Mass Exodus

Chapter 4

Mirese could barely containe her wonder as she saw the two ships approach. Each one had a similar sweeping design that Mirese decided she rather liked. But what amazed her was the scale of them. They were huge. The smaller was four kilometres long, which was two km smaller than the longer. But the smaller was clearly a war ship. Mirese had counted twelve turrets of various sizes on it's surface and (according to the computer) six monstrous rail guns.

And none of it used any Mass Driver technology.

"They are hailing us." Announced her communications officer. Mirese panicked internally. The trained diplomats weren't here yet, and she worked for the space coast guard. She nodded dumbly. "Writing compatibility script. We are accepting digital handshake. Visual components syncing."

The main screen flashed into life. It showed a stark white control room. A number of aliens were all busy at their holographic panels. But Mirese was concentrating on the two who were standing on the central plinth.

The first was much taller then the second. But both were blue with facial features rather like a Human or an Asari, but flatter, smoother. And they lacked a nose. It was replaced by a slit down the centre of their face. The taller of the two was incredibly thin making him look somewhat oddly proportioned. The shorter was wearing a long set of billowing robes that hid his frame but Mirese assumed he was as thin as his associate because every other person on their bridge was that thin.

The shorter nudged the taller and muttered something. Mirese took that as her que. "Hello." She began. She talked slowly, miming what she said as best she could. "I am Captain Mirese Kyra of the Citadel safety patrol fleet." She took a calming breath and gave her best smile. "I have the honour of being the first to greet you on behalf of the Citadel council. I hope that this first contact is the start of a great friendship between our two peoples."

The two aliens seemed to be confused. That was understandable given they had no idea what she was saying. The link should be giving Asari subtitles to everything she was saying. That combined with the Asari dictionary they had sent over should allow their computer to form a translation matrix. Apparently it was taking some time.

There was a bustle of activity in the alien control room. Someone passed the two leaders some sort of microphone connected to a data pad, which the shorter one spoke into. "Thank you. We had a brief malfunction with our translator, but it appears to have fixed itself." He laughed and gave a friendly smile. "I am Ethereal Aun'Vre T'olku Prinol. And I greet you on behalf of the Tau Empire." He exchanged a few words with his tall companion before addressing Mirese again. "I wonder if we could negotiate passage back to Tau space using your web way?"

0

"She seems rather confused Ethereal." Commented Fralom, as he watched the Eldar gape like a fish.

Prinol looked down at the data pad. "Perhaps the translator has malfunctioned again." He wondered aloud.

The Eldar spoke to them again. "It appears our translation matrix is having some trouble. We don't recognise the term web way." She looked at them in a way that reminded Prinol of a lost Kroot puppy.

"Excuse me." Said Prinol politely. He took another data pad out of his robes and skim read the report Por'Vre Tsu'bur had compiled. He let Fralom finish introducing himself and the ships before he spoke again. "There is nothing wrong with your translator captain. It appears that The Citadel isn't on our list of Craftworlds, so you may have a different name for the web way."

Mirese took a small breath before answering Prinol. "I'm afraid I've never heard the term Craftworld before either."

Prinol looked down at his pad again. His face crinkled up in annoyance, before a look of revelation struck him. "May I ask. What race do you belong to captain?"

Mirese's smile had long since given way to a look of profound confusion. But she managed to answer with a confident tone. "I am an Asari. My species is one of the founders of the Citadel Council, along with the Salarians. The other member species are the Turians. We are a coalition that promotes peace and co-operation across the galaxy." She finished with a proud smile, that faded at Prinol and Fralom's looks of confusion.

"It sounds like a worthy institution." Began Prinol "But so far as I am aware, the Tau Empire is rather expansive. And it has never come into contact with any Citadel Council."

Mirese floundered "Well, uum, I. I..."

An ensign whispered into Fralom's ear "The gate has powered up. We detect another ship entering the system."

On the Asari ship the communications officer told Mirese; "The diplomatic team has arrived."

"Oh thank fuck." Muttered Mirese, the tension visibly leaving her body. She turned back to Prinol and Fralom. "A team of trained diplomats have entered the system via the Relay. I will leave you in their capable hands."

Fralom whispered something into Prinol's ear before disappearing off screen. "Yes." Said the Ethereal "It would be our honour to host your diplomatic party. I will put you in contact with Por'Vre Ke'lshan Tsu'bur. He is our chief of administration, he will be able to arrange for any dietary or atmospheric requirements."

Mirese smiled "And I shall transfer the details of the XO on the..." She checked the name of the diplomatic ship "Rising Spirit." Because of course it was a Turian ship. Their last first contact went so well didn't it.

Prinol's smile became a little forced as he was addressed by someone off screen. Mirese couldn't quite hear what was being said but it seemed to be rather distressing news. "Very well." He said. "I shall leave the data transfer in the capable hands of our communications officer. I hope to see you soon."

"You to." Answered Mirese just before Prinol cut the communications.

0

Mirese almost ran up to the diplomatic team as they exited their shuttle on the flight deck of Thessia's Pride. "Oh thank goddess you're here!" She bowed respectfully to the leader of the diplomatic group. Another Asari, significantly older than herself. She was joined by a Turian and a Salarian.

The Asari diplomat bowed back. "Calm down Captain." She said with a smile. "All things considered you did very well."

Mirese did indeed take a calming breath before responding. "Thank you Matriarch. But I am happy you are here to take over."

"Yes, well." She commented with a small smile. "I am Ressi Setora. May I introduce Anysus Bode of the Turian Hierarchy and Dr Supant Vumino, from the Salarian Union."

Mirese bowed to them. "I am honoured to meet you all."

"Thank you for hosting us." Said Dr Vumino. He was tall, even for a Salarian. With smooth, pale green skin. It was clear to Mirese that he took care of himself, that he strived for a pristine appearance. "How much can you tell us about the 'Tau', I believe you called them."

Mirese sighed. "We had better go to the briefing room." She told them, motioning towards the door.

A few minutes later the four of them had made themselves comfortable, sitting around a rectangular table with a holo display. Currently it displayed a rough schematic of the lead Tau ship The Raised Spear. Complete with glowing lines, showing where the major power lines were."

Anysus, the Turian, inspected the hologram. She was short, but incredibly stocky with muscle piled upon muscle. She was old, but still (comparatively) the youngest member of the diplomatic team. Mirese could tell from the scars on her cheek that she'd served in the military at some point (not a surprise) but it was clear she had never abandoned the strict exercise regime.

"Well that's a war ship." She said jovially. It was now that Mirese realised he had a very grandmotherly look about her.

"Cannot blame them for using an armed ship to explore new space." Said Vumino reasonably.

Anysus nodded in agreement "Correct. But that ship isn't just armed, it's a war ship. There's no fat on it at all." She pointed to a blip in the left 'wing' "And if I'm correct that's a redundant power system. That only links with the weapons."

Vumino waved dismissively. "We can't be sure that-"

"That's just one of six." Insisted Anysus.

Ressi sighed. "What does this actually tell us?"

Anysus shrugged. "Not much really. But I'm just pointing out that an 'empire' has gone exploring with a war ship. They may not have wanted a fight, but they defiantly expected one."

"I will admit." Said Ressi. "That they term themselves as an empire does worry me."

At this point Mirese quietly excused herself, but before she could leave the room Ressi called her name. "Could you please stay."

"Why?" She asked, confused.

Ressi gave a friendly smile. Mirese decided she didn't like this, at all. "We talked about this. And we have decided we would like you to lead the discussion." Ressi told her.

"Errrm. What?"

Vumino also smiled. "We reviewed the footage of your interaction with the Tau. You quickly and easily developed a natural rapport with them while answering their questions."

Anysus gave a nod. "And with the exception of the comment about how expansive their empire is you handled everything very well."

"You seem to have a natural talent for diplomacy captain." Added Ressi. "And it would aid us greatly if the initial point of contact, a friendly face if you will, continued the first contact procedure."

Mirese stepped back, she held up her hands defensively "I work for the SPF. I just help lost merchant shipping. I can't do this."

"You don't think you can do this." Corrected Ressi. "Whereas I, know you can do this."

"And we'll be there to help you all the way." Added Vumino. "We will prepare you for every eventuality."

Anysus clapped Mirese on the shoulder. "I've looked at your service record. You've repeatedly shown the ability to keep calm under pressure, you've shown the ability to keep your subordinates calm under pressure, you've assisted at least one ship of almost every race in the galaxy and you have never failed to calm it's crew and captain, and help fix the problem in a safe and orderly manner. Almost every skill you have developed as a captain can be transferred to the situation at hand."

"You have a knack for dealing with people." Asserted Ressi.

Mirese clenched and un-clenched her hands. She thought deeply about the oppurtunity she was being given. "And what if I fuck it up massively?"

"Then we'll take the blame." Ressi assured her. "We'll chalk it up to bad translators." She joked. "But seriously, this is hardly a galaxy shaking peace treaty. We're just going over for an exchange of cultural information. A glorified dinner party." Ressi laughed and smiled when Mirese joined her. "Don't worry. The complicated bits will be handled by trained and experienced diplomats."

"And you mustn't forget." Said Vumino, knowingly. "They will be trying just as hard as us not make any mistakes."

0

"You cannot allow the Kroot to be present for this first contact!" Yelled Tsu'bur. He was almost purple with open fury. His voice echoed through the meeting hall. Ordinarily Tsu'bur would be airing his grievances quietly, diplomatically. But they were the only two people in the hall, the usual gaggle of aids and assistants were missing. It had been agreed there simply wasn't enough room around the meeting table for all five caste leaders and the four members of the aliens diplomatic team.

Or'es, the subject of his fury, was distinctly unimpressed by his shouting. "I informed Korless of the situation we are in, including the first contact scenario. He requested that he be included in all future meetings."

"But why did you say yes!?" Bellowed Tsu'bur.

Or'es gave the water caste administrator a withering look. "Because they are part of the Empire, and they deserve to be represented."

"You are correct of course Shas'O." Sounded the unmistakable voice of Aun'Vre Prinol. Or'es turned to see the Ethereal and Kor'O Fralom walking towards them. "But you could have represented them surely."

There was a small voice in the back of Or'es' head that said 'of course not, they're Kroot and I'm a Tau'. This voice was quashed by Prinol's very presence. "I suppose I could have tried." Or'es sighed. "But I have already told Korless he could be present."

"Well you'll simply have to tell Korless that he can't." Scoffed Tsu'bur.

The hair on Tsu'bur's neck stood on end as a clicking, scraping voice behind him asked "Tell me what?"

Tsu'bur spun around slowly and looked up into the metaphorically sharp eyes, and literally sharp beak of Korless, the Kroot shaper. "That you, cannot... be. Here, here for..." Tsu'bur began to sweat under the hard gaze of the Kroot warrior. At almost ten foot tall Korless was the just about the tallest person on the ship. Whenever he moved the whipcord muscles of his body rippled with potential energy.

"I cannot be here for...?" Said Korless insistently.

Tsu'bur was rescued by Prinol. "We were discussing whether you should be allowed to sit in on this meeting. But I insisted that you be allowed. After all, who else is going to represent you?"

Korless looked over to Or'es who could only nod weakly. The Kroot turned his gaze over to the Ethereal who gave a thin smile. Korless' eyes narrowed as he examined Prinol. He clicked his beak and walked away towards the table. The rest of the group followed him to the table and took their respective places, sitting in seats with their caste symbol carved into the backs. Korless chose to sit on his haunches on Or'es' left.

"Where is Fio'O Firir?" Asked Prinol.

The group turned to the Earth caste chair, which was indeed empty. Tsu'bur pulled out his data pad and scrolled through his messages. "He and his team are studying the data packet we were sent."

"He should be here." Said Prinol. He said it in calm way such as that everyone knew he was losing his patience. "Tell him to get here as soon as possible."

Tsu'bur nodded and tapped a message into his pad summoning Firir to the meeting.

0

Mirese took yet another deep calming breath, going over the information she had read and digested during the briefing. All of it was simple stuff about the Citadel and the three main Citadel races. All of it she knew. But she was still incredibly nervous. The Asari shuttle wobbled slightly as it entered the Tau hanger bay, the mass effect field of the small ship momentarily fighting the artificial gravity of the larger Tau vessel.

Ressi leaned over to Mirese. "You'll be fine." She told her with a smile.

The shuttle clumped as it hit the deck of the ship. The back door opened to reveal another of the tall Tau flanked by a pair of shorter, stockier men (or women) wearing thick, ochre coloured body armour. Most notably a shield like plate covered their left arm. They each carried a long rifle. Which they held, resting against their shoulder. Anysus nudged Mirese, who took a final deep breath, and exited.

The Tau stepped forward. "Welcome aboard The Raised Spear. I am Kor'Vre Ha'wind. The captain of this ship. It is a pleasure to meet you in person." He placed his hand on his chest and bowed low. Mirese repeated this gesture, as did her three companions. Then, following the advice of Ressi, she gave a similar, traditional, Asari greeting.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well captain." She said with a smile. "May I introduce Ressi Setora, Dr Supant Vumino and Anysus Bode." The three diplomats bowed in turn as they were intoduced.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all as well." Ha'wind smiled before motioning past him towards the main corridor. "It is my happy duty to lead you to the meeting hall."

The four diplomats politely followed Ha'wind as he led them through the ship. First to a large lift, which he explained was for moving large equipment and replacement parts through the ship. The trip in the lift was accompanied by an uncomfortable silence as neither party truly knew what to say to the other.

Anysus took the time to inspect the equipment of the soldiers escorting them. The rifles were very long, at least four feet by his estimation. He supposed the length would make it more accurate at range, but he couldn't see what kind of ammunition it might fire. Both the guns and the armour they wore seemed to be made from the same smooth, but sturdy looking material.

Soon the party came to a set of double doors. Each one had a set of five symbols carved into its gleaming white surface. Dr Vumino turned to their Tau companions and back to the doors before asking Ha'wind "What significance to these symbols hold?"

"I will allow the Ethereal to explain." Said Ha'wind with a smile. Then he flung open the doors to reveal four Tau of various size and shape.

And beside the table, sat on his haunches was a large alien, completely different from the Tau. It was thin and wiry with dark green skin, except for the patches on it's front which were a pale olive. In various places all over it's skin were patches of short, black quills. But stretching out the back of it's head was a huge set of enormous quills, most of which had small bands of metal wrapped around them. And underneath it's small beady eyes was a huge, sharp beak.

It turned to look at them and Mirese could almost feel it deciding how to cook her. She swiftly decided she was being stupid, it was just her nerves acting up. It probably wasn't helping that it was wearing a short cloak of crudely stitched animal skins.

0

The Tau all looked up as the doors to the meeting chamber opened. And in stepped Ha'wind, two fire caste guards and four aliens. The first two they recognised as Asari, the other two they didn't. The first was taller than the other three, and longer limbed. It's face was dominated by a huge pair of dark red eyes. It's skin was smooth and coloured a mottled brown. It's head was capped by a pair of horns that jutted straight up.

The final alien was shorter than the other three, but looked the most dangerous. Covered in a stone grey carapace with various small ridges and fringes. With a pair of small, sharp eyes darting around taking in every detail.

Aun'Vre Prinol leaned over to Tsu'bur. "Where is Firir?" He asked quietly, through gritted teeth.

"I don't know." Admitted Tsu'bur nervously. "I have sent him five messages."

Prinol could only nod as the four aliens stepped up to the table. He stood and bowed, as did every Tau present. "Greetings and welcome aboard The Raised Spear it is an honour and a pleasure to have you here." He told them. "I hope your translator implants are able to facilitate communications?"

"Yes. We understand each other perfectly." Answered Mirese before once again introducing her three companions.

Prinol smiled "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I must introduce first myself. I am Aun'Vre Prinol of the Ethereal caste." He motioned to each Tau in turn as he introduced them. "This is Kor'O T'olku Fralom of the Air caste, Shas'O Or'es of the Fire caste and Por'Vre Ke'lshan Tsu'bur of the Water caste. We should be joined by Fio'O Fi'rios Firir of the Earth caste at any moment. But he is our chief engineer so he may be indisposed by any number of problems." Prinol laughed a small dignified laugh. He was interrupted by a small growl. He looked over to Korless who returned his piercing gaze. Prinol turned back to their guests and motioned to Korless, who stood to his full height. "And this is Shaper Korless of Pech. He is the leader of our Kroot contingent, the Kroot race being a member of our empire."

Mirese looked over the Kroot who gave another look that sent shivers down her spine. "We would like to ask you about your Empire. How expansive is it?"

Prinol continued to smile as he explained. "Our Empire is located in what we refer to as the galactic east and covers roughly fifteen major star systems." He either ignored or didn't notice the odd looks that shot between Mirese and Ressi and continued. "We were hoping to ask you about, the Citadel Council I believe you called it. You see we have never heard of the Citadel Council and we have never met anyone who has. And we have been in contact with large galactic polities."

Mirese froze. She remembered being told what to say about this, but it had all evaporated from her head. Ressi gave her arm a small nudge. "Well I'm afraid they are lying to you. It is not uncommon for more advanced civilisations to try and take advantage of those they perceive as less advanced."

Or'es scoffed. "Well if it is a con trick it's an incredibly violent one. The Humans launched an invasion. It was not pleasant."

Mirese turned to Ressi, who's mouth had fallen open in shock.

"Wait." Said Anysus. "The Alliance invaded your sovereign space?" She asked, the shock evident in her voice.

Or'es gave the Turian a confused look. "Alliance? No, the Humans called themselves Imperium of Man."

More looks were exchanged. Ressi was about to say more when the doors behind her slammed open. In ran a short, stocky Tau wearing thick brown robes. He all but sprinted up to the table and almost fell over he was so exhausted.

Prinol stood up and gave Firir a look of fury. "Fio'O Firir this is incredibly rude! I expect you ha-"

"I have to ask these people some questions." He puffed.

"Then you can follow proper channels and-"

"NO!" Bellowed Firir. Prinol was too shocked to be offended as Firir turned to Mirese and her fellow diplomats. "Do you recognise the following terms or names?" He asked them.

"Ork?" They shook their heads.

"Imperium of man?" They shook their heads again.

"Eldar?" No again.

"Psyker?" More shaking.

Firir's head fell into his hands. "Firir." Said Prinol dangerously. "This charade better have a point."

"One more question." He asked quietly. He pushed a pad towards them. On it was a picture. The picture showed a huge purple blotch, suspended in space. Nebulae danced across it's surface like clouds over an ocean. "Do you recognise this image? Humans call it the Eye of Terror."

Mirese looked at the image. She swore she could see faces in the, whatever it was. Her eyes began to water. She didn't want to look at it anymore, but she couldn't turn away.

"Mirese?" Asked Ressi, concerned.

Firir pulled the pad away and put it away in his robes. "I'm sorry." He said. "It can have that effect on people."

"What was that?" Asked Prinol, his voice raw. The image had had the same effect on him.

"Something I pulled from the secure files." He told him. "You don't recognise it?"

They shook their heads yet again. "What was that?" Asked Mirese quietly.

"The Great Wound." Said Korless in a whispering voice. "Visible from everywhere in the galaxy."

"We've never seen anything like it." Said Dr Vumino.

Firir fainted.

They all peered over the edge of the table at him. "Well I hope he wakes up soon." Muttered Tsu'bur. "I want to know what all the fuss is about."

"We're in a different galaxy." Muttered Korless. He was so calm he could have been talking about the weather.

Their was a thud. Tsu'bur had also fainted.