Chapter 10: The Ties
Annalise stood on the orbital tether's passenger car that connected the Phoenix Orbital Shipyard to the North American continent. Joining her in the passenger car was Tali, Rael'Zorah and his Admiralty compatriots, Shepard's ground team, and the entirety of the Normandy's CIC Crew. The crew would all come down in waves, and allow the ship to undergo refits. The Quarian delegation joined the Normandy crew on the tether ride, seeing as they would be arriving in the Imperium, the Capital of the UHE. The city stood on the site of Washington D.C., and it payed homage to the great city that served as its predecessor through its architecture, street names, and locations of monuments and buildings.
As the passenger car moved at blinding speeds towards the surface, a strange object drifted in orbit around Earth. It was one of the few free-floating artificial satellites that the planet had. It was a strange object, appearing to be constructed of modular tubes with solar panels jutting off of the sides. The Humans aboard the lift recognized the object as the International Space Station, or at least most of it. Aboard the station was a monument, a time capsule of sorts. It was designed to carry the names of every Human astronaut and cosmonaut, dating all the way back to Yuri Gagarin, all the way to the Humans that perished aboard the original ISS when the Council attacked Earth. This Station was an echo, a replacement to remind Humanity where their future was, despite the foes they would face when they got there. It was launched into orbit not long after the reestablishment of government on Earth.
The Quarians were glued to the viewport of the passenger cabin, seeing the borderline utopian surface of Earth grow closer. It was a gorgeous mix of silver architecture, mixed with the lush greenery of the North American flora. The N7 Team had seen this view dozens of times, but that didn't make it any less awe-inspiring. Eight billion people lived on Earth, and it was nothing short of a masterpiece of terraforming technology, Human ingenuity, and sheer dumb luck that it looked this beautiful.
After a thirty minute ride from Phoenix Station to Imperium, the passenger car set down on the surface of Earth, slowly equalizing the pressure between the two vastly different environments before allowing the door to slide open. Upon opening, the massive blast door revealed a monument to Mankind's strength. The Imperium Ground Anchor Station was massive, eight hundred meters in diameter and served a similar function to an old airport. There were security checkpoints, waiting rooms, shops, and restaurants. All of this was closed down, however, due to the party that was greeting the arrivals.
Chancellor Stratton himself, along with an entourage of four Imperial Honor Guards clad in their grey dress uniforms, stood awaiting the arrival of the Quarian Admiralty. As the Quarians stepped out of the tether's car, the Honor Guardsmen stood at attention, their boots clicking together in perfect, practiced unison.
Stratton stepped forward, a genuine smile on his face. "Welcome to Earth, my name is Chancellor Haddock Stratton of the UHE, and it's an honor to welcome the Quarian Admiralty to the homeworld of my species."
"Thank you for inviting us, Chancellor." Shala'Raan responded, bowing her head slightly. "Your planet is a wonder to behold."
"Built by the collective will of the Human species, risen from the ashes of war and destitution to become something greater." Stratton recited with a smile. "From sand to dust, and dust to the Earth you see today." Stratton seemed to scan over the Quarians for a moment. "My apologies, but it was my understanding that there were five Admirals, not six."
"This is Tali'Zorah, my daughter." Rael responded, gesturing to Tali. "She insisted on coming along."
"Well, I'm happy to have you here, Miss Zorah." Stratton turned to the four N7 operatives and the crew of the Normandy that stood around them. "And it's also a privilege to have the decorated crew of the Normandy back home as well. You've all done some excellent work out there, and you're all receiving commendations." Stratton looked directly at Shepard, giving her a slight grin. "Excellent work, Commander Shepard. You've done Humanity proud."
"Thank you, sir." Shepard responded, giving a quick salute.
"Chancellor, we've considered your offer-" Gerrel began, but he found himself stopped by Stratton.
"Please, the Tether's anchor is hardly a place to discuss this. If you'll join me, the Legislature Building would be a far better place to talk."
"Before we go, I would like to say that we have accepted your offer." Raan responded, earning a smile from Stratton.
"That's excellent news." Stratton said, nodding. "I'd imagine that we have quite a few details to iron out… how long can you be away from the Migrant Fleet?"
"We can be away for as long as the discussion requires, but if it runs too long, we would like to request the ability to move the Flotilla into the Sol System, so we can remain in easier contact with our people and abate some of the fears they may have."
"Of course, all of that can be discussed in the Legislature. I'll have accommodations prepared for your extended stay, should it be required."
"Of course." Shala'Raan responded.
"Would Tali'Zorah be permitted to attend?" Rael asked.
"I'm afraid not." Stratton responded. "The Imperial Legislature is not open to the general public during diplomatic hearings, and I'm afraid that I'm not at liberty to make exceptions to that rule. There is plenty to keep her busy here in Imperium, however. It's the largest city on the planet, after all."
"I'm not exactly comfortable with Tali wandering an alien city alone." Rael responded.
"She wouldn't be alone in the slightest, I could have a Guard assigned to accompany her." Stratton responded.
"That would be best." Rael responded. "Could Kal'Reegar go with them?"
"Of course." Stratton responded. The Chancellor turned to look to one of his Guards. "Mister Jarvi, if you wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not, sir." The Guard, now known as Jarvi, responded with a nod.
"This is Colonel Nikolai Jarvi, UHE Imperial Honor Guard." Stratton explained. "He can accompany you anywhere in the city."
"A pleasure to meet you." Jarvi said, nodding.
"Likewise." Tali responded.
"Now, shall we be off?" Stratton asked, earning nods of approval from the Quarian delegation. "Excellent. If you'll follow me, there's a motorcade just outside the Anchor that will take is to the Legislature." With that, Stratton and the Admiralty headed off.
Shepard sighed, seeing the Chancellor leave with the Quarians in tow. She turned to look at the other occupants of the passenger car, spotting Sam caught like a deer in headlights. "You alright, Sam?" Shepard asked, eyebrow cocked slightly.
"Did… did The Chancellor just give me a commendation?" Sam managed to squeak out, still shaken from having the, arguably, most powerful man in the galaxy a mere ten feet from her.
XXXXX
"How can you be so casual around him?!" Sam asked, walking down the streets of Imperium with Shepard's team, Tali, and Jarvi. The Honor Guard was staying a bit further back, however.
Shepard shrugged "I've interacted with him enough to not freak out every time I see him."
Sam nodded in understanding, following behind the N7 Officer. Eventually, she spoke up again. "Are you sure about this, Annalise?" She asked. "I can stay on-station in orbit, it's no big deal."
Shepard scoffed. "No friend of mine's staying on a space station's barracks, not when we're already in my home town." She responded, definitively. "Ash, Miranda, and Kaidan are already staying with me anyways. One extra won't be a problem."
"You all stay with Shepard?" Sam asked, looking to the rest of her team. She didn't know any of them very well, with the exception of Ashley. They had interacted on more than one occasion over drinks in the Port-side observation deck.
"It's been a bit of a tradition ever since we started our N7 Training." Shepard shrugged. "Every time we had leave on Earth, we'd stay at my place, since Miranda and I are the only two Earth-born in our team." Sam nodded in understanding.
"It's also really fun." Kaidan added. "No shooting, no armor, no ranks, just four idiots spending shore leave well."
"Sam makes that five idiots, now." Ashley reminded, smirking to the Comms Specialist.
"Awfully quiet back there, Tali." Shepard said, craning her neck to glance at the Quarian.
Tali was far too busy taking in the massive skyline of Imperium, ogling the sleek machines driving down the road, and looking to every human that passed by her. A few of the Humans in question didn't even spare her a passing glance, more concerned with their own business, but a few turned to look back, some stared, a few smiled, and a young child waved to the tall Quarian. There were a few that wore scowls as she passed, which she fully expected given the Human view of the rest of the galaxy, but they made up a surprising minority. Shepard's words shook her out of her stupor, however. "S-Sorry, Shepard. Just taking in everything."
"It is a lot to take in." Shepard nodded in agreement.
"I should probably take you to your accommodations, Miss Zorah." Jarvi spoke up.
"You're right… I should drop off my things." Tali nodded. "I hope I'll see you again, Shepard."
"Same goes for you, Tali." Shepard responded, smiling. "Have fun."
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Sam awkwardly followed the four N7 that were making their way down a suburban street. This was a surprisingly affluent area, she never would have expected an N7 operative to live in such a place. They eventually stopped in front of a rather sizable two storied home, the metal painted a silver hue to match the rest of the city off in the distance. Shepard led the way up the small walkway, smirking slightly as she pressed on a small holographic display on the side of the entryway. A soft sound came from the inside of the house, a doorbell. Sam smiled slightly at the minor, esoteric device.
After a few moments, the front door slid open, revealing a shorter young woman, looking no older than seventeen years. She had shoulder-length black hair and light makeup on her face. Sam could immediately see the resemblance, this woman was definitely related to Shepard. The black-haired girl stood, slack-jawed for a moment, before letting out a soft squeal. She jumped up, wrapping her arms around the taller redhead. "Annie! You're home!" She cheered, earning a laugh from Ashley and Kaidan. Even Miranda cracked a small smile.
Shepard let out a laugh as she embraced the notably shorter girl, lifting her off the ground slightly. After a few moments, she let the girl down. Sam could vaguely make out the moisture gathering at the younger girl's eyes. She quickly wiped it away, beaming a smile at Shepard. "I missed you so much, Jane." Shepard responded, still wearing the smile on her face. "How've you and Mom been?"
"Great!" Jane responded. "She's still off-world, but she'll be back tomorrow night." She looked behind the N7 fireteam leader, spotting the four others. "Hey Kaidan, Ash, Miri!" She beamed, waving.
"Hello." Miranda responded, giving the smallest of smiles.
"Hey, kiddo." Ashley said, stepping forward and giving her a quick hug. "Good to see you again."
"Hey, Jane." Kaidan said with a friendly smile, returning her wave.
The bright blue eyes of Jane turned to look at Sam, the comms specialist finding them to be purely inquisitive. "I don't know you…" she mused, earning a smirk from Shepard. Jane stuck her hand out. "Jane Shepard, Annie's sister. Nice to meet you."
Sam smiled, shaking the younger woman's hand. "Samantha Traynor, Normandy crew. A pleasure meeting you, Jane."
The younger Shepard sister beamed a smile to her. "Come in, I can't wait to catch up with you guys!"
Sam followed everyone inside, deciding to try and make herself seem as small as possible. Despite Shepard's constant insistence that she was invited, she still felt to be intruding on a ritual that the four N7 shared. It felt weird, but she still felt welcome. The inside of the home was very… suburban. It was rather sparsely decorated, with some paintings of Earthen landscapes on the walls, a carpeted living room with all of the modern UHE amenities, and kitchen on the other side of the house. It wasn't quite as grandiose as Sam expected the Earth homes to be, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. It felt homely, and that was what really mattered.
Jane smiled. "I'll be right back, I've gotta let Mom know you're all here." With that, the younger Shepard sister darted off down a hallway, disappearing.
"Ahh… civvies again!" Ashley cheered, earning an earnest smile from the rest of the group.
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Stratton smiled as he led the way into a large conference room in the Imperial Legislature. The mahogany wood of the table shined against the fluorescent lights on the high ceiling. The Greco-Roman inspired architecture was almost ethereal and monolithic to the small Quarian group that followed behind him. The marble of the building gleamed in the light of Sol, which was not funneling in through the many windows in the room. "Please, have a seat." Stratton beckoned, gesturing to the many seats around the table. He, naturally, took his at the head of the table.
The Quarian delegation took seats relatively close to the Chancellor, eventually settling in enough for Stratton to begin. "Excellent… now that we've all settled in, we can begin." Stratton leaned forward, locking his fingers together on the wood of the table. "Allow me to preface this by saying that Humanity welcomes the Quarians to Earth, and I hope that these talks benefit both of our peoples." As the Quarians nodded in agreement and acknowledgement, Stratton continued. "Humanity is a newcomer to the galactic stage, albeit a very powerful one. Due to our… conflict with the Council almost two years ago, we have very few allies in the Galaxy. We, in all honesty, have none."
"Humanity looks to the Quarians, not only to ally ourselves with you, but to help you." Stratton looked around the table. "I would like to discuss the terms of an alliance, both military and civilian, between the Quarian Migrant Fleet and the UHE."
The Quarians all seemed to look to one another, regarding the Chancellor's offer for a moment. Rael'Zorah eventually spoke up. "Chancellor… we greatly appreciate the offer, but there are many risks that I'm sure you can understand. Our species is on the brink of extinction, with almost all of us confined to the Migrant Fleet. Another concern would be the political backlash from the Council regarding our joining in an alliance with Humanity."
"The same Council that, to this day, refuses to help your species find a world to settle?" Stratton asked, his voice neutral. "The Empire would be able to assist in finding a colonizable world, one suited to the Quarian people. The terms of the alliance I have in mind would allow for free and unbridled access of Human Space to the flotilla."
"Even if you found a world that suited us, our immune systems would remain an obstacle for colonization." Admiral Xen answered.
"If you would allow us, Human scientists could repair the damage done to your immune systems." Stratton countered. "We are the only government in the entire galaxy that makes extensive use of genetic therapies and cybertechnology. If we had permission from you, of course, I guarantee that your immune systems could be bolstered to pre-fleet levels within three months."
"Perhaps what they are trying to say…" Gerrel began, sighing. "Is that we wish to return to Rannoch."
"I'm afraid that there is quite little I can do to help you there." Stratton said. "Despite the UHE having complete military access to all of the Batarian Republic's space, as per our treaty, we would be unable to move a large military force into the Perseus Veil without provoking a war. And I can guarantee you that you would not survive long if the Migrant Fleet invaded Rannoch alone. This alliance would allow you to prosper on a new world, with Human technological assistance and immune system boosts. That could open up numerous gates for the Quarian people to prosper as they never have before."
"What would become of the Migrant Fleet, if we were to agree?" Raan asked.
"That would be left entirely up to you." Stratton said, shrugging. "Should you decide to keep the fleet, we would be willing to transfer command of a pair of captured Turian Dreadnoughts over to you."
The Quarians seemed floored. "How do you have Turian Dreadnoughts?" Xen asked.
"Captured during the initial engagements of the Second Contact War." Stratton answered. "They're woefully outclassed by our own ships, so we merely studied them. They have since been collecting dust in orbit around Titan."
"You would just give them to us?" Rael asked.
"Do we have a use for inferior equipment?" Stratton asked.
"I suppose not, it is still strange." Gerrel responded.
"For every year those Dreadnoughts sit there, I could build three cruisers with the amount of money it takes to dock those vessels at Prometheus Station." Stratton responded. "You would be helping me if you took them. Naturally, you might want to change the paint." Stratton joked.
"I think the heavy fleet could benefit from the addition." Shala'Raan admitted. "We will consider it."
"You mentioned a new world for the Quarian people?" Rael asked. "You would be willing to allow the Quarians to settle in your space?"
"Humanity is not bound by the Relay Network. We have the entirety of the Milky Way galaxy at our ready access. Space is not a limitation that the UHE has in the same sense that the Council does. Our largest worry is overextension of our borders."
"This seems too good to be true, Chancellor." Gerrel said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I have trouble believing you would go to these lengths out of the kindness of your heart."
"I understand that three centuries adrift without a world to call your own has made some of you cynical, but I am indeed doing this, not because of any political play, but because it's what my conscience tells me is right." Stratton explained, mirroring Gerrel's gesture.
"We do not wish to question your motives, Chancellor." Raan said, quickly glaring Gerrel down. "It's simply a lot to take in."
"I understand…" Stratton said, nodding. "If you'd like, there is a world on the fringes of UHE Space near the tip of the Orion Arm. I believe its ecology would suit the Quarian people quite well, given that the native plant and animal life is Dextro-based. You can have Migrant Fleet scientists accompany a research vessel out to that world."
"That would be best." Rael responded, nodding. "I can have a small team sent with your vessel, and we can come to a decision when they return with their findings."
"I'll notify the fleets, they can be underway immediately." Stratton smiled, typing away on the Datatool on his wrist. "I believe you'll like what they find."
XXXXX
"Of course, Mister L… wake up slowly, but don't move yet. You will need time to recover… and welcome back." A gravelly voice said, in perfect clarity, into long dormant ears. "My name is Voight-Kampff, I am your hard-headed shrink. My genetic team handled your damaged DNA… you are as good as new."
L simply laid dormant, knowing the words spoken to him, recognizing them as existing, but not responding. "I will help you adjust to how things changed… keep you up to date. Now… tell me the last thing you remember."
A trembling breath escaped the lips of L, breath passing from his lungs for the first time in centuries. Blue eyes eventually opened, locking with the steely grey of Voight-Kampff's. The shrink looked almost ethereal, slicked-back white hair and a white goatee. He wore a sterile white coat and trousers, his eyes gazing onto L with passive, intellectual care. L seemed to stare at the shrink for hours, finally remembering the question that was asked of him. He wracked his brain for the words, the syllables eventually making their way out. "I remember dying… fading into black." His own voice sounded almost foreign… melodic. "I remember dreaming of a second chance…" At Voight-Kampff's nodding, he continued. "I was worn out by fighting… the unrelenting pain... I felt this weary longing for a different fate."
"Excellent…" Voight-Kampff said, giving a soft smile.
"Everything feels… foreign." L responded. "Like I don't belong…"
"That's because you have been given that different fate you so desired." The shrink responded, as if it were the simplest fact in the universe. "This is the year 3003, and you are on Mars."
L froze, feeling those words slam into his chest like the weight of the world crashing down. That can't be true… it simply couldn't. It was now that L decided to finally look around the room. It was a sterile white room, with a comfortable couch that he happened to be lying on. There was a large, wall-spanning window, giving him a view he thought he would never see… the stars. "Or rather… above Mars." The shrink said, smirking slightly. "This is your new real now, Mister L."
"What awaits me out there?" Lucassen asked, the memories of his name finally flooding back to him. He took the moniker of Mister L at face value from the shrink, but remembered himself as Arjen Lucassen.
"The stars are far larger than we thought… far more dense, too." The shrink explained. "In your 950 year slumber, a lot has changed."
"I can see…" Lucassen nodded in understanding. "Will this world accept me?"
"I am here to help you adjust, Mister L… they will accept you because they will not think you any different." Voight-Kampff smiled. "We should get started." Without warning, the hologram that made up the doctor's form fizzled out, leaving only a small blinking chip on the table within arms-reach of Lucassen. He stood, stunned, but eventually worked up the courage to reach out and pull the small electronic chip closer. As he inspected the smooth surface, he spotted a small screen with words staring back at him. The script was so simple, so elegant, and it called out. "Plug in, it's time to begin." Lucassen sat up, the back of his head feeling a bit heavier than he remembered. He reached back, running a finger across the crown of his skull. Under his long blonde hair, he felt cool metal, his fingers jumping away from the implant.
After hearing a small bleep come from the chip, he found a new set of words across the screen. "Do not be afraid, Mister L… all will make sense. Plug in, and face the music." Lucassen took in a deep breath, faced with no other option. He slotted the chip into the metallic implant on the base of his skull, and a surge of energy coursed through every nerve ending in his body. A shiver ran the length of his spine as two minds linked together. "Excellent, Mister L." Voight-Kampff said, his voice bouncing around inside Lucassen's skull. "We have much to discuss, please… sit back and let me explain."
Codex Updated:
Imperium: The capital city of the Human Empire, sitting on the bones of Washington D.C. The city is the largest on planet Earth, housing a population of 40 million people. It is where the Imperial Legislature, Chancellorship, and the Senatorial Advocacy resides.
Imperial Legislature: A bicameral parliamentary legislature based in Imperium. It has 2,000 seats with the representatives elected by a popular vote. Planets are given representation based on population. There are four main political parties in the Legislature.
Senatorial Advocacy: The Chancellor's "cabinet" of advisors. Each Senatorial Advocate hails from a different UHE world, and advises the Chancellor on a specific topic. The Advocates are appointed by the Legislature.
I.S.S. Memorial Station: A re-creation of the old International Space Station. Following the First Contact War, the I.S.S. was destroyed by the Council Fleets in orbit, killing the nine Human astronauts on board. Soon after the creation of the first governments following the Contact War, the I.S.S. Memorial Station was put into the exact same orbit that its predecessor station inhabited. Originally, it housed scientific personnel, but as Human technology became more and more advanced, the station was eventually de-crewed and left as a reminder of Humanity's past and future among the stars.
Imperial Honor Guards: The personal guards of all UHE Government personnel. Honor Guards are chosen from all branches of the UHE Military, and are given highly specialized training and equipment. Often seen in their ornate dress uniforms or their intricate combat armor, they are a small force designed to protect dignitaries and guard embassies. Even the Human Embassy on the Citadel has a staff of 40 Imperial Honor Guards.
A/N:
Took a little longer on this update, and I apologize for that. Summer classes started up, and I've been busy with work. There's a decent rhythm going now, so I'm back into the swing of things. I also got an Xbox One and Dragon Age: Inquisition, so that's been taking up a lot of my free time.
I'm glad everyone enjoys this story, and I really can't believe how much this has blown up over the past few weeks. You're all awesome. As always, I appreciate the reviews, favs, and follows, and don't be afraid to PM me if you have anything you wanted to ask, I do my best to reply to every PM I get.
P.S. I will love whoever gets the reference in this chapter forever and ever.
As always,
-TallYapflip