regalia tell them that this is a monster spawning event, I'll be joining the fight shortly."
"Understood! Please hurry ma'am!" The line was cut.
"Councilors," Neptune she gains the attention of the three. Who were on their omni-tools, trying to rally their forces. "With your permission, all our forces outside the citadel can enter the station and assist your forces in fighting these monsters."
"You want to help us? Why?" Sparatus asks as he narrowed his eyes. "For all we know, you are involved with-"
"I assure you, we had nothing directly to do with this." Histoire says as she flew in front of the councilor. "We do not know why or what is the true cause of this. But it is the duty of the CPUs to protect those from threats like these. Regardless of who or what they are."
"And that is what we will do," Vert says as a green earpiece materializes. "Our forces have experience and are equipped for situations like this. We'll protect those on the citadel, regardless of their race. It is the duty of a goddess to do such things. We'll do it regardless of your answer, but it is better if your willing to accept our help."
The three councilors looked at each other for a few seconds. Then finally they all nodded, with Sparatus being visibly reluctant.
"The Citadel Council accepts the assistance of the Gamindustri Alliance." Tevos says as the Salarian and Turian went back to their Omni-tools. "Please help as many as you can."
"This is CPU Black Heart." Noire says to her materialized black earpiece. "Exalted Shadow, deploy reinforcements to assist the Citadel forces. Priority is the elimination of appearing monsters and safety of civilians. This is a high level monster spawning event, follow necessary protocols. Alloy Cog use is permitted."
"CPU Green Heart to Twin Infinities," Vert says to her earpiece. "This is a monster spawning event. Assist Citadel Forces, priority is safety of civilians and elimination of monsters. Prep Titans and Spartans for drop."
"Tch, better be grateful for this..." Blanc muttered as a white earpiece appeared. "CPU White Heart to Eternal Winter, help the Citadel Forces, eliminate monsters and protect those in need of help. Don't care what you do, just don't let these bastards or yourselves die on us!"
A bright light engulfed Neptune, it was soon followed by Noire and Blanc.
"Histoire," Neptune says as she is now her swim suit like armor. "Can you stay with the Council till reinforcements arrive? We know you are more than capable of taking care of them and yourself."
"I'll stay with the council and protect them." Histoire says, there was a thin smile on her lips. She really was proud of Neptune being this serious, even though she knows the goddess will go back to being lazy soon enough. She'll just savor this moment for now...
"Thank you," Neptune says as she and the other goddesses turn and fly towards the way they came in. Forgetting about the really slow elevator...though that might not matter when Blanc gets really impatient.
"...Councilors." Histoire says after a few seconds. "Are there protocols for your evacuation? Other than the ones hinted in the Codex."
"Yes," Valern nodded. "Normally in the event of an emergency. Councilors are supposed to evacuate out of Citadel. There are various protocols for civilians, most managed by C-sec. However this is an unexpected situation, why ask this?"
"I have a hypothesis for what is happening," She places her hands together. "I fear that it may be inadvertently our fault and I'll need to explain it to you."
"Your fault?" Sparatus's mandibles twitched. "You mean that all this is because of-"
The roar of another ancient dragon interrupted him as it appears in the same area the other two dragons had spawned.
Three seconds later, Histoire without even looking, calmly extends her arm out, a runic circle appears under the dragon. Trapping it in place.
"Disappear from history!" The runic circle released a bright light as the Ancient Dragon roared in pain. Then vanished from sight...as if it were never there.
"As I was saying," The Oracle continues as if nothing happened. "Yes, it might be because of us. I ask that you please listen to our side of the story before you make any judgments."
The Turian stared at where the ancient dragon once was before nodding as he looked at her.
"Thank you, but first we must find someplace where we cannot be interrupted so easily. Please follow me, I'll handle any opposition in our path."
The three councilors nodded as they, along with their security followed after the fairy tome.
Earlier before the event occurred...the CPU candidates were exploring the Citadel and seeing the sights.
"Wow!" A young woman beams as she walks along one of the garden areas. "It's so beautiful...oh, what's that?"
The young woman had long purple hair and slightly darker eyes. She was wearing a sailor/school like outfit, which was white with purple outlines and double white stripes. With pink white striped socks and white purple outlined shoes. There was a white choker around her neck and a type of holster on her right leg.
In her hair was a single hairpin resembling that of a directional pad on a video game controller.
Her name is Nepgear, other wise known as Purple Sister the CPU Candidate of Planeptune.
"They have hover cars that are used for taxi service!" Nepgear says as she walked towards some type of shuttle like vehicle. "How is it different from ours? Do they use a similar system or the use of this 'Element Zero'? It has to be the latter, the codex stated that Eezo is main element used for ships by the council races."
"Typical Nepgear," The Guild Agent IF says as a smile was on her lips as she watched the candidate stare at the vehicle. She looked as if she wanted to dissemble and study the vehicle on the spot.
Thankfully the escort behind them is reminding Nepgear not to do something she shouldn't. She was a guest after all...
One of the C-sec officers, a Turian with some kind of visor, stared at the candidate but didn't say anything. The other ones, also Turians kept their distance but stayed close to remind them that they were there. Some had done some subtle glares at them, it was understandable as to why. Thankfully Nepgear didn't seem to notice...nor did Plutia if she did...then a diplomatic incident would happen.
As well as some unpleasant screams...
"Mmm...she always likes...to look at new things." Plutia says as she moves next to IF. She was holding one of her dolls and looked sleepy as usual. "It makes her happy..."
"Should we worried that she might start tearing things apart?" Alison Shepard asked as she gripped her rifle. "I mean, she was drooling in the shuttle. Think some of it got on my boots..."
That actually happened, Nepgear pressed herself against the shuttle as they approached the Citadel. She wondered out loud how was such a thing was built and functioned, then tried to think up some theories. Thankfully her sisters snapped her out of that before they landed. Though some of the drool started to form a pool...
"Gear will behave herself," IF says as she looks at the Citadel tower then back at the gardens.
"Still can't believe you know the CPUs personally..." Alison muttered. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"You never asked." IF simply says as she takes out a cellphone. "And we never really talked about our personal lives much."
"I told you a lot of my life!"
"Oh, right. That did happen..."
"...You didn't tell me cause you wanted to see my shocked face didn't you, pay back for some...things I've done?"
Her partner simply shrugged.
"Oh come on Iffy..." Alison pouted. "It was just a swim suit, you looked really cute in it."
"That thing was just pieces of string tied together," Iffy muttered, there was a hint of red on her cheeks. "It barely covered anything."
"It was the only thing I had on hand. And the place was strict on dress code, swim suit or commando."
"Still makes me wonder why you had it in the first place...especially for that quest."
"Mmm...Iffy in a swim suit..." Plutia suddenly says, in a manner that made both of their spines shiver.
"Moving on from that," IF desperately looked around to change the subject. "Hey Gear you should look at this!"
She pointed at a terminal with what looked like a holographic Asari. Immediately Nepgear sped her way towards it.
"Wow, a hologram!" She says as she and the others stand in front of it.
"Welcome to Presidium tourism terminal twelve," The hologram says, making the candidate beam. "There are many points of interest here, including the restaurants and stores. From this terminal you can see the Citadel tower. Where the council meets regularly and discuss matters of interstellar importance."
"Are you some kind of AI?" Nepgear's eyes were bright and had stars in them.
"I am Aviana, a Virtual Intelligence-"
"In other words not an AI," Shepard mutters as she looks at the Turian with some type of visor. It had followed them while the others still kept there distance.
That one was different from the others, it has stared at them occasionally, it seemed as if it was trying to understand them. As it didn't glare at them in hostility, that one was rather interesting. The Visored Turian met her eyes for a second before it looked at something else.
She didn't feel any malicious intent...maybe she'll try having a chat with it when she has the chance.
"Shep?" IF asks, bringing her back into focus.
"Eh?"
"Come on, Gear wants to look around more." IF says as her partner nods as they follow after the candidates.
Then they heard a roar then an explosion...and everything went to hell.
Jonathan Shepard watched his CPU candidate look at the Citadel tower.
It was the third time she done it, it obvious that she was thinking about her sister. And likely wanted to be by her side.
Black Sister wasn't as younger looking when compared to Black Heart.
She had long black hair and crimson eyes. She was wearing a black dress with milky blue outlining, with a belt like piece and bow on her back. A black circle was at the top of the dress, above her chest. Long finger-less black dress gloves with milky blue outlines and matching boots.
There was a device strapped to the side of the dress.
If Jonathan didn't know any better, he would've thought she was a normal teenage girl. Not the future ruler of Lastation and someone who is definitely older than him.
"OI," His old friend, Linda, pulls his ear. "Quit staring, it makes you look like a prev. And it's my job to take care of prevs."
"Yeah, yeah," The Shepard sibling rolls his eyes as his old friend lets go of him.
"Good," 'Underling' says as she stared at their escort. "Now get back to work before I kick your ass."
He merely rolled his eyes as she moved next to the candidate.
She was oddly close to the candidate, actually being friendly with her even with Linda's usual teases and 'insults'. The candidate doesn't seem to mind and was open to her. A rather unexpected friendship between the two...
"Linda hasn't changed much," Kaidan says as he stared at a few C-sec officers that were watching them. "Still the same as she was when she was commanding us."
"For an 'Underling'," Jonathan rubbed the back of his neck. "She certainly rose through the ranks...all the way from the bottom."
"OI!" Said bitch turned around. "You got something to say about me?"
"Nothing Linda..." Shepard says as he smirked. "Just reminiscing about old times..."
The 'Underling' rolled her eyes as she goes back to talking with the candidate.
Shepard looked at their escort, who were keeping their distance. He certainly felt the glares at the back of his head when they are behind him.
It made sense, since his people and CPU attacked their home world, they crushed their fleets from what he heard from Linda. Thankfully the CPUs didn't take a conquest route, they avoided taking any shots at the home world of the Turians. That might've made negotiations a bit difficult...
"DOGOO~"
That got his attention, he and Kaidan look and widened their eyes.
Not far ahead of them was a gigantic blob of blue slime, a giant Dogoo. With normal sized Dogoos surrounding it, they were hopping around as if they were their own territory. Problem is...this wasn't their normal territories!
"What the hell!?" Linda yells as she pulls out her metal bar and revolver. "Dogoos!?"
"How!?" Black Sister looked at the creature in shock. "There isn't any-"
"DOGOO~" The large Dogoo along with the smaller versions started hopping towards them. In a manner that indicated that it was going to attack.
"Shit! Everyone get back!" Linda yelled as the giant Dogoo jumps and plummeted towards them.
"Watch out!" Everyone scattered as the Dogoo landed, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
"By the Spirits what are these things!?" Shepard hears as some of the C-sec officers open fire on some of the Dogoos that got close to them.
"Shep!" Linda yelled as she fired a few rounds onto the giant Dogoo. "Go for the eyes!"
"Right!" He yelled as he brought his rifle up then several rounds into each eye.
The giant Dogoo screamed in pain before it exploded into slime, covering a short radius.
"Okay, that's disgusting..." Kaidan muttered as scrubbed slime off of his armor. "Hate it when they do that..."
"Why are there Dogoos?" Black Sister asks as she wiped some slime off her clothes. "Ew..."
"Don't know Uni..." Linda says as she reloads her revolver. "Something definitely isn't right."
"OI!" She looked at the slime covered C-sec officers. "You guys alright? Any of you hurt?"
"No but what was-" An familiar sound cuts off one of the officers.
Shepard looked up to see the familiar silhouette of a whale, with two others right behind it.
"Dogoo~" He looks down to see several Dogoos spawning into existence.
"A monster spawning event..." He muttered in disbelief as he heard several of C-sec officers shooting at the one of the whales.
The rounds had little effect as it just made the whale turn and look at them. It slowly moved towards them...
"Shit! Get away from there!" Shepard yelled as the C-sec officers kept firing their weapons, just pissing of the whale even more.
"EX Multi Blaster!" A beam of energy hits the whale, pushing it away, it crashes a short distance away. A light covers it before it shatters into nothing.
"Are all of you alright?" Black Sister asks as she walks up to the C-sec officers. There was a compact advanced energy rifle in her hands, one of her many firearms.
"Y-Yes." One of the Turians nodded their heads before reloading their weapons. "What is going on?"
"This is a monster spawning event," The candidate states as she looks at the Dogoos. "It's something that happens in our worlds, but for some reason..."
She fires a few rounds, hitting each of the Dogoos, causing them to shatter in a bright light. "...It's happening here. There shouldn't be enough share energy though...something's wrong."
"Ma'am!" Kaidan draws the attention of the candidate then points upwards. "It's happening every where!"
Black Sister glanced at the arms, sure enough there was fire and explosions on each of them.
"Spirits," One of the Turians say as they looked up in shock. "How many of these things are there?"
"A question we ask every damn day, there's never an end." Linda says as she holsters her revolver and walks up to the candidate. " Uni, you know shit like this is supposed to make me get you out of here. But knowing you...your going to stay and help out. So say the word, cause this is going to be a pain in the ass."
Black Sister nodded as a black earpiece materialized.
"Nepgear? Plutia? Rom? Ram?" She asks as she placed her hand against it. "All of you alright? Right, okay...we'll make our way towards you."
"The other candidates are fighting?" Linda asks.
"Yeah," She nodded as she gripped her rifle. "A bunch of high level monsters spawned near them, their holding them back and trying to get to C-sec headquarters. Rom and Ram are making their way towards Nepgear, we'll make our way towards them too."
"That's our order to go," Linda stretched her arms. "Shep, Kaidan you two cover our backs. Have those C-sec officers stay close, and make sure they don't end up as Dogoo shit."
"Copy that Ma'am!" Kaidan nods.
Shepard nodded as he moved towards the reasonably confused C-sec officers.
"All right listen up," He starts to say. "If you want to survive the next several hours, follow us. But keep close and listen to we say, as mentioned before this is what we call a monster spawning event. Which means things much worse than what you just saw are going to start showing up. Keep close and you'll make it out of this alive, understand?"
The C-sec officers nodded after a second.
Spartan Eleven Seven, Master Chief said nothing as he fired several rounds into a skeleton boxer.
The monster fell apart, then another appears in it's place, followed by a dozen more.
"Chief get back!" Two familiar voices command. "Eternal force blizzard!"
The Spartan jumps to the side as ice appears from the ground and launches ice spikes upward. The spikes pierce multiple monsters, a second later they all glow before shattering along with the ice into nothing.
"You alright there spartan?" The voice of Zaeed Massani, a Guild Agent, reached his ears as he stood up and reloaded his rifle.
"No injuries sustained," The Spartan reported as he looked up. There were several bird type monsters flying, along with whales even an ancient dragon. All flying around and attacking several buildings, presumably ones with civilians in them.
In the background gunfire and monster roars can be heard.
Earlier a bunch of random monsters had spawned, in the chaos they got seperated from their C-sec escort and some of the Lowee Mage Knights. As well as several other Spartans, they assigned to provide escort for the Lowee candidates as they, in Lady Green Heart's words, are the likeliest to cause trouble.
Though that wasn't the truth, as Lady Green Heart was actually a little worried for the Candidates safety. As Lowee was the first nation to engage with the Turians, so she suspected it to be possible that some may try to attack them for those that were lost to their fleets in Shanxi.
Lady White Heart had reluctantly agreed to it.
"This is...like Shanxi..." Rom, one of the candidates says as she held her hand against her chest.
"Don't worry Rom," Her sister Ram says as she grabbed her hand. "We'll be fine just like in Shanxi and kick all of these monsters butts!"
Rom stared at her sister for a second before nodding.
"We're out in the open," Zaeed says as he brings up his rifle. "We better move or we'd get pinned again."
The candidates nodded and moved as Chief followed them.
A bright light appears in front of them, revealing to be that of an Ancient Dragon.
Chief and Zaeed brought up their rifles and fired multiple rounds into the monster. Most of the rounds bounced off the thick hide, the Ancient Dragon speared it's wings and roared.
Ice and wind slashes hit it's sides, the candidates were quickly casting spells.
The Ancient Dragon roared as it lifted itself into the air, being pelted with bullets and magic.
Then something came in fast and crashed into the Ancient Dragon, causing the monster and the object to plummet toward the ground. A short distance away from them.
It was a Geardum, it beared the standard colors, purple and white outlines. With a large rifle in one hand and a sword in the other.
The mech brought up it's sword and slashed at the Ancient Dragon's wings. Cutting one off completely, the monster roared in pain before it grabs the Geardum's rifle and bathes the mech in flames.
The mech stood it's ground then brings up it's sword and stabs it into the monster's skull. The Ancient Dragon stood still then falls to the ground dead when the Geardum pushes it down.
There were multiple burn marks and deep slashes on the mech's frame but otherwise it seemed to be functional.
"Are any of you harmed?" A voice echos from the mech's speakers.
"None of us are hurt..." Rom slowly says as she and Ram walk up the mech. "Who are you?"
"I'm Captain Anderson," The pilot introduces himself. "I'm part of the Geardum escort. Saw you when I was passing over."
"What's the situation?" Chief asks as he lowered his rifle and walks up the mech as well. Zaeed turned and watched their backs.
"CPUs confirmed that this is a monster spawning event," The Captain says as the mech put it's sword away. "We've been ordered to engage the monsters and protect as many as possible. Reinforcements from all the nations dreadnoughts are in route."
"What about our sister?"
"Yeah...where's Blanc?"
"Lady White Heart and the other goddesses are en route to engage the monsters." The Geardum points at the Citadel Tower. "Last I heard they were making their way out of that tower."
"How many monsters have spawned already?" Zaeed asked as he glanced around for monsters. "Can't be good if a bloody Ancient Dragon spawned."
"This isn't a normal event," Anderson says as the mech lowered it's arm. "Reports are coming in that multiple high level monsters are spawning across the Citadel. Low levels are appearing in random areas, flanking those that are fighting. Thankfully the monsters are not organized, they just have sheer numbers and a lot fire power."
"How long till reinforcements arrive?" Chief asks.
"Few minutes at the most, the reinforcements from Purple Regalia should be the first to enter. The rest will follow shortly after..." The Geardum hefted it's rifle. "Till then we need to hold out and provide support to whoever we can."
The mech's thrusters engaged slowly lifting it off the ground. "The Purple Sisters have set up a rally point in C-sec headquarters, it's not far from here. I'll provide over watch and escort you there. Be advised, I'm the only Geardum in this area, the rest of my squad is either assisting C-sec officers or freely engaging monsters."
With that the four of them moved as the Geardum kept watch.
A/N: And thus begins the battle of the Citadel. An unoriginal named event in where monsters have somehow spawned all over the citadel...yeah that's a lot of work for the CPUs to deal with...including Neptune. And she's normally super lazy...except when it comes to protecting people and those around her. She's definitely serious when it counts...
Though her sisters and the other candidates are going to take the spot light next. Along with a few familiar characters.
For any of those that are reading my other story, yeah that one will be updated with a new chapter soon. I'm just really having writer's block trouble on that one...and doesn't help that I have school work to deal with. Had to scrap a bunch of things to even begin the chapter...
Problems and mild complaint aside.
Read, Review, or try to find another story that is much better. Plenty of that around this site, or try to make your own. Tis your choice on the matter...
PocketDualMonsters: That...is a bit complicated...but will be answered later on. Sorry but don't want to spoil some stuff...
Aspect of Light: Simple answer...cause I actually did like the Illusive Man, at least in Mass Effect 2 at least, he had the grey area color to him. Then came 3 and it felt disappointing with him...there could have been a bit more with his character. But that's my opinion...
Complex answer...it wouldn't feel right not have him, as the CPUs are generally good, he'll bring a more grey area to this. Would say more, but don't want to risk spoiling something sadly...
I think there might be a few other stories that have the Asari come in late. Or have Humanity face against the Batarians...then deal some serious damage before meeting the council. Still thanks, originally was going to have them meet the council before the attack. But Blanc wouldn't have the chance for some payback...she's not the type to forgive for a serious crime so easily. Plus it displays the power The Gamindustri Alliance has...and can be reasonable...depending on which CPU.
Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: I think it'd be less than a month if it's with Plutia, she definitely someone the a bunch of the Krogan will love. Funny thing with Plutia, you can love her for her gentle and sweet side or her more cruel and sadistic side. Or both if one likes that kind of thing...and now I can't get the image of Krogans worshiping her as their battle master and new goddess.
Well, Underling is one of the villain characters I like, as she showed potential to be something more and better than a villain. Even though she has done some serious messed up things, example being in the Anime where she drugged Neptune with that max shyness drug. That...was beyond foolish since Plutia was but a few feet away, but in the games she definitely showed some morals at least...she just needed the right influence.
And in this story, it'd be that of two siblings that gave her a chance. A chance she definitely used and rose to something better...while retaining some of her personality.
That...would be funny...the mere mention of Iris Heart can potentially send chills through one's bones.
Bulldan: How so? Other than the obvious reasons...but that won't come to light just yet.
Pocket: As much as that would be fun, I'm mostly going to stick to Mass Effect and Neptunia. Though since the latter is filled with so many references to other series, as obvious with this chapter. Since Leanbox is representing the Xbox, it'll have elements from games and certain things like Halo. Same goes for the other nations...
grey: Tim a successor to Arfy? Nah...that'd cause pride problems between the two, plus they have vastly different ideals...
Yeah, have to go back and fix some of the grammar mistakes, tend to miss them when proofreading. Probably some in this Chapter too...despite looking through it multiple times.
Eternal Wanderer: Well technically the Neptunia crew have been fighting other protagonists...but I understand your point. There are going to be challenges for the CPUs, I just have to execute it right.
Guest: Hopefully this chap answered your question, and likely the next one in the next chapter in why it's happening.
with an m16: Well that's an interesting point, Iris Heart can't be controlled so easily. Unless one where to make an attractive offer or she makes a promise with one she cares about. Even though she's just as likely to violate those she cares for as well as her enemies. She's basically a wild card that has capabilities of a WMD, and a few meteors...among other unspeakable things...
True in terms of politics the CPUs haven't done anything major, they're mostly friendly with each other. Though they probably played some strategy games, the most likest being that of Vert. Since she's a hardcore gamer, and runs a guild in the MMO of Four Goddess Online. Even with their personalities...they can stand some chance if properly prepared.
cybresamurai: Thanks...hope I don't disappoint.
kreeft123xx: Plutia can be a lot scarier than that...so much more...*Shivers* gives me shivers thinking about it. The Turians never stood a chance...since she was unleashed.
Still, hope I don't dissapoint.
