Chapter 3: Restitution

"Say again Ramirez," Hacket's voice crackled over Strike-1's radio. "I think I missed something."

"They're friendly sir," Ramirez repeated himself before briefing the commodore. "They call themselves Asari and heard about us from the Turians. The way our contact here explains it, they're the big wigs of a galaxy-wide government. They came to apologize for the Turians. The pendejo we captured was a chota with a chip on his shoulder."

Hackett was silent for a long moment. "We almost went to war because of an incompetent cop?!" Hackett asked incredulously. Ramirez made a noise of assent. Hackett paused then asked, "Why on Earth would a cop attack us?"

"They thought the science team was trying to activate the Relay," Ramirez explained. "Which is against their law for some reason. We let 'em keep thinking that for now. I figure it's above our paygrade to correct them."

"You got that right son," Hackett agreed. "Don't tell them any more than you have to for now. We'll have some real diplomats out here soon enough."

Ramirez breathed a sigh of relief. "Good to hear sir. My boys ain't made for playin' nice."

"You've done well even so Commander. Let the Asari know the diplomats are on the way then get your people back here. Hackett out." The comm went silent and Ramirez took a moment to himself. He leaned against the wall of the Starrangerhe had sheltered in for the call and relaxed. A few seconds later he pushed himself to his feet. Ah well, back to the grind.

Ramirez stepped out of the Starrangerinto the middle of a conversation between Torres and the Asari Matriarch. "-gain apologize. I had no idea a meld would be so offensive to your people."

"It's alright, it was an honest mistake," Torres said, waving off the apology. "It's not your fault we're nervous about psychic aliens."

"I've never heard it put quite like that before." Teloni frowned and started muttering to herself just loud enough to be heard. "Still, what could have caused something like that?"

"We've... well, we've had bad experiences in the past," Torres answered the seemingly rhetorical question without a second thought. "We first made contact with alien life almost 150 years ago, when we were still stuck on Earth. It was a coalition of several different species and they tried to kill us all." Teloni's face went slack with surprise at that. Torres took it as a prompt to continue as Ramirez approached the pair. "The leading species of that coalition used abilities eerily similar to your melding to kill a lot of people. We could barely stand against them." Torres trailed off as she saw Ramirez gesturing her to silence behind the Matriarch's back.

"I see," Teloni said, somewhat shakily. "How did you survive?"

"XCOM." Ramirez decided to cut in before Torres could share any more details. Teloni sent him a questioning look. "The Extraterrestrial Combat Unit. We took their toys," Ramirez patted the plasma pistol hanging from his hip before continuing with evident glee. "And shoved a black hole down their throats."

A slight widening of her eyes was all that betrayed Teloni's surprise. "A black hole? Truly?" Ramirez nodded. "However did you manage such a thing without element zero?"

"Uh uh," Ramirez said. "I like you madre, but not enough to be spilling state secrets." He winked at her. "Maybe on the second date." Anderson, who had been hovering awkwardly nearby, heaved a deep belly laugh at that while Torres looked scandalized. Teloni seemed momentarily confused, before a sly glint appeared in her eyes.

"Oh?" she began, completely deadpan. "I suppose there are several ways to foster friendly relations between our peoples. That is as good as any, though I must say, Lieutenant Torres here would be my first choice." Ramirez started choking on air and Torres' face went cherry red. Teloni grinned like the cat who caught the canary, making it clear she was joking.

"A-Anyway," the man tried rather unsubtly to change the subject. "Command says the diplomats are en route. ETA in another day or two." Teloni inclined her head gracefully, toning down her grin at the same time. "We will be returning to our people until they arrive."

"Understood. Please, convey my thanks to your commander." Teloni escorted the humans back to their craft. "I am looking forward to a lasting peace between our peoples." Torres bowed to the Matriarch and led most of Strike-1 into the Starranger.

"Me too. Hasta luego." Ramirez said as he stepped into the transport. The door slid shut and they were off. Ramirez turned to his team. "Nice job boys and girls, we done good. When we get back, grab some rack time and let the REMFs handle the rest. You earned it. As for you, Torres, you're headed straight to decon and psi screening." The lieutenant made to protest. "No. I don't care that they're probably friendly. You were entirely too relaxed with her. We're going to make sure you're not compromised." She sighed in resignation and acknowledged the order. Ramirez collapsed bonelessly into his seat. "Mierda, today has been a long day." he muttered.


The last forty hours had been exhausting. Between briefing the Council and assembling a human-language package for the universal translators, she had barely found time to sleep. It had not helped any that ever since the human delegation had departed, Teloni's thoughts had been whirling about the newest players on the galactic stage. She had certainly been surprised by their method of greeting. Really, who sends heavily armed soldiers to a diplomatic meeting? What little she had managed to pry from Lieutenant Torres explained that quite neatly though, as well as giving her cause for even more concern. Another species with the ability to mind-meld? That was unheard of. Even worse was their apparent hostility.

Then Lieutenant-Commander Ramirez had to speak up. If she had read his implication correctly, these humans were capable of controlling black holes and were willing to use them as weapons. That tidbit had worried her enough that she almost regretted not taking more than just language from the lieutenant. Though in hindsight, she realized with a wince and a soft rub of her side, the attempt likely would not have ended peacefully.

The Council was just as shocked at these revelations as she was. Enough so that Councillor Octavian almost vocally admitted to being wrong. That was a satisfying sight. She had then been instructed in no uncertain terms that she was to convince Humanity to join the Citadel Council as an associate member, or at bare minimum agree to a non-aggression and trade agreement, by whatever means necessary, and she had been granted extensive authority to ensure it. Hopefully, it would not be necessary.

A knock on her chamber door jolted Matriarch Teloni from her thoughts. "The human diplomats are approaching, Matriarch." Thalia's voice called from the other side. "Are you ready to meet them?"

Teloni sighed and rose from her kneeling position in the middle of the room. "As I will ever be," she said calmly. Teloni made her way towards the airlock, her assistant travelling beside and slightly behind her. "Let us hope this meeting starts better than the last."


Teloni smiled brightly as the airlock doors slid open. "Lieutenant Torres, it is good to see you again." The matriarch bowed. "Am I to take it you have been appointed our official liaison?"

"Not exactly," Torres said with a chuckle. "The brass figured a familiar face would help with introductions." Teloni's confusion lasted only a moment as the human stepped into the asari ship and a pair of male humans followed her out. She waved a hand at the men. "This is Ambassador Isak Eklund and his assistant Donnel Udina. They will be handling the negotiations. Gentlemen, this is Matriarch Teloni of the Asari Republics and..." Torres trailed off before turning to Teloni. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't know your assistant's name."

"I am Thalia Ialos, adjutant to the Matriarch," Thalia said with a bow and a perfectly straight face. The human ambassador managed to maintain his facade, but his two subordinates were unable to hide their surprise. Teloni smiled briefly.

"I apologize if she startled you. After our initial meeting, I took the liberty of adding your language to our translating software, so that if something were to happen to me, your people would not be required to go through another meld." The fact that it made their conversations far less private than they were likely expecting went tactfully unsaid. The human ambassador looked her in the eye and nodded. Message received. "Please, follow me. We have prepared a suitable meeting room for these deliberations."

The trio of humans followed sedately behind the asari pair, carefully stepping on and over mounds and depressions of what was once molten metal as they reached the doorway. A guilty look briefly passed over Torres' face and she mumbled an awkward apology to the asari. The matriarch waved it off. "It was unfortunate but in hindsight, understandable." She adopted a gently chiding tone. "Just, try not to repeat it."

With that, the quintet continued on, arriving at a sparsely, but richly, decorated room a few minutes later. A single table dominated the room, with chairs on either side for each delegation. They took their seats and discussion began. "I would like to begin this meeting by extending a formal apology on behalf of the Turian Hierarchy. The commander of the patrol that attacked your vessels was acting well beyond his mandate. We are prepared to offer reasonable reparations on their behalf."

The human ambassador considered the offer for a moment. "My superiors have displayed a strong interest in your people's technology. In light of the violation of our borders and the unprovoked attack on civilian vessels, leading to dozens of deaths, full schematics and designs for your FTL travel and communications technology, a list of all known issues and drawbacks, and the techniques used to generate the amazingly dense material used as armor on the Turian spacecraft would do a great deal to soothe their anger."

Teloni suppressed any surprise she may have felt at the request with centuries of experience. "I see." She paused for a moment as she considered the Council's mandate and her granted authority. That seemed a reasonable request in light of the Turian's behavior. Not to mention that if this meeting went as hoped, that information would be publicly available to them anyway. "I believe that is acceptable. Thalia, please ask the captain to prepare a datapad with the information. Make sure to include the translation suite." The aide nodded, moved to the door and passed the message to one of the guards outside before returning to her seat. So far, things were going well. Teloni only hoped they continued that way. "Now, on to more positive matters."


Isak Eklund wasn't sure what to make of these aliens, these asari. They looked so human, and at times acted it, that he had had to remind himself he was dealing with the representative of a potentially hostile alien polity. It did not help that his powers were proving less than useful on the Matriarch. He could sense nervous tension coiled beneath faux-confidence in her assistant, but the Matriarch may as well be a statue for all he could read from her.

Things appeared to be going well at least. She had agreed to his demands for reparations without a fight. That had surprised him. He never would have agreed to the reverse. In fact, the more he thought about it, the less he liked it. It was too easy; humanity had never had the privilege of easy. He didn't like it. He brought himself back to the present as Teloni's aid reseated herself. Too late to worry about that now, he'd just have to be more careful going forward.

"Yes, let's," Isak agreed with his counterpart. He regarded her for a long moment. "I will be blunt. I do not trust you." Teloni calmly returned his stare. "My people were put through hell the last time we met an alien race, and your attack dogs made one hell of a poor first impression. I appreciate the gestures you have made here, but it will take time for trust to be earned."

The matriarch nodded. "I understand completely, Ambassador. I am here precisely to earn that trust."

"Thank you. Now, we can start with precisely who you represent and what you hope to gain from this meeting."

"I am an Asari, from the planet Thessia. Approximately 2600 years ago, my people allied with the Salarians to found the Citadel Council. The Council is a representative government that wields a great deal of influence over member species. There are currently three full members and five associate members. Full members are granted the right of representation on the Council itself and associate members are able to petition the Council to address their issues." Teloni paused to take a breath, and Eklund decided to speak.

"Am I to assume you wish my people to join as an associate member?" He was rather incredulous at the thought, though his training and experience kept it from his face or voice. Humanity had killed the last aliens that tried to subjugate them. He wasn't going to be the one to undo all those sacrifices.

"All I wish for is peace," Teloni countered serenely. "I cannot deny that your people would be a welcome addition to the Citadel, but I am far more interested in stopping senseless loss of life." Isak chuckled internally, that was a yes. It would be worth hearing their offer however. Turning away allies for the sake of pride wouldn't reflect too well on his career.

"I think we both can agree to that," Eklund agreed. "My people have no interest in starting a war." That humanity would not hesitate to finish one went unsaid, but Teloni clearly heard it anyway.

"Excellent," Teloni began. "With the information you have already requested, can we move past Captain Thrankus' rank stupidity? 'Water under the bridge', I believe the saying is?" Isak started slightly at that, surprised by the asari's understanding of human idioms. He shook it off after a moment, Lieutenant Torres' report had mentioned the asari trying to find cultural norms in the first meld. It would make sense that she had learned such a common saying.

"Yes, that is acceptable," Eklund said, but he felt it necessary to clarify the situation. "However, we will be keeping any and all captured technology and assets from the Turian vessels."

Teloni frowned briefly. "I believe that will be acceptable, but the Turian Hierarchy would greatly appreciate the return of any remains you may have acquired."

Eklund considered the request. The last of the turian captives had expired several days ago under interrogation, and most of the corpses bore signs of their treatment. Still, there were a handful of intact corpses, waiting for the scientists to discover a proper use of their exoskeleton. The rest could be discretely disposed of and claimed to not have been found. "We will see what can be done. However, please bear in mind that most of the corpses that were found were incinerated. We were not concerned with proper burials for our attackers."

"That is unfortunate," Teloni smiled sadly at him. "We would truly appreciate whatever you can do." Eklund was sure he felt a flash of guilt from the Lieutenant at his side. He couldn't blame her; XCOM had never been friendly to its captives. The reminder that they had families was poignant. At least she managed to not show it, he had to give her credit for that. The ambassador smiled lightly and bowed to the matriarch.

"As you say. Now, to the matter of a peace agreement." The matriarch nodded. "We do not require much. Do you have a map of the galaxy somewhere?" A holographic display of the Milky Way abruptly appeared above the table. "Excellent. We have claimed most of the space immediately surrounding Earth, our homeworld. Roughly this area." Isak drew a sphere surrounding the human sphere of influence. "Our terms for peace are simple. Your people will not cross our borders without permission, nor will they initiate hostilities, or 'enforce Citadel law'" Eklund said with a trace of sarcasm. "against us. Nor shall your people activate Mass Relays that link to human space. And finally, any of your people in human space will be subject to our laws. If you can abide by these terms, we will return the favor."


The human terms were not much beyond the Matriarch's expectations. The prohibition on Relay activation was a surprise though. She supposed it made sense, these humans were clearly untrusting. Letting alien powers open doors into their space couldn't sit well with them. "I can agree to those terms, if you agree to disclose all of your military assets outside, or near the borders to, your agreed territory and what Relays have been activated in same. Now and whenever a change occurs with either." Teloni rejoined. Eklund frowned as she finished, but eventually he nodded sharply. "I would also formally request that you do not activate any Relays unless you know what is on the other side. Reckless activation of Relays has brought the Citadel Council to the brink of destruction in the past."

"I see no reason to refuse your request." The man turned to his aide. "However, we will not divulge military assets that are on our side of the border." Teloni locked eyes with Eklund, each trying to stare the other into submission. Finally, she relented with a wave. "Donnel, when we return, please ask the Commodore to start compiling the information for the Matriarch." The assistant tapped a strange pattern onto his forearm, where a clearly synthetic implant resided, and nodded at the Ambassador. Eklund turned back to the asari. "I can at least answer the question of Relays now, Matriarch." Teloni schooled her expression into simple curiosity and he continued. "None." The word, delivered flatly and without care, brought her mind screeching to a halt.

"Wh-What?" Teloni managed to sputter, her attention torn between the human and the area of the galaxy he had indicated as theirs. Eklund looked distinctly pleased at her overt reaction. The subtle grin on his face was enough for her to force herself back into composure. "You mean to claim that your people control that much space without the use of the Mass Relays?"

The Ambassador nodded. At her exasperated look, he decided to explain. "Shortly after the Ethereal War, we began expanding from our homeworld. The first planet we explored was one orbit out from our own. On it, we found a ruin. A Prothean ruin." The way he bit out the word 'Prothean' set Teloni's scalp curling.

"You say that as if the Protheans were an enemy," she said, probing into his distaste. "Whatever could have angered you so?"

The Ambassador's voice was tight as he explained. "They are little better than the Ethereals." Both present asari went absolutely still. These humans had just equated the venerated precursors with genocidal maniacs! Eklund snorted at their unease. "They were kidnapping and experimenting on our ancestors. When they come back to finish the job, we'll return the favor."

Teloni arched a brow. "The Protheans have been extinct for 50,000 years," she said, matter-of-factly. "They won't be returning." And if they somehow did, Teloni wasn't about to let them near humanity.

It was Eklund's turn to adopt a look of shock, but it was his assistant that voiced what all three humans were clearly thinking. "Really?" Both Teloni and Thalia nodded. Udina sagged slightly and let out a breath. "That's... well, if it's true, that is incredibly comforting" The other humans looked equally relieved. Teloni was more than a little bewildered.

Eklund apparently noticed her confusion, despite her attempts to hide it, and explained. "The Ethereals did as they did for a reason. They were running from something, preparing to someday meet it. We were to be added to their collective to face whatever this threat was. When we found the Prothean ruin and the records it contained, we concluded that the threat was the Protheans." Teloni was not sure what to make of that. She supposed it made sense if she made some mental gymnastics, but she couldn't imagine reaching that conclusion without help.

With a mental shrug she moved on. Human logic was theirs to deal with. "I must admit to being confused by the logic, but it does explain why you have not activated any Relays." Eklund gave her a nod. "But how do you control so much space without them?"

"As you have no doubt already seen, we have developed our own means of interstellar travel," Eklund explained briefly. "I do not know the mechanical details, but in essence we link two points in space-time by a portal, allowing instantaneous travel from one side to the other." Teloni only managed to contain her surprise because she was mostly expecting it. "It has served us quite well for traversing our space."

"That is... most impressive," Teloni said, clearly understating things. She swallowed and forged ahead. "We have much to learn from each other."


Making a mental note to advise the Commander to verify the fate of the Protheans, Isak Eklund's thoughts moved to considering what the Ethereals were truly scared of. Whatever it was, the technology and knowledge of this Citadel Council, not to mention their manpower, would be a massive asset against such a foe. "Indeed we do. It is my hope that our peoples can live together and help each other into the future."

"A noble sentiment," Teloni agreed, favoring the man with a smile. "The first step on such a journey would be one of trade."

"Of course," Eklund said. "My superiors are very interested in opening trade. Unfortunately, many of my people would not be comfortable with aliens within our borders. The scars simply run too deep." He scowled. Even after over a century, the Ethereals were still damaging humanity.

Teloni sighed. "Yes, I had imagined they would. We would very much like to welcome humanity into the galactic community however. Is there nothing that can be done?"

"There is always a solution, Matriarch." Eklund took a deep breath, unsure of his next proposal, for more than one reason. "My people have historically been explorers and wanderers. There are always many who are not satisfied with what is at hand, they must always find new places, go where no human has gone before." The matriarch gave him a quizzical look. He took it as an encouraging sign. "Are there any unclaimed areas of space outside our borders, somewhere on the Relay network that you clearly use, that we could settle?" Eklund sensed a sudden surge of well-disguised surprise in the asari. He proceeded to justify the request, to himself as much as the asari. "Your people have vastly superior knowledge of the network, and we do not wish to step on any toes. On top of that, many of my people would jump at the chance to explore, and such colonies would make for excellent trading posts, without risking any unfortunate acts from the more extreme portions of our populous. It would also allow my people a way to gradually adjust to the concept of peaceful integration."

The asari contemplated the suggestion for quite a while. "That is indeed an excellent compromise, but I hope you will understand that I must discuss it with my superiors before agreeing to anything." Eklund nodded, having expected such a requirement. "However, this area of space," she waved a hand through a space that surprisingly enough bordered the human sphere. "Known to us as the Attican Traverse, is largely wild and unsettled worlds, with well known paths to and from via the Mass Relays. If the Council agrees to your proposal, it would almost certainly be within this area."

Eklund studied the map, making special note of the marked lines of relay travel. "That would be most excellent. I look forward to hearing your Council's response." Eklund then grew serious. "However, before we proceed, there are several aspects of our technology, and what we are willing to trade, to discuss before this goes any further." The matriarch echoed his expression.

"First, you must understand that many of the technologies that you have witnessed are military secrets. We are not willing to sell these on the open market, and we fully expect you to do the same." Teloni nodded, so he continued. "Second, most of our technology relies heavily on our psionic abilities to function or create."

"I'm sorry, but what are 'psionic abilities'?"

"Psionics were the evolution of our species that the Ethereals hoped to find," Eklund said simply. "They are the ability of a sentient being to enforce their will upon reality." Teloni's brow furrowed.

"What does that mean?"

"A large portion of our population, roughly one in every four, is able to control the fundamental forces of the universe in some way using only their mind. In other words, psychic powers." The shock and disbelief was obvious on both asari's face. "Psionic abilities come in a wide variety of forms, ranging from application of extreme physical force to the creation and operation of wormholes, and it is the basis from which many pieces of our technology are built."

The asari were definitely not expecting that. Teloni managed a few sputtering noises before Eklund took pity on her. "The Ethereals forced us to harness the ability. We rose to the challenge, far better than even they were expecting."

"Tha- that is a rather massive claim," Teloni finally managed to get out. "I hope you will not take offense when I say I am somewhat skeptical." Eklund frowned.

"Very well. Donnel, a demonstration if you please. From here to the other end of the room."

"Yes sir." The aide turned a focused glare into the distance. A moment later, a surge of purple light flared right before the asari's eyes and swiftly formed into a hole in the air, hovering serenely behind the human delegation.

"As you can see," and at this, Eklund stood and turned to the portal to see the backs of the asari delegation. He took a step and his next words came from behind the stunned asari. "It is no fabrication." The asari jumped and spun to face the man.

"W-Well, that is cer- certainly new," Teloni stuttered. She shook her head violently and brought the discussions back on track. Eklund could feel the iron walls of discipline clamping down on her emotions. "But what does this have to do with trade?"

"As I mentioned, many of our technologies rely heavily on psionics, either to produce or operate. Most of them we are willing to trade, but some of them you will need either a human operator or to find another race of psionics, and if the records we recovered from the Ethereals are correct, very few species have such abilities."

"Can you give some examples?" Teloni asked. "My superiors and I would like to know what we could expect to require a human operator for."

"The most obvious is the one you've just seen," Eklund said, stepping back through the portal and re-taking his seat as it closed behind him. "Wormholes require a psionic's active participation to open. We have tried nearly everything, from using machines to cloned and disembodied brains, but nothing except the willing participation of a psionic has ever achieved useful results." Eklund paused to verify the message was understood. "However, my people create and use goods for all manner of purposes and endeavors, with all manner of operators. The lack of psionic abilities does not impede any of my people from enjoying the full fruits of our labors. I am quite sure the same will be true of your people."

"That is encouraging," Teloni said. "I must confer with the Council before any official agreements can be cemented, but from what I have seen here, it seems likely we will have a trade agreement very soon." Teloni then moved to the final subject of the negotiation. "The last item I feel necessary to discuss here is the treatment of Prothean artifacts."

Eklund felt his brow climb at that. "They're ancient relics. What about them?"

The ambassador could feel the matriarch's displeasure clearly. "I do not know how your people have treated them, but my own have learned a great deal from these ruins. The Protheans were unparalleled masters of element zero based technology. It was they who built the Mass Relays and the Citadel." Teloni explained passionately. "My people place great value upon the mysteries of the Protheans, and it is a standing Citadel law that all Prothean artifacts are to be shared amongst all members. We cannot force you to comply, but I formally request that any you find be shared with the Council."

Eklund considered the request. "We can comply on one condition." The asari made a noise of interest. "We will notify the Council of any Prothean artifacts, but anything we find will remain under our control. Your people can examine it under our supervision, and anything they find must be shared with us."

"That is reasonable," Teloni conceded, though Eklund could tell she was unhappy about it. "If there is nothing else to discuss," she trailed off with an inquisitive look. Eklund shook his head in a negative and the Matriarch climbed to her feet. "Then I will escort you back to your shuttle."

"Thank you." The human delegation rose as well and followed her out of the room. "I look forward to a lasting friendship between our peoples."


The Citadel Council was composed of the three most powerful and influential sapient beings in the galaxy. And they were currently squabbling like maidens. Teloni could feel the headache forming between her eyes. Shortly after their delegation had left, the humans had sent over a historical packet and a brief summation of psionics and some of their technologies that required them. Teloni had reciprocated with the Council's history before forwarding the new information to the Council. She was beginning to regret the latter.

"There is absolutely no way this information is accurate," Councillor Octavian said firmly. He waved a datapad through the air as he repeated his argument for the fifth time in as many minutes. "Psychic powers?! It must be some new form of biotics!"

"Maybe," the Salarian Councillor agreed. "But they have no reason to lie. Given what we have seen from them, I'm tempted to believe it. We certainly cannot casually alter the fabric of space-time. That they can run rings around your fleet is no reason for this fit of jealousy, Octavian."

"You- We have potentially hostile aliens in our backyard who can easily avoid our every precaution against attack and you think I'm jealous?!" he thundered. "These humans," he spit out the word as if revolted by the taste. "Are a clear and present danger to the whole of Citadel Space."

"Which is why we have established peaceful relations, Councillor. With any luck, they will be no more of a danger to us than the Turians are." Councillor Tevos cut in easily. Octavian flared his mandibles and made to speak, but Tevos continued right over him. "Matriarch Teloni, what are your thoughts on our new... allies?"

"They are scared, Councillors." Teloni concluded simply. "They carry great cultural scars, all from this 'Ethereal War'. It is my judgment that they must be treated as wild caiths back on Thessia. Leave some food outside the door and walk away. Let them approach at their own pace and soon enough they will have moved inside."

"An apt comparison," the Turian Councillor remarked. He continued the analogy without missing a beat."But such wild animals need to be treated with caution as well."

"Of course," Tevos said. "In that vein, the humans' request would be perfect. If we were to grant colonization rights to select places in the Attican Traverse, we could keep them contained and under observation as well as gain access to their technology."

"Agreed," Jaroll chimed in. "Let them have this area." The Salarian tapped his omnitool and a picture of the galaxy sprung to life, a small portion of the Attican Traverse highlighted in green. "My people could observe their settlement protocols and technology, on top of whatever we gain from trade."

"Oh very well. Let them have it," Octavian capitulated with poor grace. "My people will be keeping a wary eye on them however."

"I would expect nothing less," Tevos agreed. "Hopefully, it will not be needed." The Councillors turned to their emissary. "You have done very well today, Matriarch. You have our gratitude."

"Thank you, Councillors," she said and the holograms winked out. Hopefully humanity would be able to integrate with the Council. She thought of the melted ruin of the ship's docking area and the casual display of psionics during the negotiations with a shiver. She did not want to be their enemy.

Codex Entry (Humanity and XCOM)
Humans have a fairly robust physiology. Their internal makeup and reproductive processes are typical of most bipedal mammals, and their biology favors extended stamina over extreme physical ability. This stamina is reflected in their culture and mindset as well. Humanity simply refuses to quit under pressure. In fact, they only grow stronger from it. Humans are also well known for their uncanny ability as scavengers. Due to the events of the Ethereal War, adaptation and rapid technological advancement has become synonymous with survival for the human species. As such, the species rabidly pursues new forms of technology whenever they are encountered, and progress at a rate that is astonishing to most council races. While it has created many beneficial breakthroughs, this pursuit of knowledge is widely regarded as reckless among most council species.

Humanity formally united their entire species under the Human Coalition, or 'The Coalition' in the wake of their first contact with alien life, an event that has become known as the Ethereal War. The Coalition serves as a moderating body in the face of the many wildly varying cultures and societies of humanity, remnants from before unification. Their military arm is known as the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit, or XCOM.

XCOM was founded in 2015 to combat an invading alien collective led by an extremely powerful species known as Ethereals. This collective killed over ten percent of the human population over the course of 9 months of conflict, and firmly cemented human distrust of extraterrestrials. XCOM ultimately proved victorious over the Ethereals and led human expansion into space.

Humans first came to the attention of the galactic community after a brief conflict with the Turians near Relay-314 which took place in 2157.