One of the most fascinating things I found about the galaxy is how similar each species develops. Despite coming from different worlds, having different biologies, speaking different languages, and practicing different cultures and religions, we all developed society along a singular route. We all built cities, houses, waterworks, schools, farms, roads, governments, and more.
One part I find especially fascinating is that we all have similar fairy tales. While many just discarde them as children's stories, they are an important part of our culture. Fairy tales are fantastic embellishments on the basic elements of one's existence. They help teach us valuable lessons that we hold dear to us all of our lives.
It brings up a lot of questions yet to be answered on how so many different kinds of species can have very similar thoughts and ideas. Maybe all life is destined to be that way.
(An excerpt from the beginning of Asari Matriarch Tev'daha D'ysena's "A Study of Early Galactic Life")
Citadel, Presidium
Liara T'Soni was excited as she looked around the area. The large room on the Citadel was filled with dozens of archaeologists, scientists, and researchers of varying races. These were no doubt some of the brightest and best in the galaxy, and she was part of them. She couldn't help but feel giddy at that thought. She was among the best of the best. Her mind wondered at the many possibilities of why they were all here, and how she was among them.
However, it didn't take long before she started to feel out of place. All around the room, she saw no one she knew or recognized. She found herself feeling isolated while everyone around her checked over things on their omni tools or conversed with one another.
She went to a refreshment table, thinking a little something to drink would do nicely. She checked the labels to make sure she got something safe for her biology and poured herself a cup. As she turned around, she bumped into someone and dropped it.
"Oh goddess, I'm sorry! I should have seen what I was doing!" Liara stuttered out in embarrassment. After quickly looking the Salarian over and seeing that none of it spilled on him, she quickly grabbed some napkins to clean up the mess but was genuinely surprised to see him already on his knees helping her clean up the spilled liquid.
"No need to apologize. My fault as much as yours. Too busy on omni tool studying notes to notice you as well," the Salarian said quickly as they cleaned the mess up and discarded the napkins.
"Thanks for helping Mr. ..."
"Solus. Mordin Solus. Professor, researcher and scientist, specialization in genetics," the Salarian introduced himself as he held out his hand.
"Liara T'soni," she greeted, matching his smile as she reached out and shook her hand. "I'm an archaeologist still in study."
"An archaeologist? Fascinating. And still a student?"
Liara broke eye contact. "Yes. I'm still studying at Thesia's Athena Research College Institute. I unfortunately had to take long breaks due to family and... personal reasons." She scoffed to herself. "90 years old and I'm still studying in college."
"Relatively speaking, if I were an Asari, I would've been 200 when I finished. Take no shame in it. Pursuit of knowledge and understanding is one great goal. Happy to see you perceiving through rough times."
"Oh," her smile returned as she looked back at him. "Thank Mr. Solus."
"Just Mordin, please."
"Ok, Mordin. Still, thank you."
"Won't accept an apology for telling the truth. So, tell me. What fields in archaeologists do you study?"
"I'm specializing in Prothean archaeology. I even interned at the dig site on Feros."
"Ah, heard about that. Largest cache of Prothean tech discovered in a long time. Shame it all eroded internally."
"Yeah, that wasn't my best moment in life. All that data, everything we could have learned and obtained, destroyed by plants." Liara couldn't help but chuckle as she thought back about it. "I was so livid when we found that out."
"Unfortunate, but-" Mordin's speech was halted when a soft beeping noise filled the room and grabbed everyone's attention. They looked to the source and saw a Turian with blue face marking standing on a raised patio.
"Everyone gather around please," he said. Everyone did so. "My name is Castis Vakarian. I am an officer in C-SEC Special Response force, and I will be in charge of your security detail." That got some looks and murmurs, but he spoke again before any questions can be asked. "Councilor Tevos was supposed to arrive to brief you all personally, but she is delayed due to other manners."
If he didn't have the crowd's attention before, he did now. Liara and Mordin shared a glance, each showing expressions of shock, mystery, and intriguing curiosity. One of the 3 most important and powerful figures coming to brief them all? Just how important was this?
"I don't know all of the facts, but I and the other top staff felt we should brief you on what we currently know so you have some idea of what's happening." Castis then typed into his omni tool and a holographic display activated above them, showing a Quarian ship.
"Two weeks ago, Captain Rael'Zorah of the Migrant explorationary fleet picked up an ominous, repeating signal of unknown origins originating from the unexplored regions. There is no mass relay in the area so it takes 2 weeks of FTL travel to enter the system."
Mordin's mind started racing with hypotheses. An unknown signal in unexplored space. It was definitely a sign of intelligent life. But then again the council was assembling an expedition team instead of a first contact team. If they found Prothean ruins, why didn't Castis mention it yet?
The holographic display changed to show a star system. "The system in question has a white dwarf class star, an asteroid belt, and a continental type garden world." The hologram highlighted each area as he spoke before blinking rapidly and zooming in on the lone planet. "As of this moment the planet has not received a designation, so I will refer to it as Planet X. Planet X has been determined to be the source of the signal, and… I'm sure it's best if you see for yourselves. These are images captured by Rael'Zorah's ship" He tapped a few commands on his omni tool. The planet shrunk to the side and in its place stood many 2-D images.
"By my goodness," Liara muttered to herself as her eyes shoot between the images. The images painted the picture of the aftermath of a space battle. Dozens upon dozens of destroyed ships littered the space of a planet. They were ships she didn't recognize, and with what Castis said only moments before, there was only one possibility of what those were: Ruins of a previously unknown alien civilization.
"As you all can see, Planet X is littered with the remains of alien ships, as well as a relatively intact orbital station. A Legion aboard the Quarian ship used ezzo half-life to determine that many of the warships were destroyed within an approximate time table of 50 to 60 years ago, though a small number of them were seemingly destroyed around 30 years ago, but we hypothesized that it was because some of the ezzo cores were still stable before collapsing several decades later."
Some soft murmurs filled the room of people making comments to friends or thinking to themselves. Liara continued to study the pictures. An entire world with the remains of a civilization… one that vanished within her lifetime. It was an unsettling thought. But at the same, she couldn't help but be captivated by the ships. She could see that there were there were several different types of ships in orbit around the planet.
One thing she learned was that you can tell a lot about a species's culture through their ship designs. The Turian Hierarchy prided their structure of order and might, and balanced their ships in armor and firepower, modeling them after an extinct predatory bird that once was common on Palavin. The Asari always modeled their ships after a tale about the goddess Athame and a creature she used to travel between the cosmos. The Salarians prided themselves in efficiency and made their ships as slim and sleek as possible to not let any resource put into it wasted.
But these ships? There wasn't just one type. There were so many different types and variations. Some even seemed to have decorative wood on the outside of their hulls. Wood on starships, something that seemed inconceivable, yet it gave the ships a beauty to them that she couldn't help but admire. Whatever this species and culture this was, she was excited at learning more.
"As I mentioned before, the only planet in the system is the continental garden world. However, the Quarians were not able to get a readout of the planet due to interference." Castis paused to type into his omni tool when Mordin spoke up.
"Pardon me, Officer Vakarian. You said there was interference. Electromagnetic? Atmospheric? Solar?"
"Ah, my apologies Mr-"
"Solus. Professor Solus."
"My apologies for skimming over that part, thank you, Professor Solus." The hologram highlighted and Zoomed in on the planet. "The Quarian ship was equipped with above adequate sensor arrays. They were able to get accurate readings from all over the system except on the planet itself. Images taken of the surface show no sign of any intelligent species still around, only ruins. The Legion and Citadel staff theorized it to be some sort of artificial jamming system still online somewhere on the surface."
This piqued Mordin's curiosity. A jamming system capable of hiding whats on an entire planet from sensors? The Special Tasks Group has a similar system to camouflage their bases on Sur'kesh and on other Salarian and Council colonies. They never had the power to relatively hide an entire planet, yet this civilization did. He suddenly understood one reason why the Dalatrass assigned him to this mission.
"After analyzing the situation, the Council had determined that the system is abandoned and will be for some time if not permanently by its former inhabitants. Why has yet to be determined. You all will be part of the research team. Your task will be to explore, discover, document, study, and research anything we find on and around the planet. Don't be afraid to take apart or overturn anything or travel anywhere, the Citadel has spared no expense for security for this expedition. That's it for now, you'll learn more when Councilor Tevos arrives sometime soon. Until then, your time is yours." Castis disabled the hologram and left the same way he came.
"Fascinating. Isn't it?" Mordin said to himself, but Liara couldn't help but think he was speaking to her as well.
"Yes, yes it is," she said with a smile.
Kronus, Ironworks Bay
"-other than that, there hasn't been any unusual Grimm activity in the areas surrounding Ironworks Bay. But, I'm still keeping my forces on high alert and even mobilized mechs along the shoreline in case of aquatic Grimm," Caroline Cordovin briefed James Ironwood as she pointed to several locations on the map using a presenting stick.
"Good," Ironwood nodded. "What about inside the city limits?"
"Calmer now that they were a week ago, but there is still some unrest from the crackdown operation."
"The same one that I advised against." It was more of a statement than a question. "It accomplished nothing-"
"It confirmed that those traitorous bastards killed at the northern gate were all that there were. The citizens of Kronus can now sleep calmly knowing we got them all."
"After some fearful days as you had your troops and huntsmen search every home in the city. The risk of attracting another large horde was too great. My own men even reported killing more Grimm than normal on the border during those searches," Ironwood didn't try to hide his annoyance. One thing he hated above all was unnecessary risks, especially when the Grimm were a factor.
"I don't care if you doubt my actions, but don't question my motives, " Caroline loudly sneered back. "62 people died in the attack, Colonel! 62 sons and daughter, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives! 62 precious lives lost forever! 62 funerals, that I attended and witnessed 62 families grieve and weep for their loved one! This whole planet trusted me to keep them all safe, yet I let a band of monsters slip in and between my ranks, under MY watch, and allow them to kill the people I swore to protect!"
Despite her grinding teeth and narrow eyes, Ironwood could see guilt and sorrow fill her eyes. It was a feeling he knew all too well. Her hardened expression softened as she leaned back in her seat. "I- I'm sorry Colonel, I didn't mean to snap at you. I..."
"It's alright ma'am. It was a bad situation, none of us saw it coming. You did the best you could," Ironwood said in a failed attempt to try and cheer her up.
"It's not just that James. I was here when Salem invaded during the war. I was only a petty officer then, in charge of safeguarding one of the smaller border towns. I let disguised agents of that witch slip through, allowing them to sabotage us and pave the way for the invasion force. We only survived because reinforcements arrived days later. And decades later I just made the same goddamn mistake. Only this time it didn't take months to clean the streets of all the bodies."
Ironwood's eyes looked away from her. Part of military and huntsman training involved studying past Grimm conflicts since their earliest history on Remnant. In those studies, he saw photos and video of the battle for Kronus. Seeing the aftermath of the conflict made his stomach turn. He couldn't fathom what Caroline felt seeing it all first hand as it happened.
"Many on Kronus hate me for how strict I am at times, but I don't care. As long as-" she was interrupted when the office door quickly sprung open and her two fiercely loyal and dedicated Nubuck guards.
"General Cordovin, ma'am!" One stood at attention. "We apologize for the interruption!"
"But someone is here to see you and the Colonel! She claims to be an envoy of Ozpin!" the other said.
Ironwood and Cordovin both stood up at this, al previous emotions replaced with shock and urgency. "Ozpin… can you confirm this?" she asked.
"We can not!"
"If it helps, her name is Glynda Goodwitch!"
The Nubuck guards then held up a scroll showing a security camera in the main lobby. Where a woman with blonde hair and glasses was waiting in front of a pair AK-133 mechs.
"I've seen her before, on a mission in the Epsilon Nebula sector. She's a graduate from Beacon Academy on Remnant," Ironwood said.
"That is a prestigious school, one that he founded," Caroline pondered for a moment. "Alright, bring her in."
"Yes ma'am!" The guards saluted and jogged out of the office. "Hup hup hup hup hup hup!"
Ironwood watched the guards leave before looking back to the General. "They're-"
"An odd bunch, but some of the best and most loyal fighters I've ever seen," Caroline replied with a smile. Before she could continue speaking, she heard the two Nubuck guards return, their backs were to them.
"Introducing: General Caroline Cordovin!"
"And Colonel James Ironwood!"
The guards part ways to the side and stand at attention. Glynda Goodwitch walked into the room and the guards faced back towards them.
"Miss Goodwitch, its good to see you again," Ironwood smiled as he held his hand up.
"To you as well Ironwood. Congratulations on the promotion." She greeted, shaking his hand before turning to Caroline. "General Cordovin, it's an honor to meet you."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Goodwitch," the shorter woman said as she walked over and shook the huntress's hand. "Now, I believe my men told me you were here on 'important business'."
Glynda's smile dropped slightly. "Yes. Unfortunately, I didn't come here for sightseeing."
"Let's cut the needless chit-chat then and get down to business," Caroline put her arms behind her back.
Glynda looked to Ironwood, who nodded in approval. "Very well. Have your guards-"
"They stay," Caroline interrupted. "They've been by my side for decades. Whatever I know, they know."
"Anything said in here shall stay in here!"
"Our lips shall be sealed!"
The guards then shut the office door and stood at attention at Glynda. The huntress looked like she wanted to argue but contemplated it for a few moments. "Very well, I trust you."
Glynda readjusted her classes as she took an unfamiliar looking scroll and placed it on the floor. She held her thumb onto it for several seconds and stepped away. The scroll unfolded and a holographic display appeared.
VERBAL IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED.
"Code 1-3-5-7-6. Hotel, Delta, Charlie, Iscar, Tango, Oscar, India, Golf, Whiskey."
VOICE SCAN COMPLETE. SPEECH TONE CONFIRMED CALM. MATCH CODE ACCEPTED. STAND BY.
Glynda took a step back towards Ironwood and Cordovin. A holographic screen displayed a two-way video call. On the other side was-
Ironwood and Cordovin's eyes went wide as the stiffened. Even the Nubuck guards eyes were visible under their hats with how wide they were.
"Can you hear us, Ozpin?" Glynda asked.
"Yes I can, loud and clear," said the grey haired man with unusually designed glasses, green scarf, and black formal wear. He took a moment to observe the others in the room. "I suspect you four were expecting a prerecorded message?"
The Nubuck guards nodded quickly. Even though Ironwood and Cordovin composed themselves better, they still let their surprise though. No one could blame them, it wasn't every day you got to talk to an immortal wizard who was practically the only reason humanity was still alive.
"Well, that is your preferred method with the academies. I can't recall a time you called any of us directly," Ironwood said.
"You would be correct," Ozpin said. "Though it is simpler, this situation requires is a special case, one that requires cooperation for when I arrive on Kronus in a few days."
Caroline gulped. "Y-your coming to Kronus?"
"Yes. Are you ok Miss Cordovin?" Ozpin asked with concern.
"I… no, I'm fine. But the last time you were here on Kronus was when Salem launched an attack here decades ago. Now there's trouble brewing once more and you're coming again. Be honest, how bad is our situation?"
"Not as bad as you think," Ozpin replied. "You handled the situation well and quelled the Grimm attack effectively, but there are many red flags from all of this that have me worried. I read the reports of the attack, some of the choices Salem's followers made don't add up for what they seemingly wanted to achieve."
"Explain," Cordovin stepped forward, her face turning to full seriousness.
"There are several, but I'll start with the main one point." Ozpin turned to the Colonel. "Ironwood, in addition to being a military officer, you are among the best staff aboard The Guardian, one of this sector's 5 mobile academies."
Mobile academies were a concept proposed after Salem's crusade to solve the problem of response times between worlds. Mobile academies are large spaceships that act like huntsmen academies. Many students volunteer temporarily to study, work and train on the ships to further their education while also seeing various other worlds within a sector. Graduate huntsman and huntresses even volunteer to serve on the ship to take various jobs on other worlds. On paper, it seemed like an ineffective and resource heavy idea. But in practice, not only do students get extra experience and training and got a wider view of the galaxy and what they're fighting for, but humanity also got an effective first response force when the need arises.
"It is one of the best, sir. I'm proud to be apart of it" Ironwood said.
"I can't argue with that," Ozpin smiled. "However, my point involves the academy. The Guardian has no set patrol route, but it does give the planets it's about to visit a heads up. Cordovin, was The Guardian's arrival to Kronus a secret?"
"No, I made sure the academy's arrival was announced on the news," Cordovin answered.
"Everyone knew that the academy was coming and when it would arrive days before it did. Say what you will about Salem's followers, but they are not entirely foolish. They also knew of The Guardian's arrival, and that its arrival would spell doom for whatever plans they had. Yet, they continued with their plans, causing the attack half an hour before The Guardian arrived."
"They knew the attack would have failed with Ironwood's arrival," Cordovin pondered. A moment later, eyes widening as she put the pieces together. "That's what they wanted."
"The attack was designed to fail, a distraction," Ironwood shared the general's expression. "But for what? Is Salem making a move?"
"No," it was Glynda who answered. "At least not in the sense you're thinking. The witch doesn't seek to conquer these worlds, just to keep our attention her instead of on her."
"There has been increased Grimm activity on the surrounding worlds, all easily quelled. But Kronus has been the only world where her followers were directly involved, most likely because of the tighter security."
"But what is it that's trying to hide from us?" Cordovin asked. "What is her plan."
"I have enough pieces of the puzzle to show what she wants, but the puzzle currently shows 2 different pictures. I want to gather the last few pieces to see which one is real before I fully commit. I should have them by the time I arrive." Ozpin looked away for a moment. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. If you have any more question, Glynda will answer them. I'll see you all again soon."
The hologram dissipated and the scroll folded back up.
A/N: So the rwby section ended up being a lot longer than I thought. I'll try to have more of a M.E. sided chapter next time. No promises though.
A lot more M.E. characters will be coming, unfortunately I won't have any Andromeda characters since I didn't play that game.
Volume 6 was amazing, but I won't use all of the new lore from it for this fic since it'll contradict what I have planned, but it did add a lot to help fill some gaps and added some more cool characters and Grimm to play with. (if you haven't watched vol 6 yet… what are you waiting for.)
Also 2 more quick facts:
-Castis is Garrus's father in the canon according to the wiki
-The Nubuck Guards are the 2 best soldier bois, its the name given to them on the wiki
Anyway, thanks again for reading, have a great day :)