A/N I micro edited chapter 3 for some lore issues again. So no double update sorry.
"Speaking normally, Outgoing Vox/Comm Channel communication"
"Incoming Vox/Comm Channel communication"
(Internal thoughts)
*Mental/Telepathic commutation*
(?) Unknown language (?)
{ Terminal information/Message }
Chapter 4 Questions and Answers
Knowledge is power. Guard it well.
Battle cry of the Blood Ravens Space Marine Chapter.
Anderson
SSV-Normandy
April 9th Eden Prime Spaceport
13:00 Hours Earth Standard
He stood at the edge of the cargo ramp watching the ground team approach from the shelter, Jenkins was operating a light air-truck which was loaded with several crates of weapons both foreign and local. Doctor Chakwas had already taken charge of the severely injured imperial who had been sent ahead rushing her to the med-bay for treatment and examination. One of the two from earlier had been released after being treated for a broken arm, with Chakwas sending out a ship wide memo for everyone to load Latin into their translators until the imperials standard language could be translated. Anderson sighed slightly looking toward the crate which housed the beacon and spotting Nihlus who was watching it like a hawk. The ground team beginning to start up the cargo ramp brought him back to the task at hand.
"Commanders good to have you all back. I see the ground team picked up a few members." Anderson greeted warmly as he saluted.
"Good to be back Sir." Elisabeth said as she returned the salute. "Our new face from the Alliance is Sergeant Ashley Williams from the two twelfth."
"Sir." Ashley stated as she saluted.
Anderson looked Sergeant Williams up and down before replying. "The Normandy has room for a few more marines if you're interested Sergeant." He stated gauging her response.
Williams bared her teeth in anger. "Sir most of my unit is dead, I want to get the bastards responsible for this. Yes, I'm interested Captain." She replied.
Anderson nodded. "I'll handle your transfer shortly, feel free to settle in until then." He looked at the ground team again. "I expect reports from all of you soon. Now I need to go perform a soldier's worst nightmare, being a diplomat." He joked as he dismissed them, before walking down the ramp toward the imperials who had remained at the foot of the ramp talking amongst themselves.
"Lieutenant Fane?" He asked as he approached.
"Captain Anderson I presume?" The man in black replied with a fairly neutral salute. "I appreciate you taking the time to look after my troops."
Anderson waved it off before replying. "Least I could do since you aided one of ours."
Darius nodded before he spoke again. "Sergeants Ronon Soris, Jenit Kasteen, and Corporal Kavan Radek." He introduced his fellows pointing at each in turn who saluted. "So, what happens now?" He finally asked after a few moments of silence.
Anderson looked pensive for several moments before he replied. "Honestly I don't know. Isabelle relayed your request, and I am tempted to grant it. However, I have some requests."
"As long as they are reasonable, they should not be a problem." Darius replied cautiously.
"First, I would ask that all of you visit the med-bay for a physical, this is as much for your safety as ours. Second, I would like all weapons and explosives secured either in the cargo bay or your quarters if you take a cabin. Finally, I would like be able to question you later." Anderson stated.
"The first is not a problem, as for the second we reserve the right to carry secondary's or sidearms, for you last request I have already agreed to that with the Commanders I see no reason why not, just be aware I reserve the right to not answer specific questions. Anything else?" Darius replied.
Anderson thought for a moment. "I would rather you did not carry weapons on my ship. Also do any of your helmets have cameras?"
"One moment." Darius turned back to the others and a short but intense discussion took place before Darius turned back to Anderson. "We agree to not bearing weapons as for helmet cams. Mine does, I suppose you want a record for your report." Anderson nodded in affirmative. "Then I'll get you everything which was recorded on this world."
Anderson nodded again. "Good. We will depart once you have boarded. The medical bay is on the crew deck to the right off the elevator." He said before climbing back up the cargo ramp.
Darius
(Well that could have been much worse.) He thought to himself as Anderson ascended up the cargo ramp. He had been concerned that the Captain would have scanned the equipment already on board his ship despite his earlier request and demanded the confiscation of their weapons rather than simply having them secured, but what he had felt and observed about Captain Anderson during this short conversation had told him much. The Captain was a man of his word.
"Ronon head on up I need to speak to Kasteen and Radek. I'll help you out of your armor when I get there." He ordered as he turned to face the Valhallans.
"Something wrong Sir?" Kasteen asked for both of them.
"You could say that." Darius muttered almost below what they could hear. "I gave you a controversial order earlier, you agreed to follow it. I am under no illusions that if Commissar Darrien had survived, he and I would be having a very serious … discussion. My question is are you still willing to follow orders which you may find … uncomfortable."
Kasteen looked surprised by the question. "It's not my place to question the orders of a superior officer." She stated quickly.
"You question orders, you die simple as that." Radek chimed in.
"I am well aware of what you were trained and taught to do, and you're ducking the question." Darius replied with an annoyed edge on his tone. "Now answer it."
"I guess it would depend on the order." Kasteen replied slowly.
"Very well. We are currently allowed as guests on the Captains ship. There is an alien who is also a guest currently. I expect you both to be civil, or if you can't, simply avoid him. You are not to attack him unless it is in self-defense. Can you do that?" Darius explained.
Kasteen and Radek looked at each other, before exchanging several lines in Valhallan. Kasteen responded for both of them. "Yes. I won't claim to like it, but I believe we can."
"Excellent! Then your first orders are to report to the vessels med-bay for a physical." Darius replied.
Ronon
He had set aside the crates of weapons and armor which belonged to them before he had dug
for the chainsword. The weapon was in poor shape, it needed a through cleaning before it could be used again. Continuing to look in the crate he located a couple of spare chains and a maintenance kit. He removed his helm along with his gauntlets and began to disassemble the weapon. He barely glanced up as the two valhallans passed him walking toward the lift.
"After Kasteen and Radek have their physicals I am going to request that you have one to Ronon." Darius said from behind him.
Ronon grunted softly before responding. "Very well. I'll need assistance in getting out of this armor however."
"Then let's get started." Darius replied.
Ronon sat up straight as Darius started to unlink the backpack which doubled as the armors power unit. He felt the weight of the pack leave his body and there was a muted thump as the unit was placed on the ground. Next came the pauldrons, they unlinked smoothly.
"Never understood why these things were so big." Ronon heard Darius mutter as he set them down.
The chest piece was next, Ronon caught the front section as it detached from its other half and set it on the ground, leaving him from the waist up in the armors under suit.
"I won't need help with the rest." Ronon reported as he rolled his shoulders.
"Good." Darius replied as he took the front of the chest piece and began to examine it for anything other than superficial damage.
It was then they both noticed the silence which had descended on the cargo bay. Looking around hey recognized the cause. Everyone still in the bay was starring at Ronon with a mix of awe, shock, and more than a few appreciative glances. It took them a couple of seconds to recognize why. The under suit was very form fitting.
"Looks like you have some admirers." Darius chucked before ducking a swipe from Ronon.
Elisabeth
SSV-Normandy Crew Deck XO's quarters
14:00 Hours Earth Standard
She sighed as she leaned back on her bunk staring at the report she had written over the last hour. The first part of the report had been simple describing their landing, encounter with Williams up until their encounter with Darius and Ronon at the spaceport then it got significantly more complicated. All that she could really do is report what she knew, which in reality was not a lot. She scanned the report again before sending it to Captain Anderson.
"Done then?" Isabelle asked.
Elizbeth looked up for her data-pad and nodded before responding. "I have to say that was one of the strangest reports I have ever had to write."
Isabelle nodded in agreement. "I have to wonder how the council will take this, the loss of the mech and the sudden appearance of these soldiers will cause a stir."
"I know." Elizbeth replied. "I'd hate to be in Nihlus's place when he makes his report to the council."
"Depending on how things playout we may have to learn." Isabelle muttered darkly as she focused back onto her own data-pad.
Nihlus
He was pacing back and forth in the communications room waiting for the connection to establish. The distinct whirring of the holographic emitter caused him to snap to attention as Councilor Sparatus's projection formed.
"Nihlus? What happened?" Sparatus inquired.
"Councilor I'm able to report that the beacon was secured however there were complications." Nihlus responded as he sent a section of his suit cams footage to the Councilor.
"What sort of complications…" Sparatus trailed off as the sections of footage played across his screen. After it had finished Sparatus simply stared at his screen for several moments before Nihlus brought him back onto the conversation.
"The second complication is the mech was stolen. DNA records point to a Major Adrark Ghad'fetor from the Hegemony SIU leading the team in the warehouse." Nihlus finished sending the DNA scans he had taken.
Sparatus drummed his talons on his desk for several moments before he responded. "Send me everything you have, then make your official report. I'm going to ask that you do everything within reason to learn about these newcomers Nihlus. We need to know who they are, are they a long-lost offshoot of humanity, aliens who look like humans or something more complex. As for Major Ghad'fetor? The Hegemony declared him and his men rogue less than a week ago. You know this." He reminded Nihlus.
Nihlus nodded. "I remember. It just feels too convenient; they disown him, and suddenly he shows up with one of the largest slaver raids I have ever seen, along with a small fleet of unidentified warships, and a sizable number of synthetic ground troops." Nihlus shakes his head. "It just doesn't add up."
"Of course, it doesn't. However, unless we can prove otherwise, we are forced to take their word for it no matter how unlikely. Do you have proof he was still under orders from the Hegemony?" Sparatus asked.
"No, their omni-tools wiped themselves then self-destructed when their owners died." Nihlus replied.
"Then our hands are tied. Anything else to report?" Sparatus said.
"Just that the Commanders and Captain Anderson managed to convince the leader of these newcomers to answer some questions. I fully intend on attending."
Sparatus nodded. "Good, record the meeting, and send a copy to the council. Anything is better than nothing. In the meantime, submit your official report." He said before he ended the connection.
Joker
SSV-Normandy, Command Deck, Cockpit.
14:30 Hours Earth Standard
"…So, then the Baneblade's Commissar emerges from the copula of the turret waving his blade and shouts. DRIVE ME CLOSER! I WANT TO HIT THEM WITH MY SWORD!" Kasteen said shaking her head.
Joker snorted with laughter before checking the holographic interface again. "What happened then?" He asked his translator translating his words into Russian.
"What could the crew do? They accelerated to a staggering twenty kilometers an hour … for about ten seconds." Radek answered.
"The Commissar had forgotten that the enemy had, in fact a whole lot of practice targeting commanders with more bravery than sense, and they knew to shoot the people with the largest hats…" Kasteen elaborated.
"Ouch…" Jenkins winched at the implication.
"Blew his hat clean off." Radek chuckled.
"No way!" Ashley laughed.
"Yeah the crew couldn't believe it either." Kasteen said shaking her head as she smiled slightly.
"What happened then?" Barnett asked.
"The fool kept his head down." Radek answered through his laughter.
"So, you have any good stories?" Kasteen asked the alliance personnel.
"Well I had this one drill sergeant…" Ashley began.
Karin Chakwas
SSV-Normandy Medical bay.
15:00 Hours Earth Standard
Her med-bay was fuller than she liked it, two of the three beds were occupied by humans who she knew next to nothing about. Doctor Chakwas shook her head as she returned to her reports, she had just finished with eight of the nine new faces on the Normandy with Sergeant Williams being the last she needed to examine. She quickly reviewed the medical files she had made for the non-Alliance personnel.
Name Samael
Rank: Unknown
Specialization: Support gunner
Age: 24
Height 5:7
Weight: 165 LB
Hair color: Dark Brown
Eye color: Grey
Skin color: Tan
Blood type: A-
Comments: Samael has several genetic markers I have never seen before purpose of these is unknown. Also, his presence makes me feel uneasy. I can't explain the phenomena.
Status: Coma. Given a physical and several immunization shots. Held in med-bay for monitoring.
Name Gwynira Vylena
Rank: Unknown
Specialization: Infiltration/Close combat
Age: 21
Height 5:9
Weight: 120 LB
Hair color: Black
Eye color: Green
Skin color: Light tan
Blood type: Error
Comments: Gwynira appears to be human from a glance, genetically she is something else. Her body is denser yet lighter than a human her apparent size and weight should be. Also, she appears to be extremely self-conscious about her ears which are somewhat elongated, as she makes every attempt to hide them whenever one of the crew visits the med-bay.
Status: Treated for a broken arm and released. Also given a physical and several immunization shots. Appears to have taken over an unoccupied crew cabin.
Name Sola
Rank Guardswoman
Specialization: Weapon specialist
Age: 19
Height 5:8
Weight: 120 LB
Hair color: Light blond
Eye color: Blue
Skin color: Extremely pale
Blood type: B+
Comments: Sola shows signs of extensive radiological damage to her internal organs and DNA likely from exposure at a very young age. Thankfully treatable but if left untreated expect death within less than three years.
Status: Stable but unconscious due to multiple gunshot wounds and blood loss. Due to possibility of blood transfusion rejection, defaulting to medi-gel for blood replacement for now. Also given a physical and several immunization shots. Held in med-bay until further notice.
Addendum: Corman Manfred Cunnington should be commended for his efforts to keep this young woman alive. I doubt she would have made it without his efforts.
Name Jenit Kasteen
Rank: Sergeant
Specialization: Weapon Specialist
Age: 26
Height 5:8
Weight: 150 LB
Hair color: Golden blond
Eye color: Blue-green
Skin color: Light tan
Blood type: AB+
Comments: Jenit Kasteen appears healthy for her size and weight. However, has several markers in her blood which implies a constant threat of famine growing up. Appears to have a faint genetic tolerance for cold.
Status: Given a physical and several immunization shots. Released. Currently lingering in the mess hall.
Name Kavan Radek
Rank: Corporal
Specialization: Sniper
Age: 23
Height 5:7
Weight: 160 LB
Hair color: Golden brown
Eye color: Brown
Skin color: Light tan
Blood type: O+
Comments: Kavan Radek appears healthy for his size and weight. However, similar to Sergeant Kasteen he has several markers in his blood which implies a constant threat of famine growing up. Appears to share the faint genetic tolerance for cold.
Status: Given a physical and several immunization shots. Released. Currently lingering in the mess hall.
Name Ronon Soris
Rank: Sergeant
Specialization: Close assault
Age: 27
Height 7:6
Weight: 450 LB
Hair color: Dark red
Eye color: Blue
Skin color: Light tan
Blood type: Error
Comments: Ronon Soris (once he got out of that armor) has clearly been exposed to a large number of genetic and biotechnical enhancements that I can't even begin to classify or even attempt to determine the nature of. He has multiple artificial organs to the point where I find it hard to begin to guess where the modifications end and the man begins. In fact, I have a hard time even classifying him as human anymore. He is something else. I noticed some flaws within those organs which if not treated or replaced will lead to cellular degeneration and eventually death within five or six years.
Status: Given a physical and several immunization shots. Released. Returned to the cargo bay.
Name Darius Fane
Rank: Lieutenant
Specialization: Close assault
Age: 24 (Claimed)
Height 6:0
Weight: 150 LB
Hair color: Dirty blond
Eye color: Violet
Skin color: Caucasian
Blood type: O-
Comments: Darius Fane has multiple anomalies I have never seen before in his genetics that along with some sort of biotech in his blood in place of white blood cells makes classifying him as strictly human hard. All that notwithstanding he is still within the range of "human". When I commented on this his response was laughter of all things. Make of that what you will.
Addendum: My labs equipment keeps crashing when it attempts to determine his age by the samples I collected. Requires further investigation.
Status: Given a physical and several immunization shots. Released. Headed for the cargo bay citing equipment cataloging and maintenance.
Shaking her head Doctor Chakwas settled down and typed a short message for Anderson which she promptly sent, before connecting to the ship wide comms and stating. "Sergeant Ashley Williams. Please report to the Medical Bay."
Darius
He rested his back against the wall of the elevator as it descended toward, he cargo hold. He hadn't wasted the several hours before the ships doctor had called him up to the medical bay for his exam, which had been noninvasive and he had seen nothing which had changed since his last exam which was good, even he was not immune to the damn fickle tampering of the warp.
"Sergeant Ashley Williams. Please report to the Medical Bay." Doctor Chakwas's voice emerged from the ships comm system. The slow elevator dinged and he exited passing Sergeant Williams.
"Sergeant." Darius nodded to Williams.
"Lieutenant." She responded as she entered the elevator.
Moving back to the crate where he had left his dataslate under Ronons watchful eye. He continued his work creating a timeline and hopeful explanation for his hosts. One that he hoped they would accept without too much digging, after all everyone is entitled to secrets, some people just have more than others. A lot more. Once he had finished with that, he searched in the crates of weapons until he located Samael's plasma gun, the man had landed on the weapon so it needed a very through examination before Darius could even consider issuing it. Just before he could begin however Captain Andersons voice emerged from the ship's comms.
"Lieutenant Fane to my office, it's just off the CIC." Shaking his head in resignation Darius replaced the plasma gun in the crate and headed back toward the lift grabbing his dataslate as he went.
David Anderson
He sat in his quarters waiting for the final reports to come in so he could send the consolidated information to the Alliance brass. Anderson rubbed his eyes; it had been a long day already and he still had more to do. He had debriefed Ensign Barnett personally once she had been released from the medical bay, her report had been troubling to say the least. How the batarians had removed the defense flotilla was clearly a weakness in the fleet which had to be addressed. His terminal chimed letting him know that the final report had been submitted for his review before he sent them all off to his superior, Admiral Steven Hackett on Arcturus Station.
To: Captain David Anderson
From: Doctor Karin Chakwas
Subject: Results of our guest's examinations.
I am pleased to report that none of our guests are carrying anything contagious and are of no threat on a medical front. With Lieutenant Fane's permission I have enclosed the results; however, I highly recommend caution on who has access to these files.
Swiftly scanning the information, he frowned slightly as he took in what he had read. Shaking his head, he sent the packet off to Arcturus and linked into the ships comm.
"Lieutenant Fane to my office, it's just off the CIC."
As he leaned back into his chair the holo-lock pinged, Anderson narrowed his eyes glaring at the door. (No way he was there already.) He thought to himself before answering.
"Enter."
His thought proved correct as Jenkins entered and saluted.
"Captain sorry to bother you sir, but I want to let you know I'm applying for a transfer."
Anderson nodded recognizing what may have spurred this request. "Have you heard from your family then?" He asked.
"Yes sir." Jenkins answered before he continued. "They are OK. The farms weren't hard hit but it's just brought my mind into focus on what is important."
"So, you want a transfer to Eden Prime, I'll see what I can do when we reach the Citadel." Anderson surmised.
"Thank you, sir." Jenkins replied before saluting and turning to leave.
Anderson watched Jenkins pass Darius on his way out.
"Captain. Permission to enter." Darius inquired as he stood in the door frame.
"Granted." Anderson nodded before he continued. "Are you ready to answer questions now?"
Darius nodded. "As ready as I can be, I won't promise you will like what I tell you or that you'll even believe it, but I will tell you the truth to the best of my knowledge."
Anderson powered down his terminal and stood before responding. "I'll message the Commanders let them know. Also, Nihlus expressed an interest in this conversation. Do you mind if he joins us?"
"Considering what I picked up about SPECTRE's from the crews chatter. Do I have a choice?" Darius asked sarcastically.
Anderson shook his head as he replied. "No. Not really."
Darius sighed. "Why not. Let him come."
Illusive Man
April 9th Redacted, Redacted, Cronos Station, Illusive Mans office
16:00 Hours Earth Standard
He sipped his drink pensively as he monitored the various reports and updates which flashed cross the multiple screens before him, until one caught his eye. Barely moving he pressed a button on one of his chair's armrests.
"Get me Operative Sheppard."
"Yes sir." A female voice replied.
Several minutes passed before a male voice responded.
"Sir?"
"Alexander our project on Luna is nearing completion. You're to be there when it does and extract our assets."
"Yes Sir." Operative Sheppard replied before cutting the line.
With that done the man returned his gaze to the dying star which illuminated his office and lit a cigarette taking a deep pull and exhaling. He continued his endless work monitoring the galaxy making sure to manipulate events in his and by extension humanities favor. His intelligence network was one of the best in the galaxy second only the Shadow Brokers. He grimaced slightly, he would have to rectify that and soon. Before he could think on that problem further an incoming transmission from his contacts in Alliance Intelligence flashed on his screens. For over an hour he watched and observed every scrap of data, before it ended and he replayed the footage. He pressed the button on his chair again.
"Get me Operatives Lawson and Leng. Separate channels."
"Yes sir." The female voice replied again.
The Illusive man waited several minutes until his communication devices beeped signaling that both of his requested operatives were on hold. He selected the first of the two names.
"Miranda, I have a new assignment for you, an opportunity we can't afford to miss has come up, review this data and do everything in your power to recruit these individuals to our cause. They are believed to be heading for the Citadel"
"Understood." Miranda replied before leaving the channel.
"Kai, this next assignment is a priority. You are to secure whatever samples of technology from these individuals, they are being taken to the Citadel. Cerberus is counting on you. Do. Not. Fail."
"I won't." Leng replied before he shut down the line.
The Illusive man returned to his endless work, as off to the side the most interesting footage of his career continued on a loop.
(Yes.) He thought to himself. (Today is a good day.)
Elisabeth and Isabelle
SSV-Normandy Crew Deck XO's quarters
April 9th in route to the Citadel
16:00 Hours Earth Standard
They were relaxing now that their reports were submitted catching up with their personal emails, when they spotted a message from their mother, yet before they could open it the comms crackled to life.
"Hey Commanders. The Captain just contacted me; said he wants you to report to the communications room ASAP." Jokers voice come from the ships comm. system.
"Understood Joker." They replied in unison.
A few minutes later the they entered the communication room to find that they were the last to arrive. Captain Anderson along with Nihlus where there, what surprised them was Lieutenant Fanes presence.
"Good you're here." Came Andersons voice distracting them from the Lieutenant in the corner who was looking at some sort of data pad.
"Our new guest has agreed to answer some questions." Stated the Spectre, eyeing the Lieutenant with a certain degree of eagerness, and apprehension.
"Yes, I have." Stated Lieutenant Fane as he set aside the data-pad, stood straight and clasped his hands behind his back before continuing.
"However, all answers that you get will require a certain amount of context to make any sense so I'm going to ask you not interrupt. First things first. My name is Darius Fane, my current rank is that of Lieutenant within the Imperial Guard of the Imperium of Man. I am also a member of the remembrancers or historians if you will."
With that he paused before digging something out of a pouch on his belt, he placed a metal globe like object on a tripod before setting it on the floor. The device flickered to life displaying a holographic representation of a galaxy which then focused on an image which everyone in attendance knew well. Earth.
"Like you our story begins on Earth, unlike yours around eight thousand B.C.E. the shamans disappeared. Legend has it that the man who would arise to found the Imperium was born just a year after that event. It is said that over the next five thousand years his five companions would emerge from across the globe and embark on a pilgrimage to the ancient shaman site of Stonehenge. What occurred during their meeting is unknown save that they agreed to guide mankind from the shadows. For thousands of years following that event they worked behind the scenes to nurture and guide the fledgling humanity. Mankind would expand beyond its cradle and into the galaxy at large." With those words the map zoomed out to display the galaxy in total, with a field of gold covering it expanding from Earth.
"Humanity was unstoppable, a golden age of exploration and technology arose leading to great technological wonders. A federation was soon established which tried to promote harmony with and between various alien races which it encountered. However, we were growing too large and what armies the federation had were stretched thin, thus the Men of Iron were created." Darius hesitated before the hologram shifted to display a large construct. One arm was attached to a large rotating cannon while the other cracked with energy. He allowed them to study the image before continuing.
"The Men of Iron soon formed the core of the federation's ground forces eventually taking over non-combative occupations such as farming, or becoming surgeons and so on." With these words an uneasy glance passed between Anderson, Nihlus, and the Commanders, because they had all heard this story before. Darius hesitated again as he noticed their looks.
"Something similar happened here then." He observed his tone steeped in sorrow. Nihlus simply nodded in conformation.
"Then what happened next will not be a surprise." Darius sighed before continuing. "In the twenty third millennia for reasons unknown over ninety five percent of all the Men of Iron programs along with their platforms rebelled simultaneously, beginning a campaign of complete extermination against mankind. The federation collapsed overnight partially due to the revolt but mostly due to how it had been encouraging peace between some of the alien races within in it. Most of the races within the federation were not extremely warlike but there were exceptions, and those exceptions were being forced by the federation to be peaceful with sometimes mortal enemies. However, with the federation's forces in revolt those handful of races decided that they had had it with humanity and attacked. The final death toll from that rebellion was never counted, all we believe is that possibly trillions of humans died within the conflict, but eventually we were victorious."
"Humanity entered a dark time trying to recover, the federation was gone, countless worlds were under siege from alien invaders, and entire systems had been destroyed. That was not the end of it however, as around the twenty fifth millennia the method of inter-stellar travel mankind had relied on for millennia had started to become increasingly unstable cutting humanity off and leaving colonies to fend for themselves thus beginning the long night, what we now call the Age of Strife. While this was happening, Earth was in turmoil, a once united world fractured into warring city states this would continue for little more than five thousand years then the man who would one day re-forge mankind made his presence know. The Terrain Unification wars had begun. The man chose the title of Emperor and assembled armies to wage war for earth, the bulk of his force were made up of the Thunder Warriors." The hologram shifted to a figure in heavy armor. There was another shared look as everyone in attendance recognized who they were looking at resembled. Recognizing the look Darius elaborated.
"Yes, Ronon is one of the legendary Thunder Warriors I don't know why he ended up here but here he is. The conflict raged for years but eventually all the feuding warlords were brought to heel. However shortly before the final battle the Thunder Warriors stuck a devastating but pyrrhic victory ensuring the Emperors success at uniting the planet. Shortly after the turn of the thirtieth millennium, the warp exploded." The hologram shifted back to depicting the galaxy, where the viewers witnessed the death of an empire. A huge purple splotch suddenly formed covering at least a sixth of the galaxy before receding to cover a little over a tenth.
"Little is known as to why or how, and those who do know aren't telling, all that is known is that the Eye of Terror as that anomaly is now known is one of the most dangerous sections of space. Back on Earth however the Emperor had begun to wage war once again this time for control of the solar system. Luna was annexed with little trouble. Mars was a whole other matter." The hologram shifted to show the red planet however it was overlaid with a curious insignia; it seemed to be a cog or a gear, with a skull in the center the right half appeared to be bone while the left half looked to be made of metal.
"The machine cults of Mars had still operational factories and thus, were well equipped had century's worth of technological knowledge, along with the time to fortify with. The conflict between the Emperors forces and the armies of Mars dragged on many lives were lost, until the Emperor descended on to Mars in person and the machine cults knelt to his authority when they recognized him as the Omnissiah." With that the sphere of gold enveloped the red planet. "With that the rest of Sol was quickly recovered." The golden sphere expanded again to envelope Pluto.
"Several years of calm passed as the Emperor built up his forces and, once he was ready the Great Crusade was launched. The purpose of the Great Crusade was twofold, its first and primary objective was the unification of all the former federation territories under imperial rule. The second objective was more personal for the Emperor the recovery of his twenty sons, the Primarchs scattered across the stars due to betrayal, who were the genetic sires of the twenty Astartes Legions." The hologram shifted to show a humanoid figure in sealed heavy armor similar to Ronons.
"As the Crusade progressed it became increasingly clear what alien life was no longer a friend of humanity, if they ever truly had been. Hundreds of worlds had felt the ravages of alien raiders or occupation by alien powers. However, that was not the only problem the Crusade had to face. The second and eleventh legions along with their Primarchs were lost in two separate but cataclysmic accidents, so dreadful that no one knows what happened the records are sealed and buried. Sometime after the final Primarch was located the Emperor retreated to Terra to continue his work leaving his first found and favorite son Horus as Warmaster of the entire Crusade." The image shifted to show another man in heavy armor trimmed with fur kneeling before a large man in gold reverently placing a large maul like weapon into his hands.
"It all went to hell from there." Darius commented breaking from his narration. "Horus would lead the Great Crusade for several more years but discontentment and other internal issues would lead to the largest single catastrophe in the history of the Imperium. For reasons unknown either jealousy or foreign manipulations Horus turned against his father and would lead eight of his brothers against the Imperium, taking the vast majority of their legions along with their support fleets with them. The rebellion lasted several decades finally ending with the Siege of Terra. A dreadful battle in which the rebellion was broken but at a terrible cost. In an act of final desperation, the Emperor along with a company of his finest bodyguards teleported onto Horus's flagship, The Vengeful Spirit and carved their way to the ships bridge. Where Father fought Son for the last time. Records of that fight are muddled, but what is known is that the Primarch Sanguinius fell to Horus just before the Emperor reached the bridge to engage his once favorite son, and that one Ollanius Pius stood between the Emperor and Horus at a critical moment only to be swept aside. Pius's sacrifice gave the Emperor the clarity to realize that Horus was irrevocably lost and destroy him."
"With Horus's death the rebellion broke fleeing to the Eye of Terror but the damage had been done. The Emperor had been mortally wounded and was interred in an ancient piece of technology which preserved his life, allowing him to maintain what is known as Astronomicon, a guiding light which allows Imperial ships to travel across the warp. That was little over eleven thousand years ago, in the intervening years the remaining loyalist Primarchs have vanished or been incapacitated, and the Imperium as it stands today is at constant war with traitors and aliens alike. Truces with aliens sometimes occur but they rare and short lived. However recently the Primarch of the thirteenth legion, Roboute Guilliman was revived with the aid of a faction of Aeldari, the Ynnari, and in response the Imperium and the Aeldari seemed to have reached a very tentative truce." With those words the hologlobe began to power down. "That is all I learned before my most recent deployment." Darius explained before he continued. "Now ask your questions. Remember you may not like the answers." He warned.
Isabelle leaned forward slightly resting her elbows on her legs. "You said this Emperor was it?" Darius nodded before she continued. "Was born eight thousand years before the common era. How is that even possible?"
Darius hesitated as he rested his chin in one of his hands clearly contemplating how to answer before he responded, but he spoke slowly as if choosing his words with care. "The Emperor is believed to be a perpetual." Before anyone could ask what, that word meant Darius continued. "A perpetual Commander is a rare individual who simply does not die. They are immune to the ravages of time, illness, and are capable of regenerating from even fatal injuries. You would never know to meet one for they look like any other human."
"You talk like you have met one." Anderson noted.
Darius nodded. "I have. It was an enlightening experience."
Elisabeth was pondering what she had learned when Shaman Knights words sprang back into the forefront of her mind. Mentally she brushed them aside before she asked.
"Why does Ronon defer to you?" Elisabeth cut in.
"My guess, training and mental conditioning to follow the orders of a superior officer which he views as an ally." Darius replied evenly.
"Speaking for the Council as their agent in this room. What are your plans?" Nihlus inquired.
"Nothing sinister with six troops if that's what you're asking." Darius answered looking toward Anderson he continued. "For now, I am willing to help in bringing those responsible for the attack on your colony and the deaths of my soldiers to justice at the very least."
"I won't say no to that offer and I doubt the brass will either." Anderson replied. "However, the Council will likely have issues with it."
"I'm surprised your willing to follow orders outside of your command structure." Isabelle stated leaning back.
"My command structure no longer exists." Darius pointed out. "I am willing to follow your orders Captain, so long as they are within reason." Darius clarified after a few moments.
"What about your troops?" Anderson asked.
"They will follow my orders, but I would like to offer them a way out if they desire it. If they decide to stay, I would like to give them some time to adjust before they go on any ground operations." Darius replied.
"Sounds reasonable but I have to ask. Will the possibility of working aliens be an issue?" Isabelle quired.
Darius briefly glanced at Nihlus before answering. "It may. Samael, and Vylena, have some experience with working with aliens, but they both learned that more often than not they would stab them in the back the moment it was convenient. For Kasteen, Radek, and Sola I don't know so I have to assume they will act like most imperials and be unfriendly at best. Ronon, well aliens are a new phenomenon to him, since he originates from a time where earth was basically cut off from the galaxy at large. So, he could go either way, make a good impression you got a good chance of him liking you. As for me, I am willing to give it a shot on an individual basis, lead by example in that regard."
"You have just offered a whole lot without asking for anything in return." Anderson noted.
"I did." Darius nodded. "What I am currently asking for is information, time, and supplies. I would like whatever information you can give me about your reality, along with the time to review it as best as I can, and supplies to keep my troops healthy and equipped."
Before any further questions could be asked, Jokers voice came over the comms.
"Sorry to bother you Captain, but Admiral Hackett is on the line." The pilot explained.
"We'll break for now. Commanders see to it the Lieutenant what he asks for within reason. Dismissed." Anderson stated.
Anderson
He waited until the communications room was clear before answering Hackett's call.
"Admiral." Anderson saluted.
"David good to hear from you. I just finished reviewing the reports from Eden Prime." Hackett stated his tone grim.
"What's the situation?" Anderson asked.
"Bad. Someone intercepted the data packet you sent, and leaked sections of it to the press. The parliament is in an uproar. The Minister of Colonial Development is being hammered in the senate, and don't get me started with Alliance R&D. They're in a frenzy over some of the camera segments and…" Hackett was suddenly cut off as a second communication frequency connected and powered up the display.
Anderson looked at the new man, he was bald with a thin face and a pristine lab coat.
"Volter Von Braun, get off this frequency." Hackett demanded glaring at newcomer.
"I'm afraid not Admiral. The Committee requested my presence for this discussion." Braun replied as he lit a cigarette and began to smoke. "Some are concerned that such a promising development could potentially be lost to alien forces if not handled properly."
"What exactly does the committee want?" Anderson aske even though he had a sneaking suspicion what it was.
"Nothing from you at the moment. An Alliance Special Operations cruiser is in route to meet you at the Citadel. Several N7 teams will have orders to secure the individuals and technology shown on the footage. It is recommended that you comply with their instructions." Braun said smugly with a faint sneer on his lips.
Anderson and Hackett glared at Braun. It was Hackett who spoke first. "Who do you think we are! The batarians? They have rights…" He stated to argue before Braun cut him off.
"They have no rights; they don't officially exist." Braun snarled. "I expect them and their tech to be in my lab by the end of the week." He finished before closing the line.
Anderson looked at Hackett and asked. "Your orders?"
Hackett continued to glare at the space Braun's image had been before he replied. "You are to ignore Braun's instructions. I'll get to the bottom of this and get that cruiser reassigned. He does not have had the ability to over step the chain of command." Hackett snorted with disgust. "Alliance R&D is excited by what they have learned so far. The fighter has already been recovered and is in route to a secure laboratory. Have you learned anything else about your guests?"
Anderson nodded. "I have. We were just speaking with the one who is the leader of the group when you called. I was going to send the recording of the conversation, but I believe that may no longer be wise."
"I agree. What are your current thoughts on them?" Hackett inquired.
"I have only interacted briefly with the one who is acting as their leader. Yet I am having trouble rapping my head around what he told us. It just seems to fantastic, but their skills and weapons are all very real." Anderson answered.
"You think he's lying?" Hackett asked.
Anderson shook his head. "He seems straight forward enough but I feel like there is a whole lot he is not saying, but if even a fraction of what he said was true. I would find it hard to blame him."
Hackett was silent for a moment, before he continued. "Continue to treat them as guests, but warn them that they have targets on their backs. Good luck Anderson." He said before disconnecting.
Anderson sighed again. He really hated politics.
Darius
"…and the last file is about biotics." Alenko finished powering down his omni-tool.
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Darius said as he picked up the data-pad which had been placed on one of the mess hall tables and tucked it under his arm, before heading for the elevator which currently held one occupant.
Nihlus.
"Cargo bay?" The SPECTRE asked.
Darius simple nodded. Several moments passed before Nihlus spoke again.
"Why do I get the feeling you don't like me?" He asked.
Darius sighed. "It's not personal. If that's what you're asking." He replied.
"Then what is it." Nihlus demanded.
Darius glanced at Nihlus before he responded.
"Ten thousand years of humanity being constantly at war with aliens and worse will do that to a culture. If you had our galactic neighbors your species would hostile to aliens to." He said as he pulled out a small data disk and tossed it to Nihlus. "I was going to share this anyway. So, see for yourself. Now if you'll excuse me, I have reading to do." With that the elevator stopped, the door opened, and Darius exited.
Nihlus
Of all the responses he had expected that was not one of them he mused as he ran his talons over the disk. It would take a bit of work but he was sure he could get it to work with a modern data-pad. After checking on the beacon once again he headed back up to the mess hall and got to work. It took several minutes with the assistance from Isabelle and Kaidan to get the drive to link with a data-pad but they made it work. Powering up the pad they saw a multitude of folders in a strange language which swiftly began to shift into English.
"Now that's just showing off…" Isabelle muttered as the translation program finished.
The folders were listed alphabetically. Starting with a race called Aeldari and ending with a species labeled as Tyranids.
"Where do we want to begin?" Nihlus asked.
"Start at the top?" Alenko suggested.
"Good a place as any." Isabelle replied and tapped the folder labeled Aeldari.
{ Delta level access recognized. }
{ Decrypting. }
The folder opened into a single main folder and six sub folders.
"Well this could take a while." Nihlus commented.
"I'll get Anderson and my sister." Isabelle said as she rose and went to get them.
Darius
He set the data-pad down on a crate and activated his comm. bead.
"Gwynira, Kasteen, and Radek to the cargo bay, please we have things to discuss."
Following a chorus of affirmatives, and acknowledgements, he began to review the information on the pad while he waited.
"What are you reading?" Ronon asked as he cleaned his volkite cavalier nearby.
"Racial and political dossiers." Darius answered. "There is too much we simply don't know sergeant. Just like any campaign, if we are to survive, we need to know the game and the players."
Ronon nodded as the lift chimed drawing their attention, and Gwynira stepped out, her arm still in a sling.
"Lieutenant, Sergeant." She said as she approached and perched on a crate.
Ronon nodded in response. While Darius replied.
"Gwynira I apologize for not checking in on you earlier. Have you been treated well?"
She brushed off his words as she replied. "I understand you have been occupied, and our hosts have been very kind. According to their medical officer my arm will be healed in less than a week."
Darius shook his head. "Being busy is not an excuse. I am glad to hear that you have been treated well and are going to make a quick recovery. However, we have business to discuss when the Valhallans arrive."
As if on que the lift chimed again with Kasteen along with Radek emerging and joining them.
The pair saluted. "Sir."
"At ease both of you." Darius said has he motioned them to sit. He starred at his hands before he started to speak.
"From what I have gathered, I believe we have ended up within an alternate past. The Imperium as most of us have known it does not exist, and will likely never exist. I am attempting to get an agreement with this reality's humanity but before I do, I need to ask. What do you want?" Darius looked up. "You owe no loyalty to me, and I lack the right to speak for any of you. If you want to leave. Speak. I will not hold it against you. I however intend on assisting this humanity in getting justice for their colonists and the thirteen kriegians who we lost today, with or without you."
Silence greeted his speech as they all looked at each other. Ronon spoke first.
"I'm in, got nothing better to do.
Gwynira nodded in agreement. "I'm not leaving, but it would be best if we stayed together for the time being, at least until we know more." She said as she pointedly looked at the valhallans.
Kasteen and Radek spoke for around half a minute in valhallan before Kasteen spoke. "We are soldiers who swore to defend humanity. What's one humanity over another? We are with you."
Darius smiled. "Good because we have a lot to cover." He picked up the data-pad fiddled with it connecting and copying files on to his data-slate. Once he was done, he handed the data-slate to Kasteen and the Data pad to Ronon. "I need to check our gear for damage but we all need the information which is on those data devices. Take turns reading the information. We will discuss it as we go."
Anderson
SSV-Normandy CIC Deck CO's Office
April 9th in route to the Citadel
19:00 Hours Earth Standard
He rubbed his forehead in resignation. They had just finished reviewing the files Darius had provided on the major alien races that his humanity had to deal with. (His humanity.) Anderson shook his head, that still bothered him. He looked at Elisabeth, Isabelle, and Nihlus the four of them were in his office, Alenko having left earlier citing an impending migraine. Several meal trays stacked in a corner as they had all eaten in here.
Nihlus shook his head. "Spirits he wasn't joking about aliens where he is from."
Elisabeth nodded. "These Aeldari seem to shift between decent just don't piss them off, if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone, backstabbing weasels, and something which would make the batarians seem like decent people."
"I almost liked the Tau." Isabelle said shaking her head. "But forced sterilizations disguised as medicine is just wrong."
"With the rest being outright monsters." Anderson finished.
Nihlus shook his head again. "Are we even sure this is not propaganda?"
"For what reason?" Isabelle asked. "This information seems to be solidly backed with facts along with scientific reports. Also, what would he gain by lying when the truth does a much better job."
Nihlus nodded conceding the point before adding. "Yet there is nothing within this information on how the humans live."
"Maybe he wants to cover that in person?" Isabelle replied.
"What I want to know is what is this great enemy that is refenced several times." Elisabeth said as she reviewed the file labeled harlequins.
Anderson nodded. "The fact that this great enemy is not these orks, necrons or even these tyranids is worrisome." Anderson paused for a moment before he continued. "Do we want to press for more information tonight or do we want to wait?"
"Let's wait. Not like they can vanish off a ship in the middle of FTL." Isabelle said suppressing a yawn.
"I need to inform the Council." Nihlus muttered as he picked up his copy of the information and heading for the office door.
Darius
"…for their crime of creating AI the quarians requests for aid were denied and their embassy was revoked. Leading to their current state as a nomadic fleet cross know space." Kasteen finished.
"That looks like the last modern space faring race." Ronon noted as he powered down the data-pad.
"That's troubling." Darius muttered as he ran his hand over the double coolant coils that Samael's plasma gun normally housed.
"What?" Ronon asked.
"The treatment of the quarians." Darius elaborated not looking up from the part in his hands.
"Why? Aliens being cruel to other aliens is nothing new." Radek stated.
"They created an abominable intelligence. I'd say they deserved their fate." Kasteen argued.
Darius shook his head as he slotted the coils into place and began to assemble the weapons outer casing. "Gwynira?" He asked
Gwynira nodded having an idea what Darius point was. "This Council betrayed their agreements with the quarians when they were at their weakest and needed them. With that in mind how good is their word?" She explained to the valhallans.
"Not to mention their passivity. If these geth were such a threat a direct strike when they were still in their infancy would have solved the problem then and there instead of ignoring them for…" Ronon checked the data-pad. "nearly two hundred and eighty terran years and hoping they go away." He added.
"Passivity seems to be a theme with the Council." Darius continued. "These batarians have held onto their slave culture and economy in defiance of citadel law. Yet they still hold an embassy when they should have been brought into line decades if not centuries ago."
"So, what is our next move?" Kasteen asked.
"We wait." Darius said as he replaced the plasma gun and pulled out the bolt pistol.
Councilor Sparatus
April 9th 2683 G.S. Serpent Nebula, Citadel, Presidium, Turian Councilor's office, 16:30 Galactic standard time
Sparatus leaned forward in his chair reviewing the information which Nihlus's last data submission had contained. Nihlus had also submitted his notes and observations along with the Commanders and Andersons opinions.
Sparatus mentally went over everything he had viewed so far. These individuals where from a highly xenophobic society. Worse they apparently had good reason to be. They were both well trained and well equipped with what would been seen as technological marvels. Finally, they appeared to turning to the System Alliance for sanctuary. Sparatus nodded slightly he understood the move, siding with what you know. A message from his secretary pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Valevea what is it?"
Valevea Sulinis an "Ex" Blackwatch operative, answered promptly.
"The other councilors are on the line. Sir. They are asking to meet."
"Understood. Thank you Sulinis. Let them know I'm ready." He replied before he stood and faced the holographic communication device.
"Will do. Sir." She replied.
He rolled his shoulders wincing slightly as a series of pop's and cracks rewarded his movements. He was not as young was he used to be. No that he was old by any stretch of the imagination but…
The sounds of the holographic projector powering up brought his attention back to the meeting he was about to attend. The first figure to manifest was the salarian Valern. Sparatus studied the expression on his colleges face intently. The normally impassive salarian was almost giddy. Sparatus frowned slightly this could be interesting.
Several moments passed before Tevos appeared. She seemed slightly worried but given the rumors of what had happened with Sha'ira he could understand why.
"Fellow councilors." Sparatus stated.
"Sparatus." Tevos replied.
"Hum? Ah greetings councilors." Valern answered snapping out of his thoughts.
"I heard something happen to Sha'ira. Is she alright?" Sparatus asked directing the question to Tevos. It was well known that Sha'ira and Tevos were friends.
Tevos lowered her head a fraction in recognition of the question. "She is fine. I'm sure she will thank you for your concern." She replied.
"I heard that she had some sort of vision?" Valern cut in causing Tevos to stiffen slightly.
"Whether such rumors are true or not is none of your concern Valern." Tevos snapped before she refocused the discussion. "We have more important business to attend to."
"Indeed, we do." Spartacus replied glaring at Valern.
"With the securing of the beacon do we continue to allow Nihlus to monitor the Shepard twins for SPECTRE candidacy?" Spartacus asked.
"While the loss of the mech is not in their favor, I see no reason to deny them at this moment." Tevos answered.
"Agreed they handled the situation on Eden Prime well despite losing one of the objectives. I vote that the process should continue." Valern stated
"Then it's settled. We will continue to monitor their progress." Spartacus finished before he breached the next topic.
"The next issue is the attack itself. Did we have any warning from the S.T.G. this was going to happen?" Spartacus asked looking back to Valern.
Valern shook his head slightly. "None what so ever. I'm making inquiries as to why and how this sipped past us. For now, I have no answers."
"Should we assign a couple of SPECTREs to look into it?" Spartacus asked looking to Tevos.
She nodded slightly. "Yes, let's allocate a couple of SPECTREs. Possibly the Shepard twins?"
"A trial by fire. Interesting, but no. I believe we should rely on who we have at present." Valern replied resting his chin on one of his hands.
"I agree." Spartacus said. "If we need to yes otherwise lets just allow Nihlus's observations to continue unimpeded."
"Very well. The final issue at hand are these strangers they encountered." Tevos continued. "What should we do about them."
"looking at what Nihlus sent. I believe we should at worst leave them alone, let them see we are different than the aliens they are accustomed to." Spartacus stated.
"I disagree. They're access to advanced technologies could drastically affect the balance of power." Valern stated before he continued. "I recommend they be detained and their equipment confiscated. Not to mention one of them has been genetically modified beyond any acceptable limits under citadel law."
Before Valern could continue Spartacus cut in. "Did you not read what Nihlus submitted? If we force the issue, we will provoke them, and we will only prove to them that aliens can't be trusted." He snapped.
"We cannot afford to ignore this. They are a treat to everything this council works for. If the System Alliance gains laser technology there will be next to nothing holding them back from attacking the batarians. We can't afford a war with the terminus systems." Valern countered.
Spartacus's frown deepened a fraction. (Why are we afraid of that loose mob of pirates again?) He mused to himself.
"Spartacus is right." Tevos stated before Spartacus could continue. "We will leave them alone for the time being." As she said this, Spartacus noticed a look pass between the pair. Spartacus suddenly felt uneasy.
"Unless there is anything else, we will adjourn." Tevos said.
Spartacus nodded. "Councilors." Before he deactivated his holoprojector.
Valern
He watched as Spartacus's image faded way before looking at Tevos and speaking one word.
"Why?"
Tevos looked back at him. "Because his is right. That said I am not going to allow a small group of highly advanced xenophobes to jeopardize everything. We just can't be open about it."
Valern nodded. "I'll notify the S.T.G. they will get us what we need."
"Excellent keep me informed." Tevos said before disconnecting.
Sha'ira
She reclined in her apartment with a warm cup of tea reflecting on the words which had sprung unbidden into her mind. It had been some what embarrassing for it to happen in public but the café did pride itself on discretion.
A long-lost child of man, who seeks freedom for all.
Soldiers who seek absolution in death, others who are as cold as the fields of their home.
A blank space which repels the darkness, overwhelmed.
Two halves of a long dead race reunited, scorned by both.
A raptor of lightning without a cause, slowly fading.
A walker of eternity, old beyond reckoning, weary of it all.
As much as her gift was a hassle it did have it's uses. All she could hope for was for her words to not be abused.
Anderson
SSV-Normandy, Lift, Descending to the Cargo Bay
April 9th in route to the Citadel
20:30 Hours Earth Standard
Anderson leaned back against the back of the lift waiting for it to finish.
(I need to have this thing looked at when we reach the Citadel.) He mentally reminded himself.
With the ping of the lift signaling its arrival at the cargo bay. Anderson stepped out and scanned for the individual he was looking for. He spotted Ronon by the arms crates, the thunder warrior was currently out of his armor and looked to be meditating.
Darius was perched on one of the crates checking a carbine like weapon. He had gotten out of his armor and was in a uniform which followed the color scheme of his armor. At his side was a device which emitted a blue glow and as Anderson watched Darius place the weapon in his hands on the device causing the weapon to glow blue and then abruptly vanish.
Anderson blinked and narrowed his eyes. Yes, the weapon was still gone. Anderson watched Darius sweep the crate one last time before resealing the presumably empty crate. Darius powered down the item and slipped it into a section of his armor which judging by the shape would reside on the small of a person's back.
Anderson coughed slightly announcing his presence. Darius looked up.
"Can I help you with something Captain? Or do you have more questions?" He asked.
"Not for tonight." Anderson replied shaking his head. "I am warning you that there are factions within the Alliance who have taken notice of you. However, you are currently a guest on this ship, with all the rights and protection that entails."
"I see. Thank you for telling me. I'll warn my troops." Darius said.
"We will be arriving at the citadel in the morning around eight hundred hours. I would like to have another conversation before we do. My office at seven hundred hours?" Anderson stated.
"Agreed. We will speak then." Darius nodded.
This Chapter took far longer than it rightfully should have and for that I'm so sorry. Finals and life kept getting in the way. Also, I was about 2/3's done-ish when I realized I was over focusing on Darius. I have five other active OC's here; they deserve some love as well.
First a shout out to all of you who faved/reviewed/watched this story. It is a metaphorical shot in the arm every time that message graces my inbox.
Second Review responses. Once again. Please don't forget to sign in!
I'm not afraid of constructive criticism as long as it's civil.
Guest 2 I'm not certain what your referencing within chapter 2. If you want to leave another review and explain that would be helpful.
Guest 1 Thank you glad you enjoyed it.
Third Authors Note 4
Another Chapter that got away from me. With this chapter most of my pre chapter concepts/one-liners are expended and I need to start writing the plot from scratch. I have some stuff for the later chapters but Chapter 5 Politics and Property Damage is going to be a long one. I can feel it…
Darius
I want to make one thing clear while Darius is a main character, he is a deuteragonist. This is still Shepards story.
The Normandy.
I'm fairly certain that most of you have noticed the Normandy is somewhat larger than canon, the ship is as large as it could be while still filling its functions and remaining atmospherically capable despite the SR-2 having no problems on that front in ME3. Also, the ships layout is sort of a hybrid of the first and second games layouts. Deck one is the CIC, Captains office, and Comm room. Deck two is the crew deck 4 cabins (including the CO and XO quarters), Mess hall, the bathrooms which include showers one for each sex, along with four sleeper coffins pods for those crew who favor them. Deck 3 is Med bay, a small Gym/Firing range, the main battery, a couple smaller cabins and storage. Deck four is Cargo bay and Engineering.
Concerning this line.
Two halves of a long dead race reunited, scorned by both. There is some fluff somewhere that implied the Humans and Aeldari have the same precursor species. I'm simply using that fluff.
Language
For the sake of simplicity here are the language's
Albianian is close to English
Kreigian is basically German
Vallhallan is essentially Russian
Low Gothic = Federation standard and is a trading language like Pig-Latin
High Gothic is an extremely advanced from of Latin
Alert!
For those who are wondering. This is not an HFY Shepardco. get lasguns and tear their way through the first game story. To be frank writing that would bore me. Not to mention what reading it would be like.
Updates
Still working on that character codex.
Lampshade 1
You ever notice we fall into patterns on this site? Most ME/Warhammer crossovers involve people with combat experience along with their gear generally. Elder Scrolls X-overs tend to favor the Dragonborn, Halo favors SPARTAN's mostly John-117 ect. My question is what about civilians? No, I'm not talking about self inserts either. If the author is not spending at least one chapter freaking out their doing it wrong, in my opinion. Seriously you blink and suddenly find yourself face to chin with a turian and you don't freak? Moving on… I'm planning to introduce 40K civilians at some point. For the challenge if nothing else.