Here's chapter two, I'm finishing up the war on Shanxi this chapter. In this one, I plan on introducing the Ungulate Union to the Citadel in this. Hope you enjoy it.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
Prothean/Synthetic Speaking"
Chapter 2: The End and a New Beginning
Shanxi, Ungulates Team
John Shepard scowl as the sword-horn beside him collaspe with both eyes gone from his skulls. It's reached the two month mark and the conflict seem to be taking its toll on them. Older bulls had ended up dead or unable to continue the conflict while the younger, inexperience, ones charged forward thinking they are immortal before dying in a hail of bullets. As an uxitaur falls over dead without her head, he growls before running at a turian with a sniper rifle.
Shanx, Turian Team
"Shit!" Vakarian dodges behind a torn up wall as the grey skin rhiman fire his rifle, "you got anything else or are you going to surrender?!" "Fucking turkey," the rhiman growls out before the hiss of plasma energy echoes as he charge forward with his bladed gauntlet. Vakarian looks over the side and ducks under a swing before jumping back, leavin his sniper rifle to get crush instead, and activating his omni-blade, "I will probably regret this." "At the least you're an honorable kill," the rhiman lunge forward with a jab, causing the turian to parry the blow and slash. As the rhiman blocks the blow, Vakarian leans back from a back swing only to be kicked away.
As he flies backward, the turian's omni-blade cuts into the left side of the rhiman's face. Swiftly rolling, the turian causes the rhiman to miss his head before he lashes out with a kick to his foe's chin. As the rhiman steps back for a charge with his remaining two horns, the young sniper lunges forward, with his omni-blade screaming for blood.
Shanxi, John Shepard
The battle was swift and deadly. A fight, nay a duel, in the mist of war. I felt the blade of my foe enter my heart...and I couldn't help the quick pass of fear. Slowly turning my head up, I lock an eye with my opponent and I see confusion in those dark eyes. Closely resembling a messenger hawk making its first kill, his head tilts to the side before eyes widen and breath hasten.
Realizing this was probably his first true kill, a kill where you gaze into the eyes of your foe and know you're truly alive. I smile.
Shanxi, Vakarian
As the rhiman before me smile, my guilt increase. I thought of the childern I orphan or the life mate I widow. The deep chuckling interrupted my mind, "How many fights have ya been in kid?" "Ya look too young to be away from your herd, so listen," the battle over, I see the few Ungulates retreating while my fellows cheer in victory, "my people been fighting each other since before we've realized we had wars." "And we love a good war," at my shock face, he laughs before coughing up red blood on my arm as the other turians blink in surprise, "without war, we would grow stagnant and unfocused...so I gotta thank ya." As the lights fade from his eyes, he smirk at me one last time, "I've been around for almost two and a half centuries, just make sure ya don't fail yerself...and ya gonna do fine."
With those last words, John Shepard died as a fleet of ungulates' ships warped into reality. The turians, knowing of the chance of reinforcements were gathered up soon afterwards.
Citadel, Council Chambers
Councilor Tevos watches as a video show a grey skinned humanoid holding General Orinia and General Arterius in a large cage. The alien looks akin to a krogan in stature but the differences were clearly seen. The alien before her dwarf the turians by nearly three feet, it was more muscular than a krogan, and she could tell it was old. The alien had a curved nose horn and, if she is counting the broken one on his right, a pair of tusk like side horns as well as dark brown eyes and two visible ears, "This Admiral Hackett of Ungulate Union, sending message to Turian Hierarchy to come for warriors at Gateway Apollo...good day." As she and Councilor Urix look over at a pacing turian, Tevos couldn't help shrugging, "So they sent a video telling you to pick your people up, I don't see the big deal."
"The big deal is that they're obviously taunting us," ignoring the two eye rolling, Councilor Candiion click his mandible angrily, "but they'll be surprise when we-" "Will do nothing," an old turian walks in follow by a collection of other, "I apologize Councilors but I must request someone to accompany me as a translator." "How can we do so if we can't speak the same language," the salarian councilor scratches below his chin while Councilor Candiion scoff. The old turian smiles at the confused salarian, "We contacted a few of your people and they mention one of your men having a possible translation program." "Ah yes, Berborm Solus has began such," the salarian blinks before tapping on his omni-tool, "will send him over with the program when finish."
Relay/Gateway 314
Admiral Hackett snorts as the two generals sat in front of him, "How long your people come?" "It shouldn't be any longer Admiral," the female general, Orinia if he remembers correctly, chimes calmly while the younger male twitches, "do you have anyone who can speak Prothean more fluently?" "Shepard clan speak best, I'll call when your alphas arrive," as he says this, two turian ships and two unknowns appear on the starboard side. As the ships slows to a stop, Jane walks up the steps before meeting with the admiral, "Sharp horns." "Strong hide," as Hackett nods at her then, a small ship head towards the large dreadnaught, "let's go meet the guests."
Sparatus, assistant to Councilor Candiion, shift from foot to foot nervously, "I don't like this sir." "Let's just hope this salarian knew what he was doing," as the pair walks with the other, a pair of red face rhimen look down on them. Tevos looks over the translator before clearing her throat, "We are with the turians, here to pick them up. May we pass?" One of them, the younger of the pair snorts dismissivily only to flinch when the older bull punch him the shoulder with a growl, "You heard Admiral Hacketts, now take them up before I smack you around." "Sorry elder," the younger bull mutter softly before he motion for them to follow. "Anyone knows why they didn't demand we leave our weapons," as Tevos glare at the turian councilor, Urix taps his chin in remembrance.
"The way of their people is called Spear and Olive branch," as the others look at him with raise curiousity, he shrugs as they pass a pair of yellow skins, "it means greeting each other peacefully but be prepared for an assassin." "So they don't trust us, good to know we're in being treated with fear." "They don't fear the turians...they respect you as a warrior race and treat as such," as he finishes, the door opens revealing a red headed female and the admiral from before. Tevos places a disarming smile on her face through her nervousness. She has heard of how the three horned race before her shrug biotic attacks and, as an asari, felt as though the immunity to such as discomforting, "I am Councilor Tevos of the Citadel Council, of which the turians sit upon."
The old bull chuckles before looking over to the much younger female, "Looks as though you were right about them possibly learning Unglatese Shepard." "Either that or they have outstanding translators," as Shepard turns towards the group, she smirk with a shrug, "greetings Councilor Tevos of Citadel, I am Governor Jane Shepard and this is Admiral Hackett. A pleasure." "Quite, although I feel the to ask why are you here," realizing her comment could be taken insulting, she opens her mouth to apologize when Jane laughs loudly."I'm here to thank these two generals here," ignoring the shock on their face, she grins savagely, "they just helped cull out the weak leadership on Shanxi and cause a good old fashion power flux." "How is that a good thing," the lone salarian chimes in, making the tall ungulates look at him, "Councilor Urix at your service."
"It's customary amongst our people to wage small wars that absorbs the weaker city-states and/or cities," the curious face of the salarian councilor brought a smile to the old bull's face, "it's our way of ensuring that poor leadership doesn't affect the people." As Urix nods, Councilor Candiion scoff with a raise eyeridge, "And why are you telling us this?" "Because, at the end of the day, you've helped us more than harmed us," Jane smile kindly at the confuse members of the Citadel, "so, besides asking about our culture and for your soldiers back, why are you two here?" As the three councilors look at each other in silent conversation, Sparatus look at the two generals, "Arterius, Orinia, are you both un hurt?" "Just our pride," Desloas grumbles out as two of the councilors nods while the turian huffs, "it's against their belief to treat prisoners of war too roughly."
Tevos smile warmly at the pair, "We would like to invite you to join the council." "You won't start with a seat," Urix mutter in a slightly hurried pace as the rhimen's eyes widen, "however there's a good chance of you receiving one." "So what is your answer?" Candiion drawls out as the pair look at one another. After a short while, Jane tilts her head to the side before Hackett look over to them, "This is...a great offer that we'll bring to the primes." "Who or what is a prime?" Sparatus ask as several nearby rhimen and uxitaurs stumbles at the word of the admiral.
"The primes are the leadership of our people," Jane stares up towards the ceiling with a serene glimmer in her eyes, "they are both the wisest and the strongest." Hackett scratches under his left side horn with closed eyes, "They are old, one of them being in his twilight year of a millenium, as well as powerful spiritually."
Two weeks Gaia, Rhisontos
When Councilor Tevos and Matriarch Benezia step on the homeworld of the Ungulate Union, they were dreading the thought of a planet covered in tall cities of metal. To their surprise and confusion, they've learn that all sentient species in the UU hated paved roads with a passion. This was based on the claim that the deities want to feel the soul of the person when on a world, not the conquest of a planet. It had taken sometime for them to get away with wearing shoes, but they gaze at the capital of the Ungulates' homeworld called Rhisontos. From a distance, they could see a sparkling city making Benezia smirk at a squirming Tevos, "Would you calm down, I'm sure that we're almost there."
As the ship drifts closer, Tevos glare at her close friend, "How can you not be excited, when was the last time you seen a homeworld?" "Never before and it's because you, I have," Looking out the window, they see a flock of bird like creatures fly over the city, "although I would have thought that there would more technology." Before either could respond, a soft chime drew their attention, "We'll be landing in seventeen minutes, please return to your seats." The craft slowly descend until with a light jolt, they'd landed. As Benezia took her time to prepare, Tevos sped towards the exit where a tall uxitaur stood, "Come on you slow poke."
"Act your age," as the older of the two laugh, the uxitaur's eyes soften before she opens the door. As they step out and to the side, they gaze up at tall crystal buildings with spirals and arches. As they look around, they see the form of a salarian waving them over, "When did Councilor Urix get here?" As the pair walk over, they see him talking to a young female rhiman with ornate tattoos decorating her yellow skin, "Great that you're here, manage to procure a ride to their parthenon where the primes usually meditate." "Why are you here?" as Tevos step into the spacious vehicle, they feel the cab speed forward at a decent pace.
Urix blinks before smiling at the pair, "Studying the culture of course, did you know that there are still some groups, crashes if we're using the correct terminology, that still use the exact farming style they used when they were nothing but roam tribes. In fact-" "Is there anything we should know about the primes?" "Yes, the primes are seen as the pinnacle of ungulate society," Urix eyes sharpen on Benezia, getting a surprised jump from the two asari, "the three of them are Ozpin, Gandolf, and Sabrina." "Ozpin is an elderly uxitaur who is said to be such a powerful biotic, or shade manipulator, that he has been recorded moving small islands," seeing the slight fear in their eyes, he laughs, "yes, terrifying as that maybe, Uxitaurs prefers to not fight and Ozpin is always in the act of learning." "Sabrina is the oldest Forest-Tender, the fur covered rhimen, at a thousand and eighty four and is known as the mother hen of the group," as the young yellow skin driver nods, Urix continues, "she is the one that remove seven trees from Gaia, by hand mind you, before replanting them on Shanxi by herself."
The salarian shiver as the vehicle slows to a stop and the trio step out, "Finally there is Gandolf, he's a Red-Face that has killed a large fleet of ships by himself in a blood rage. He's also extremely territorial and is of the belief that any being that isn't a member of the UU deserves death." As he finishes, loud slow foot steps could be heard. The first one out was Ozpin, an uxitaur with white fur and yellow warm eyes. Next to appear was Sabrina, who was walking with a cane. Her nose horn had snap off years ago and her brown fur has lighten to a near orange color with scattered of grey dotting her form.
Finally, Gandalf stomps out with his head held high and a scowl on his face. Scars decorate his body and face like a collage and his two side horns broken at the tips with the left on being closer to his face, "What the pits are these...intruders doing here?" Before the trio could open their mouth, Ozpin deadpan at the rhiman, "Enough sniveling, you two agreed with me that this was the best choice of action, yes?" As the rhiman grumbles irritatbly at the smug uxitaur, Sabrina limps over to the young yellow skined, "Thank you little calf, we'll watch over them." As the young female bow, the trio watch as Sabrina clears her throat getting the two's attention.
Following behind the trio of old ungulates, the three foreigners look at stained glass with various battles and scripts carved into them. Ozpin push open the doors, revealing a large garden with various flowering plants and trees. The elderly ungulates walk over to an oval shape with several pillows before sitting down and Sabrina waving her cane, "Come younglings, come and sit." "You have journey a long ways," Gandalf rumble out as the trio of Citedal members took a seat, "and gaze first at our warriors...then our culture." "Before we give you our answer, let us eat and we have food prepare for your...unique palate," as Ozpin says this, a group of Field-breakers brings out trays of vegetables, fruits and meats.
As the meal progress, Benezia look over to age warrior, "I don't mean to insult you...but I expected for this to be a trap to kill us." As the other two snicker, Gandalf glares at the pair before sighing, "That would be breaking guest right." "Until you start trouble, we can't do anything against you," the trio blink before looking over at uxitaur. As he briefly makes eye contact with the others before clearing his throat, "Very well, I might as well do it now than later." The six rose before the three primes turn towards a collection of cameras, each showing a different insignia, before standing taller with Concilor Tevos standing before them, "By the grace bestowed upon us by the People who elect us by strength and the gods that chose us by wisdom, we render our decision."
"On the Ungulate year of thirty six twenty six, we bestow onto Tevos of the Citadel Council the Pact of Horns," a scatter of applause grew until Ozpin rose his hand causing the cheer to calm, "with it, we sign to assisst the Council in times of war and strife." As the crowd burst in applaud, in citadel space several races cheer at the ceasefire.
Shanxi, graveyard
Jennifer held Joice as several people walk away from their father's grave, each giving well wishes to their mother and sorrow towards for their father. As the mother and two daughters headed home, they refuse to speak with one another. A week has gone by when they found out that John Shepard had fallen in battle. Some words were thrown around before things went mostly back to normal. The only good piece of news was that Jane, being the only mayor left on world, could absorb all the city-state under her command.
As the various lesser warlords try to challenge, Jane frowns before rising from her chair. "Alright, I'll fight ya...it'll at least keep yer mouth shut," the warlord had little time as Jane rose and swung her Fistus at the youngster's neck, cleanly decapitating him, "or dead, either works for me." As she sit back down, a wide smile cross her lips as an elderly Forest-Tender walk over to her, "Hey, what's up Doc?" "Jane for shame on you," Karin Chakwas playfully scolded the Red-Face, "using such an ancient term." The two laugh before the doctor turn nudges the planetary governor playfully, "How we go for a girls night out, hm?"
"You, me and the girls huh," Jane smirk before turning to her comm unit, "I'll call Jack and Kasumi." "Miranda and Ashley are in for it, see you tonight." Watching Karin walk out, Jane calls her favorite uxitaur, "Hey Kaiden...you remember that favor you owe me."
Next chapter, there will be a massive timeskip. For those of you who mention the characters ages, please look at the chapter that has the timelines. Until next, stay awesome.