Councilor Tevos had no idea what to think of these new aliens, in all honesty.

Yet, that was practically par for the course. Young races, eager to claim the stars as their own, were always unique – such was the nature of the galaxy, of the universe. In body, superficial and cursory, Tevos knew that no species was truly alike another, upon first glance.

But in mind? In spirit?

Well, the asari matriarch had always found a particularly eerie similarity between the various peoples of the galaxy. Of course, there were always differences – the innate militarism of the turians, perhaps, lay in deep contrast to the judicious tact of the asari, or the consumerist, scientific nature of the salarians.

And so, Tevos knew that there was likely a certain degree of… familiarity that could be found in these humans. Yet, a deeper understanding had yet to be found. Obviously.

In body, the humans were scarily alike the asari – more so than such frivolous similarities with the turians or salarians that were often found to be the focus of some so-called 'azurephiles' throughout the galaxy.

But the physical nature of humanity stunned Tevos. Their facial structure and features, so incredibly emotive and seemingly just a color tone away from her own people; the five digits arrayed about their hands, a trait so seemingly rare in the galaxy, far outnumbered by those with three; and, ultimately, the whole of their body.

Yet, what truly piqued the councilor's interest was the duality of the humans – not in some philosophical or spiritual nature, but simply in their dimorphism. The evidently chief envoy before her was alike the asari – sleek and feminine, and Tevos could only assume she was a female of the humans. But those at the diplomat's flanks followed the natural traits of the males of most species of the galaxy – broad-shouldered, stockier, and such.

Tevos' mind raced at what an asari male could possibly look like – akin to the men of humanity. Her heart raced at the potential.

Yet, she knew there was a job to be done. The diplomat, identified as "Anita Goyle," was waiting. She and her compatriots stood across a table from the three councilors, guards of both parties likewise facing each other.

They were within one of the Council Chambers' auxiliary conference rooms – moderately sized areas where the Council, and those who sought conference, could speak in peace. After all, while the normally ostentatious media was persuaded to be unperturbed and hushed for any council meetings, the Council Chambers were still, technically, a public area.

Prying eyes would have to find gossip and material elsewhere.

A table sat between the two parties. Tevos found herself idly tapping at the expensive wood and varnish, and inwardly scolded herself. Such actions were byways into immaturity and anxiety, and despite the circumstances, she would display neither.

"So," a voice finally broke the silence, and Tevos turned to her right, eyes landing on the turian councilor, Jorius. "As we can definitely assume, we've a great number of things to discuss." Talons rested on the table as the turian leaned forwards. "Should a brief history and summation of our respective civilizations suffice?"

The humans exchanged glances, and from experience Tevos could tell that entire arguments and discussions occurred within a few gazes and stares. After a few moments, the lead human, Ambassador Goyle, nodded.

"It will. Care to start?"

Tevos' brows scrunched at the apparent audacity, but she ignored Goyle's words as best she could. "It'll be our pleasure.

"As you may have learned already, the Citadel is an amalgam of every civilized, spacefaring society and civilization in the galaxy," Tevos began, gazing intently at the human ambassador. "We, the Council, are the ruling political body, and are comprised by the three main species, as I'm sure you can see."

"Yes, I've read as such. Salarians, the scientists of the Citadel. The asari, the diplomats and governors." The ambassador turned to Jorius. "And the turians are the military arm, policing the galaxy."

Tevos threw a glance at the turian councilor to her right, but caught herself before it could develop further. She returned her gaze to Goyle, whose eyes flicked between the two councilors.

The matriarich silently cursed herself for such a maiden-like mistake.

Before she could continue, Goyle raised a hand. "Your dossiers mentioned other species. Hanar, drell, elcor…"

Councilor Jorius spoke up, nodding. "Yes. Affiliate, or in the case of the volus, client, races of the Council," he answered. "They do not hold a position on the Council, but they are important to the Citadel nonetheless."

Tevos could hear it – that strand of frustrated abhorrence, seemingly ever-present in Jorius' flanging voice, when in regards to the Council's lower races. Despite herself, the asari matriarch could not help but grumble, ever so quietly, in annoyance.

"And," Goyle responded, the muscles in the human's left brow raising. A similar gesture to that of the asari, perhaps? "Would you say that these… affiliate races have equal authority? Rights?"

Tevos nodded, making sure to speak before her peers could. "Yes. Every species has equal rights and opportunities. Whether or not they make light of them, is up to themselves."

"And yet only three races hold seats on the Council?"

The asari councilor resisted the urge to frown. Had she not already said so? "Yes," Tevos replied, painting a grin upon her features. "Other species have not yet shown the merit required to hold a seat on the Council."

Tevos watched as the human ambassador frowned, yet in seeming opposition to the simple gesture, both sets of… fur, above the eyes, raised. As if the ambassador was pleasantly contemplating her newest piece of information.

"If you'd like us to continue…?" Tevos prompted.

Goyle raised a finger. "One more question."

"Go on."

"There were other races in the dossier your diplomat supplied us," Goyle began, leaning forwards with apparent interest. "But they weren't marked as affiliate races. Quarian, krogan, batarian…"

Councilor Sann cleared his throat. "Those are species unbound by the Citadel's laws and restrictions. They are independent."

"They are sensitive issues, Ambassador," Tevos smiled warmly. "Complex. It'd take too long to discuss every one of them now—"

Goyle raised a hand. "No. I know you said this was to be brief, but I want to hear about them all. From you."

The councilors looked at each other, for a few moments, and Tevos returned her gaze to the humans. "Very well. The quarians have been exiled from Council space. They created a hostile race of sentient artificial intelligences."

"Artificial intelligences?"

"Outlawed in Citadel space, Ambassador," Jorius responded. "Does the United Earth Republic own or make use of AI?"

The human was silent for a second. "No. And there are no current programs to develop a sentient artificial intelligence." The ambassador fixed Jorius with an intense gaze. "But we do utilize non-sentient intelligence. Colony or city-wide maintenance, offline naval navigation, weapons-system calibration… will those be an issue?"

Tevos smiled. "No, ambassador. In fact, such programs are used throughout the galaxy for similar reasons. We call them 'Virtual Intelligences,' or VI."

"Right. Now, moving on. The krogan?"

"Another special case," Sann responded. The salarian was smiling. "The krogan species is, at the moment, comprised of a multitude of different clans and organizations. Some individual krogan are even clan-less."

"Do go on." Goyle seemed interested.

"The krogan clans have a single embassy on the Citadel, but they're mostly something of an isolationist power," Tevos said. "The Citadel currently holds non-aggression pacts with most of the major krogan clans, which has come in handy, considering the degree of civil tensions on Tuchanka, their homeworld."

The ambassador leaned even further forwards, both hands splayed on the table. "Civil tensions?"

"Yes," Jorius began. "The krogan, as a species, are severely divided. Most, if not all, of the clans back one of two political factions.

On one side, you've Clan Nakmor. They have been able to promote the development of a singular krogan nation, as well as peace and coexistence with the Citadel."

Anita Goyle nodded, her expression unreadable even to an experienced matriarch as Tevos. Which made sense, considering humanity was only a newly discovered race – even despite their similarities with the asari.

"That's one faction. And the other?"

"Clan Weyrloc," Tevos replied, resisting the urge to scowl. Out the corner of her eyes, she could see her peers attempting to do the same. "Ambassador, the krogan are, as a species, inherently violent. Savage. In fact, they destroyed their own homeworld, before they were uplifted by the salarians."

The matriarch glanced to her left, an eye on the salarian councilor.

"While Clan Nakmor has been somewhat successful at mitigating the destructive potential of the krogan, Clan Weyrloc and their supporters yearn to embrace it," Tevos continued. "They are heavily militant, and do not promote peaceful relations with the Citadel and the Council."

Goyle furrowed her brows. "And yet you've managed to sign a treaty of mutual non-aggression with them?"

"A temporary solution, most likely," Sann said. The salarian councilor frowned, shaking his head. "The Council is keeping a close eye on the solution."

The humans looked visibly intrigued. "Alright. And the last species – the batarians. What about them?"

Tevos made to speak quickly. "An independent government. They are an isolationist power, holding territory in the Skyllian Verge and the Terminus Systems." Too late. She could hear Jorius grumbling, and the matriarch turned to see a glower painted upon the turian's mandibles.

Tevos' heart sank as Goyle glanced at the turian councilor. "Your colleague doesn't seem to like them. Why is that?"

"The batarians have recently elected to leave the protection of the Council. They are… troublesome," Sann replied in turn, and Tevos made a note to speak with the salarian later. They could not afford to simply throw information at this new race!

"In what way?"

"Hm," the salarian pondered. "The batarians are a… hegemonic species. Their mantra, their creed, states that the strongest will survive, and dominate the weak. As such, they practice several… rituals, illegal in Council space."

Goyle's eyes narrowed. "Such as?"

"Slavery," Jorius finally said, his flanged voice trembling with a barely hidden rage. "They left the Citadel after my people retaliated against a slaver raid. The batarians were… unhappy, with that decision."

Tevos resisted the urge to groan, instead keeping her expressions blank as she gazed at the human ambassador. She watched Goyle's fists clench – she was visibly troubled. "Skyllian Verge… Terminus Systems… I don't know what these words mean. Councilors, the Republic possesses an inherent desire to protect its own citizens," Goyle said flatly. "You would understand when I say that we would like to know where these territories are."

An omni-tool flashed into existence out the corner of Tevos' eyes, and she turned to see that Councilor Jorius had activated something. On the table before them, a holographic display sprang into life – a model of the galaxy, neatly divided into several partitions.

Inner Council Space.

Outer Council Space.

Terminus System.

Attican Traverse – (Skyllian Verge).

Batarian Space.

The asari matriarch carefully watched as the ambassador's eyes narrowed into a tight glare, lips pursed, and fists tightly grasped the edge of the table. Even the human assistants at her sides were visibly perturbed.

"That's… awfully close to human space," Goyle finally said, averting her gaze from the display. "Thank you, councilors. This information will be put to good use."

The display closed, and Tevos could not help but let loose a breath of air she'd no idea she had been holding. The room was silent for several long moments, and the matriarch found herself pursing her own lips in slight frustration.

"I hope that should suffice for the Citadel, Ambassador," Tevos said, breaking the silence. "If I may, I ask that we learn about your own government."

Goyle simply nodded. "Right. You did receive the dossier on human history and culture, yes?"

"Indeed, we have. A rich history, if I recall." Tevos hadn't made too much of an effort to read it yet, but from what she had read, the matriarch hadn't been too impressed. "I enjoyed reading it."

Too much war, if she recalled correctly. Too similar to the turians for her liking, Tevos surmised, as she stole another glance at Jorius.

The ambassador snorted. "I'm sure. In that case, I won't bother to recant it to you, Councilors, but there are some… current issues that I've been instructed to inform you about."

Tevos gave a genuine smile – though not due to any sense of kindness or charity, as her grin may have implied, than due to an inherent interest in issues plaguing government.

Potential weaknesses to exploit.

"Very well, Ambassador."

Goyle frowned, tilting her head ever so slightly to the side. "I will be honest with you, Councilors. The United Earth Republic, like the krogan, is in the middle of some civil tensions."

The human ambassador then smiled, gazing up at Tevos. "Not to a great degree, I assure you. More of a minor annoyance. But my assistants will be happy to supply any relevant information, should you seek it."

Tevos, with all her centuries of political and governing experience, could practically sniff the duplicity, the deception. But she would not push it – she would not lose sight of such a potential weapon, by whisking it under humanity's metaphorical nose.

"Very well. I'm sure we'll learn much about it. Now, moving on—"

Councilor Sann stopped her, raising a hand. "One moment, please," he said, before turning to the humans. "I do have some questions, Ambassador. If I may."

Goyle nodded. "Go on, Councilor."

"Your technology," the salarian began, and Tevos struggled to resist placing her head in her palms. Goyle looked otherwise intrigued. "It is like nothing I have ever seen before – all known technology in the galaxy runs on Element Zero. Even – especially – faster than light travel."

"Element Zero?" Goyle asked, but the salarian didn't seem to have heard her.

"But, as we learned earlier today, your Republic doesn't seem to be bound by such parameters – you did not even use the Mass Relay!" Sann explained, speaking faster and faster. "I'm sure our assistants can convene with yours to exchange information about technology, but I would love to hear firsthand how your ships travel."

Goyle's lips were, to Tevos' discontent, curled into a frown. "Councilor, I don't think that such discussions are apt for our conversation today," the human finally responded, and Sann visibly deflated.

Tevos herself grinned, despite herself. The matriarch preferred not to have her political meetings – even those regarding first contact – interrupted and elongated by such blatantly hobbyist talk—

"But I'll entertain you," the ambassador continued, and Tevos watched as Goyle fixed the asari councilor with a smile. "That is, if that would be fine by you, councilors?"

Tevos returned the smile with her own, adding a bit of her own patented spice to the grin. "No," she said brusquely. "Go ahead, Ambassador. We have the time."

"Very well," Goyle responded, as Sann practically glowed with elation. "Councilor Sann, you are right – the Republic does not utilize this 'Element Zero' in any capacity."

Despite herself, Tevos gaped for a moment. A quick glance around the room produced the same expressions on her colleagues.

"No Element Zero?" Sann blustered, visibly shaken. "Then, how do your ships travel faster than light?"

The ambassador smiled. "I'm not much of a scientist, councilor, but I can run over the basics," Goyle said. "The Republic's means of faster than light travel is based upon the congregation and amalgamation of two drive systems."

"Two?"

Goyle nodded. "Yes. The Steymer Oscillation System, and the Rausch Shock Drive."

The salarian councilor was practically salivating. "Explain?"

"Happily," the ambassador began. "The science is beyond me, councilor, but to my knowledge, the Steymer system works by creating a bubble, of sorts, around which gravity and space are distorted. It's one half of our system."

"And the other one? What does it do?"

"The Rausch Shock Drive then introduces a powerful magnetic charge throughout the bubble," Goyle explained. "The bubble, and the space around it, effectively become a self-contained electro-magnetic chamber. Councilor Sann, I'm sure you're familiar with coilgun technology?"

The salarian councilor nodded. "Yes, yes, I think I understand now. I have to say, that is quite the ingenious solution. Turning your ship into its own… 'railgun,' for lack of a better term." Sann chuckled, his reptilian eyes alight with excitement. "I am excited to hear more about human technology!"

Goyle smiled, and for the first time, Tevos could tell that it was genuine. "I'm sure, councilor, but I'm afraid it will have to wait for later. We do have much to discuss today."

"Yes, yes," the salarian agreed, somewhat despondently. "I suppose so."

The room fell back into silence, and Tevos watched Goyle's gaze, seemingly expectant. With introductions, explanations, and salutations out of the way, Tevos surmised that there was only one crucial matter left to discuss.

After all, the Council had a habit of offering a gift to all new species. Whether or not they took the "lifeline," as some matriarchs had begun to call it, was up to them. Tevos was not quite sure what she thought of the humans yet – she hoped they were not all like Goyle, and perhaps more malleable than the turians or salarians – but she was sure the humans would not decline.

No species had, so far. Even the batarians, isolationist and abrasive as they were, had joined the Citadel as an associate race.

And, Tevos silently fumed, would have remained an associate race, had Jorius and his people not been so… hasty. As much as the asari and salarians had attempted to salvage relations with the hegemonic batarians, the turians had not so much burnt bridges as rained hellfire on them.

Such were the origins of Tevos' current anger towards Jorius. And while Sann, the oblivious, bumbling fool that he was, had no personal qualms with the turians, Tevos had always been proud of her relations with the most important salarian dalatrasses.

And they were unhappy.

But, Tevos inwardly mused, now was not the time to simmer on missed opportunities. Here was a new race, young and perhaps (hopefully, in the matriarch's mind), naïve. And she would by no means let such an opportunity slip from her grasp.

"Now," Tevos began, catching the attention of all in the room. Goyle's intense gaze fixed itself on the matriarch, and she smiled warmly. "Ambassador, as I'm sure you've gathered, association with the Citadel is very beneficial. Trade, culture, status – there is much the Council can offer to every species."

"I'm sure." A deadpan response.

"In any case, the Council would like to propose an offer to humanity," Tevos continued. "We would have the United Earth Republic establish an embassy on the Citadel, to ensure good diplomatic relations and association with the Council."

"An embassy?" the human ambassador asked, looking askance. "May I ask what doing so would entail, Councilor? Just to make sure that 'embassy' means the same thing between our species."

The matriarch nodded. "To establish an embassy on the Citadel, Ambassador, would be to receive the full benefits of association with the Council. Every species that has joined the Citadel has experienced flourishing trade, a vibrant cultural revolution, and exponentially growing stellar and political influence."

Goyle was silent, and Tevos continued.

"You will be protected by the fleets and armies of the turians, asari, and salarians, gain access to scientific research and knowledge, and be allowed to petition for mining, colonization, and other ventures in Council space."

Tevos ended her speech with a beaming smile – and it was genuine. After all, who hadn't declined such a great deal? Even the krogan had been part of the Citadel once, and arguably, still were.

Yet, the human ambassador was still frowning, eyes slightly narrowed. At that, the matriarch's smile faltered, for just a moment.

"And the catch?" Goyle asked. "Forgive me, Councilor, but we can't expect the Council will just give us all of that, without expecting something in return."

The matriarch shook her head. "There is no 'catch,' ambassador."

Goyle looked skeptical.

"The only thing that the Council would expect in return, is that humanity follows all Citadel laws and regulations, and yield to Council peacekeeping efforts." Tevos brought a hand up, an omni-tool springing to life around her wrist. "If you would like, I can supply a datapad with all the relevant information. And the time to read and discuss."

The humans exchanged glances, murmuring amongst themselves. Tevos stood patiently, but she let a hint of a smirk creep onto her lips.

Finally, accord seemed to have been met. The ambassador, Goyle, returned her gaze to Tevos with a nod.

"We would like that. Give us a few moments if you will, councilors."

Tevos smiled, her head at the slightest angle. "Gladly, Ambassador. The Council will be waiting for you at the petitioner's stage."

A symbolic act as well as a practical one. Of course, Tevos had always known of the reasons as to why the so-called "Petitioner's Stage" was so large, dominating over those who would seek the Council's audience. Should Goyle come to the preferable choice – the only real choice – they would do so under the Council. As an associate race.

There was much the asari would gain from this new species, Tevos thought with a barely hidden glee. With her fellow councilors at her side, the matriarch sauntered out of the conference room.


The room was quiet. Extraordinarily so, considering there were still seven people remaining in the chamber.

Well, Anita Goyle supposed, four of the said seven were their guards. They were supposed to be silent.

In any case, she rapped her knuckles on the table, eager to get on with the oncoming discussion. Two pairs of eyes matched hers, uncertainty clear within them.

"Well?" Anita queried, raising a brow. "Asher, Udina? Don't just stand there, I want to hear your thoughts."

The two assistants exchanged a glance. After a moment, the former picked up the present datapad, while the latter turned back to her.

"Well, Ambassador," Udina began, his words trailing. Anita had never really liked him – he was smarmy, slimy – always seeking that hidden advantage, the arm over the opposition.

The perfect politician, unfortunately for her.

"As smug as the asari councilor seemed to be," the man started. "I don't think we can afford to look past this opportunity. A galactic community of aliens – I'm sure there's much we could gain from joining.

"Hold a moment," Asher interrupted. "I'm reading through this datapad – there's a lot to parse through. But…"

Anita tapped a foot in slight impatience. "But?"

"First of all, should humanity join as an associate race, several treaties would immediately be put into effect," the young diplomat said. "Free trade, though it does seem to give the Council seats an advantage… immigration laws, the establishment of free cultural exchanges and educational initiatives. All colonization bound by Council regulation and law. And then there are the more… suspect ones."

Goyle beckoned for Asher to continue.

"We'd be subject to policing and military activities from the Citadel Council," Asher began, eyes wandering further down the datapad's contents. "And stopping said activities would cause economic sanctions to be applied."

Anita shook her head, already disappointed – the Office of Republic Intelligence would have already pleaded her to reject such a regulation.

"We'd have to supply seventy percent of all our… what is this, 'Element Zero?'" The young man was evidently confused, but Anita knew what the datapad spoke of. That wouldn't fly, either. "Further, our military would be bound and restricted, per Council laws. Given the size of our current navy, the Republic would have to downsize by a factor of… six."

By now, Anita had already set her mind on a decision. She could even see the guards, as silent and unmoving as they were, fidgeting ever so slightly in apparent perturbation. Yet, she wanted to hear the rest.

"Go on, Asher."

He nodded. "Yes, ma'am." A finger swiped across the datapad. "Besides the military restrictions, we'd also be expected to provide five to ten percent of our navy to support the Citadel Fleet. Also, there's word of what they call 'Spectres.'"

Asher looked up from the datapad, clearly bothered by its contents. "Spectres are supposedly personal agents of the Council, and are not bound by any laws within Council space. They're free to do as they wish, provided they are working under the Council's authority."

Even Udina, as slimy as the man was, muttered in disgust. Anita wondered in stupefaction – why would any independent race agree to such terms and demands?

Perhaps the other races hadn't as much to hide as the Republic, the experienced ambassador pondered. That, or they were possibly forced to join the Citadel. Either way, the Republic would have no part of it. Not now, anyway.

"There's one last object of note," Asher continued. "By Council law, all associate races are to share all technology that they possess." The young man looked back up, frowning. "Ambassador, with all due respect, even I know that High Command would never agree to such a thing. It's obvious the Council has none of our technology, and neither do we, theirs."

He set the datapad down. "Ambassador, as much as we'd stand to gain from joining the Citadel, there's so much we could potentially lose. I say we don't join."

"Agreed," Anita responded, nodding. "These terms are just ridiculous. Asher, are the three Council races bound by any of these regulations?"

The young diplomat picked up the datapad again, shaking his head. "They're bound by most of them – trade, education. But not some of the more important ones," he explained. "Their navies and militaries aren't capped by any stretch of the imagination. The three council races are given priority in colonization initiatives, and are restricted from policing each other unless the actual Council itself intervenes. They're allowed to keep their own personal stores of… Element Zero." Asher sniffed. "Wouldn't be surprised if they were hoarding tech either, at this rate."

Anita turned to Udina, a brow raised as if prompting him to speak. "Donnell, you're outnumbered according to democracy anyways, but I want to hear what you think."

Udina shook his head. "Can't be outnumbered if you're on the larger side."

"Then it's decided," Anita declared. "The Republic is not joining the Citadel as an associate race. Not at this rate, anyways."

Not unless they were given a seat on the Council, Anita thought with a chuckle. It was meant as a joke but… well, would the Republic deny such political clout should such an opportunity come to pass?

Anita just hoped that decision wouldn't be up to her.


It had been some time later, when the human envoys finally emerged from their conference chamber. It was clear that they had discussed at length, but Tevos could barely wait to hear their agreement. They would agree, of course – after all, no other race had ever declined such an offer.

The humans' expressions were blank, unreadable, as they approached the petitioner's stage. An asari matron, one of the Council's assistants, met them halfway, a datapad exchanging hands. As the humans stopped, a smile found its way onto the matriarch's lips.

"Ambassadors," Tevos began, her arms splayed apart in a welcoming gesture. "I'm sure you've discussed at length. The Council is eager to hear your decision."

Goyle gazed up at Tevos. "That is true, Councilor. We've come to our conclusion." The woman coughed once, before continuing. "It's clear that the United Earth Republic stands to gain much from joining the Citadel as an associate race…"

Tevos' smile grew even wider.

"… But the terms to joining are simply much too restrictive," Goyle said. Tevos felt warmth rush to her cheeks, while coughs could be heard to her sides – whether in indignation, shock, or amusement, she could not parse. "The Republic declines the Council's invitation. We would, however, like to discuss further arrangements."

Tevos simply stood in shock for a few moments, before shaking herself back to reality. "Ambassador, are you sure you would decline such a generous offer? Humanity could be missing a great opportunity here!"

Goyle nodded. "That may be so, Councilor, but we've come to conclusion that the Republic would potentially lose more than we would gain. At the moment, the United Earth Republic would prefer to maintain its independence and autonomy." The ambassador smiled. "However, we understand the potential of good relations between Earth and the Citadel, so we would propose an alternative?"

Jorius responded before the matriarch could. "Go on, Ambassador," the turian said.

"We would propose that, instead of establishing an embassy on the Citadel, thus subjecting the Republic to all of the Council's laws and restrictions," Goyle began, "we would establish a consulate."

"A… consulate?" Councilor Sann tested the word on his tongue, as Tevos continued to sputter. "And what would this mean for relations between our governments?"

Goyle smiled again. Tevos found herself beginning to hate that smug, conceited grin.

"The consulate would simply serve as a bridge between the Republic and the Citadel, Councilors," the ambassador explained. "A formal means of communication between our two governments, and to establish common laws, treaties, agreements, and deals. Further, we would invite the Council, or any representatives, to visit the human homeworld itself, Earth, and speak directly with our Senate."

"Senate?"

"The ruling body of the United Earth Republic," Goyle responded. "The Senate meets in Cologne, a city on Earth."

"Intriguing," Councilor Jorius said, his mandibles spreading in apparent interest. "Ambassador, are you certain in your decision to decline association as a member race of the Citadel?"

"Yes, Councilor." The ambassador's voice was firm, unmoving. "Speaking for my government, at this moment in time the Republic possesses no desire to join the Citadel. Our own offer still stands on the table."

Jorius simply nodded, before exchanging glances with Sann. Tevos did not bother to return his gaze – the matriarch knew that, either way, she would be outnumbered in votes – especially considering the inherent natures of both councilors.

The turian councilor returned his gaze to the humans. "Very well. Ambassador Goyle, the Citadel Council accepts your invitation. We will prepare a diplomatic party for your Senate. In the meantime, I suggest we begin the process of outlining the establishment of your consulate, and any further preparations."

Tevos did not bother to pay attention as her fellow councilors engaged with the humans. Frustration, and perhaps a bit of fury, boiled within her veins. There were calls to be made, orders to be actioned upon, and positions to be recycled, replaced.

And how old was Councilor Sann, anyways? Tevos did not feel like waiting long to arrange a more… suitable replacement.

Several hours earlier, the matriarch had no idea what her thoughts and feelings were on humans.

Now, she supposed she did not like them very much at all.


A/N: That's about it for this chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed!

Next chapter or two aren't real chapters - we'll get a brief (and I mean brief) timeline of the UER's history and background, as well as a codex of any relevant information.