My computer has been faltering in performance recently. I will continue to update, but I cannot say when next. Reviews improve the quality of my work, hopefully.
Outsiders
Chapter 6
The crew of the Normandy was assembled in a large meeting hall, spartan save for a few banners displaying alien symbols. They were unarmed, but not under as strict a guard as they had been before. Nevertheless, four large and impressive-looking aliens stood guard at the side of a raised dais, behind which stood a tall and regal figure. He wore lightly colored robes and carried an ornate staff.
Tali'Zorah vas Normandy had been born and raised on the quarian Migrant Fleet. Her race had created the geth for manual labor, but the geth developed an intelligence of their own. The quarians had attempted to deactivate them, and the resulting war drove her people into exile. Since then, they had been forced to live as refugees, traveling the galaxy in search of resources and safe havens.
These aliens, these Tau, had cut down an entire army of geth, and had done so with minimal casualties. Their weaponry was more powerful than anything available in Citadel space. She could not wait to get a closer look at their technology, if the Tau would let her.
After they had been apprehended by the Tau and brought back to their base, she had been separated from the rest of her team and interrogated by a Tau, a member of something called the Water Caste, she picked up. The interrogator had been polite and reserved, speaking as though they were simply having a casual conversation. At first, the Tau had seemed interested in the humans and her relationship with them; she got the idea that something confused them. Shortly after, though, the questions turned to her and her people. She had been careful what she said, but had tried to be open.
Now, they had all been gathered together here, and this figure was preparing to address them. "You have come to a world formally claimed by the Tau Empire. You bear armaments and perform surveillance. Yet I do not believe you are our enemies. You come here out of curiosity and approach with caution. You have demonstrated some wisdom in your actions, and I am willing to extend a hand of friendship." He planted his staff in front of him. "I am Aun'el Cea'cen of the Tau Ethereal Caste. In the name of the Greater Good, I ask you to join us in brotherhood."
Shepard stood up. "My name is Commander Shepard. As part of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel, I would wish to begin a formal diplomatic exchange between our peoples. With your permission, I will contact my superiors and arrange for a meeting at the Citadel, our center of government. We can then establish a treaty of friendship."
The aun'el nodded slowly. "This has been a most beneficial meeting. I will have the Air Caste prepare for the voyage." A Tau adjunct entered the room, and said something softly to the Ethereal in their language. "If you will excuse me, something requires my attention."
After he left the room, a Water Caste adjunct approached. "Your ship in orbit awaits your arrival. You may return to it presently, however please do not leave orbit. We will contact you shortly."
The aun'el moved to his reception area to receive the news.
"Your excellence, a few hours ago the Nicassar reported sensing a most troubling disturbance in the Warp. We do not know the origin of this event, but it could not be far. Do you believe these aliens had anything to do with it?"
Cea'cen considered for a moment. "The Air Caste detected no warp technology onboard their vessel. Addressing the issue at this time would be unwise. We shall wait and investigate this Citadel of the aliens; I predict this will be a most illuminating venture. In the meantime, have the Nicassar stay on alert. The Vash'aun'an is perilous." The aun'el turned to the door to his personal chambers. "You may depart now. I have many things to contemplate." The Water Caste adjunct bowed and left the room.
Shas'O Lynu'elan examined his Crisis armor suit. The suit had saved his life on multiple occasions during his lifelong campaign for the Tau Empire. Amongst the most advanced systems employed by the Tau, the Crisis suits were piloted by the most experienced veterans and commanders of the Tau Fire Caste. Highly maneuverable and capable of being outfitted with nearly every weapon system deployed by the Tau, it was feared by the enemies of the Greater Good.
The shas'o watched as the final touches were made in the suit's newest modifications. Worker drones began spraying a grey mist over the suit's previously sand-colored exterior. He nodded with pride as he turned to address the assembled Fire Warriors below from the elevated dais he and his armor stood upon.
"Brothers and sisters, you have served the Tau'va with honor and courage. The Ethereal could not be here to commend you in person, but he asked me to relay his blessing.
When the Vash'aun'an'Sho'Karra was first discovered, you were the first to brave its unknown tunnels. When the synthetics first struck, you stood firm, despite the fact we had no way of knowing how many were crashing down upon us. You held them off with plasma fire, pushing them back to make way for the Greater Good. Now, we stand on a field of victory, and a new, bright age awaits us."
Lynu'elan began to pace. "His excellency, Aun'el Cea'cen prepares to sojourn with the Water Caste to a great alien citadel to bring the light of the Tau'va to this galaxy. We shall stand vigil, for there are always those who cannot see reason, though we give them peace."
"Today, we stand guard on the newest ground dedicated to the forwarding of the Greater Good." The work on his Crisis suit was finished. The standard Tau scheme had been painted over; the suit now stood ash-grey with scarlet highlights. Lynu'elan raised his fist to his chest. "Fire Warriors of the Clee'san sept, I salute you!" The assembled warriors silently responded in unison, their faces somber but resolute.