Chapter 8

The Citadel

0741 Local Time

April 19th, 2175 (18 AH)

Citadel

Widow, Serpent Nebula

"Councilor Tevos."

"Councilor Balin," the Asari greeted, standing up from behind her desk to come around greet the Salarian councilor, "to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Actually, it's soon-to-be-former Councilor," the Salarian stated, "my replacement is on his way from Sur'Kesh, I am being recalled."

"Oh. My apologies."

"Unnecessary. The Dalatress is taking precautions to prevent an untimely demise from disrupting the Council. Merely preemption."

"Please, take a seat," she motioned to the chair in front of her desk, the Salarian taking it, allowing her to return back behind her desk, "drinks?"

The Salarian shook his head.

"And who will be your successor, if I may ask?"

"Valern. Inflexible. Prideful. Unwilling to get hands dirty. Troublesome."

She frowned, those were the characteristics that were...contrary to what Balin and herself been working on, in fact it ran more in hand with...

"Why the Goddess would the Dalatrass select someone who is more in line with Avitus?"

The Salarian shifted uncomfortably for a moment, his black eyes blinking a few times.

"She was displeased with the decision to not demand Britannia turn over all of its research on the new medigel it is producing."

"Of all the-"

The Salarians had always prided themselves on the scientific prowess, so when the System Alliance's Sirta Foundation had introduced medigel to the Citadel and changed the medical world overnight the Salarian Union had been incensed. They had actively tried to push Council law down on it, intent on banning the technology, then reverse-engineering it to release it for themselves with an exception to the law.

It had failed. They had all three voted against it. Avitus had been a surprising vote, but then again, the Turians were growing restless with the 'human situation', if the HSA could economically support themselves it could mean they could draw down somewhat, and the added benefit was the HSA was stronger to keep an eye on Britannia.

Then two months ago Britannia had announced a breakthrough in which they had improved medigel by a startling seventy-three percent. It was unthinkable, but the clinical data and STG reports confirmed it. Last week, Avitus had called a Council meeting to vote on a measure that would force Britannia to turn over all research concerning the medigel. They had both voted it down, citing caution, noting that Britannia had produced this new medigel from its Phantom Works, an entity that they had frighteningly little on, that seemed to be solely military-oriented in their research. If they had released the news to the Citadel and the Citadel turned around and confiscated it, it was all but assured this Phantom Works and Britannia would not be willing to share any further breakthroughs that could improve the quality of life for the Citadel and improve their overall military prowess.

It was an olive branch, as the humans would say, Britannia had already proven itself in several fields and were revisiting several other fields that had been abandoned. The risk and reward was too great to deny the Britannians this chance.

This wasn't to say the Systems Alliance wasn't offering things, but it was through the caveat of what the Turians didn't claim for themselves first and could get away with it. But it was an agreement between Balin and Tevis that Turians were not so much interested in their assigned roles as the 'caretakers' of the Systems Alliance and were more interested in cementing the balance of power they had enjoyed since the Krogan Rebellions.

She had a well-supported suspicion the overzealous Turian response at Relay 314 and subsequent events had nothing to do with the 'criminality' of activating a relay and more about preventing a possibly legitimate contender to their status. Of course, she could not accuse them of anything because they had followed the law set up after the Rachni War. Still, it worked out too well in the end for the Turians.

The Turians had thrown a fit when they had decided to let Britannia continue and sadly, it appeared the Dalatrass was not pleased with Balin if she was replacing him at this juncture.

"My apologies," she finally controlled herself, irritated with her loss of self-control.

"It's unnecessary. It was the right thing to do," Balin responded, "I'm not here to discuss my replacement. Have you been informed of the events on Omega?"

She frowned, trying to recall anything about Omega from any of the briefings she had received. Aria T'Loak rated up there with a pain in the Asari Republics ass because of how she flaunted herself in a manner completely unbefitting an Asari. Anything concerning Omega that the Republic had learned should have reached her...

"No," she responded finally, satisfied in that she didn't have anything that would warrant a visit from Balin.

"Troublesome, seems Aria has been successful in preventing dissemination of information," the Salarian muttered, reaching into his robes and withdrawing a datapad and placed it on Tevo's desk for her to peruse.

"First, you recall an incident about ten years ago when all of the Citadel news services were hacked?"

"...Yes, I believe so. It was some organization that called itself Cerberus. It made a speech talking about injustices inflicted upon humanity or something like that. If I recall, the STG and Spectres wrote it off as a pro-human group wanting attention. But what does Omega have to do with-"

She stopped talking as at the sight of a ship on the datapad that she was looking through. It was larger than a Turian cruiser if the scale looked right, but it wasn't a design she recognized at all. The emblem on the side of the ship was of no known species or organization she had seen before.

"This was taken four days ago outside Omega. This isn't the only ship, including this ship called the Serenity, there were two ships larger than frigate class accompanying it, along with freighters outfitted to launch strike craft and troop transports."

"Goddess," Tevos breathed, "what about Omega?"

"Still under Aria's control. It was the mercenary groups on Omega that were the target. According to my sources what is left of the mercenary groups on Omega can barely fill a shuttle."

"And this is Cerberus?"

Balin nodded.

"How? There's no shipyard in the Traverse and Terminus Systems that can produce a cruiser. And here you're saying that not only this is a cruiser, but it's a cruiser for an organization that has an anti-Turian agenda."

"Unfortunately," Balin responded, "all we have on Cerberus is this sighting and the fact that the human's main religious leader is possibly pro-Cerberus based upon some of his off-the-record statements."

"Goddess, this is one headache. Is it possible that one of the human nations are supporting this group?"

"Unlikely. The ships in question are more advanced than current Britannian and Systems Alliance hulls. Unable to be more specific, frigate was forced to withdraw due to detection and challenge."

"Did they identify themselves?"

"No. Challenge was sent in tight-beam. Text-only. Salarian language."

"And the team on the ground," she asked, filing away to query if the STG frigate captain was sloppy or they were actually detected, the second part more disconcerting than the first.

"Observed most of the battle. Tacitus ground forces, Cerberus transports and air support. Well organized, well-executed. Terminated the mercenary leaders, then moved in to strike, swift, vicious, over in less than two hours. Team leader described it as watching an STG strike team in action."

"Weapons? Tactics?"

"Weapons are...odd. Mass-effect based, larger projectile based upon analysis of corpses, but uses magazines. New type of gunship, still analyzing data on performance, multirole. Tactics similiar to STG combined arms principles and fast-strike doctrine, but with twist."

Placing down the pad and massaged her forehead, Goddess this was fast becoming a nightmare.

"You mentioned a Tacitus..."

"Mercenary group, all human, almost all Britannian ex-pats, headquartered out of Ilium. Widely onsidered one of the best mercenary outfits for military operations, select clientele, no legal troubles, leader is a Zaeed Massani, former Systems Alliance commando, discharged after the Relay 314 War. Freelance until co-founding the Blue Suns, renamed Tacitus after partner attempted to take over."

So there was nothing they could use as leverage to get some answers out of them. More than likely they just provided the soldiers for this operation. But if they executed a military option like this, then the amount they would be paid would be significant...significant enough to trace

"I'll have Ilium run a check on Tacitus. We'll track the money and see if we can get to the bottom of Cerberus before resorting to other methods. I think we need to find out the why on Omega, it's a major Element Zero hub, the fact that all of this happened without us knowing is a major concern. There has to be a reason this Cerberus is interested in Omega to show something like this. The problem being that Aria won't even give us the time of day even if we begged."

"We could ask the Britannians to inquire," Balin stated simply, "they have a close relationship with Aria. Economically, they are one of the top buyers of T'Loak's surplus Element Zero stocks. There is also that unconfirmed rumor that T'Loak's daughter traveled to Pendragon for private military and intelligence tutelage a few days ago."

What?! Tevos thought, while keeping her expression neutral. Aria sent her where?!

One of the worst decisions in her life had been becoming smitten with Aria T'Loak over a hundred years ago while working on Omega as a go-between for eezo shipments between Omega and Thessia, it still left a bad taste in her mouth just remembering how she had been attracted to Aria's rogueish sense of invincibility she seemed to ride after taking Omega. It had been a fling, pure and simple, a regrettable circumstance in her case, but it had produced a child that could prove to be...problematic for her societal standing she was no Matriarch Benezia, especially considering the father. So she had left Omega and Liselle, returning to Thessia to where shortly thereafter she was appointed to the Citadel Council.

There were of course times she would discretely check up on her daughter, using discrete sources, if it came out she had a pureblood daughter it would not be pleasant, and she had discovered that Liselle was too much like her father, self-assured, aggressive, and fiendishly effective at the job she did as one of her father's enforcers.

And now she was in Britannia. Negating almost every single of her discrete methods of information gather.

"I will discuss such an inquiry from the Ambassador. It is more than likely she will accept such a small request. Unfortunately, I don't feel we can do anything about Cerberus other than alerting the STG and our Spectres to keep the Council apprised of any information they find. It is more than likely Cerberus is based out of the Terminus Systems. We can't do anything overt or we'll risk igniting a possible war that we are trying to avoid."

"A most logical choice."

"And what will you do after you return to Sur'Kesh, my friend?"

"Will probably serve as an advisor to the director of the STG," Balin responded, "my knowledge and expertise should be useful, along with my...sense of caution."

She understood the underlying meaning, while he would no longer be able to make the decisions, he could help influence them in a way that would lessen her troubles on this end.

"I am most grateful for any effort you can make in the regard, Councilor. Thank you."

0000000

Dealing with the Britannian ambassador was always an...interesting experience, Tevos reflected as she slipped into Apollo's Cafe, her pair of bodyguards in loose tow. It was very rare to find the young Britannian in her embassy, instead more often than not she held meetings at the Cafe itself in a more private section on one of the balconies.

She walked through the Cafe ignoring the other patrons as she strode to her destination, her eyes meeting the dark-skinned Knight of the Round that was stationed a distance away from her charge before proceeding past her, her bodyguards staying with the Knight.

It was then she came upon her objective, Ambassador Euphemia li Britannia of the Holy Britannian Empire, who was silently reading a datapad while sipping a drink.

She seemed to sense her presence, looking up and flashing a warm smile as she stood up, her pink hair spilling out behind her.

"Councilor Tevos, how can I help you?"

Seven and a half years ago, the Council had awarded Britannia with an embassy, recognizing the growth had earned them a spot, it had caused a bit of a furor in the Citadel, but given a few months it should have died down.

Should have being the operative word.

Instead, when the first Britannian ambassador to the Citadel had been revealed to be a little girl, the Citadel had literally reignited in outrage at how Britannia was insulting the prestigious honor being bestowed upon them by placing a child in the position.

Tevos still remembered the headaches caused by the incessant screeching by the Turians and the newly installed Ambassador Bhatnagar of the Systems Alliance demanding Britannia be censured for their actions. And so she and Balin had acceded to the demands, summoning the Britannian 'ambassador' and Prime Minister to render it.

That was when Euphemia li Britannia proves the veritable fact that she was an ambassador when she offered counterargument after counterargument undermining the entire censure process by highlighting that nowhere in the Citadel laws was there anything that did not permit her appointment, only noting that only disqualifications that allowed the Citadel Council the ability to bar an ambassadorial appointment was if the ambassador was recognized to have knowingly and maliciously violated Citadel law in the pursuance of an act that undermined or sought to damage the Citadel. None of which Britannia and by extension herself, had done.

In fact, she noted, that if anyone should be censured, under the Citadel law, it should be the Turians. At Shanxi, the Turians had cruisers launch an orbital bombardment of a Garden world, a direct and blatant violation of the Citadel Convention. In addition, there were several documented cases of Turians executing POWs and civilians in non-combat areas, another violation Citadel Convention.

When Councilor Avitus noted that humanity violated those same conventions, Euphemia brushed off, noting that the Systems Alliance did in fact honor the conventions once they were made aware of it. They had made several entreaties to Turian field commanders requesting prisoner exchanges because neither could support the POWs they had captured. The Systems Alliance had even offered to arrange shipments of food and medicine for the civilians the Turians had captured. Outside of Eden Prime, these were ignored.

It was an ugly affair to say the least, the airing of Turian faults always were. But to watch a child go up against the Turian Councilor in debate was nothing short of intense, the verbal thrusting and parrying that the two underwent as they sought to attain dominance quickly cemented that not only was Euphemia li Britannia capable of doing her job, but she was well beyond her years in skill in the political game.

That had been seven years ago, and over that time, Tevos had seen up front and personally exactly that the young pinkette could easily pass as an Asari in regards to her wit and charm. There was just something to her that made anyone who talked with her listen. Tevos sometimes finding herself falling into that trap, the intelligence and confidence she exuded hard to resist

"Do you have a moment Ambassador?"

"Certainly," the young human responded, "I have a meeting with Ambassador Calyn concerning mining contracts on New Carhaix, I was just passing the time reading about Siari."

That certainly surprising. Not many people outside of the Asari showed interest in the pantheistic religion that many of the Asari were apart of. The concept that all was interconnected as one was something that not many races could understand because they preferred to live in the moment. Outside a few that studied it with interest, no one cared.

"And what do you think of it," she asked, taking a seat across from the table, noting that tea was already placed in front of her. The Cafe was surprisingly quick in service, especially with the Ambassador theere.

"It bears striking thematic similarities to many human religions."

"Which ones" Tevos asked inwardly surprised that another race had developed similar belief systems

"Hinduism, Buddhism, Baha'i to name a few, though one can even find similarities in the western Abrahamic religions."

Tevos was not one for theology, never really had been in her life, politics demanded too much of her attention. That wasn't to say she didn't practice her religion, it was merely an admittance that politics left no room for religion when dealing with those who did not share her beliefs.

Still, she should confer with some human specialists to see what their thoughts are concerning this information. Knowledge was power in keeping races in line and if they had insight into them so much the better.

"That's certainly interesting," she stated simply, smiling before sipping her tea, an Asari blend, just the right temp, not too hot, not too cold, the Ambassador knew her too well.

"Indeed, it's very enlightening on the idea of the integration of all spiritual energies into a singular collective unconscious. There has been some debate with the advent of biotics of whether if sentient life is merely the condensation of energy into a corporeal form," Euphemia stated her exuberant attitude easily rubbing off on her, causing Tevos to resist blinking in surprise, "so what is it you need of Britannia, Councilor?"

"You are aware of the events on Omega," Tevos asked, earning a nod from Euphemia.

"I received the report from Pendragon this morning. While the events are regrettable in regards to the bloodshed that could have been avoided. It appears the response was warranted. We are just grateful that the situation was resolved before any massive loss of life and/or disruption of Element Zero production and shipping."

Tevos noted the shift into the royal 'We' a cue that belied that this was the Prime Minister talking. It was one of the verbal cues that seemed to be one of the most difficult to ascertain because it was bases solely on context.

"Are you aware that Aria T'Loak is working with an anti-Turian group that may be terrorists?"

"Most mercenary groups could be considered anti-Turian based upon their stances," Euphemia replied, her demeanor shift barely perceptible, "if you are referring to Cerberus, we are aware they approached Aria and offered their services to solve the problem of the various mercenary groups banded together to overthrow T'Loak."

"Is there anything else?"

"Honestly," Euphemia admitted after a long pause, "there are some theories that he's a rogue OSI agent. We're not proud of it, but there were a few that disappeared after the war who would have an axe to grind with the Turians for killing my father."

She then fell silent for a moment as if thinking about something, causing Tevos to purse her lips into a frown. The Princess wasn't usually this seemingly distracted.

"Is there something the matter?"

"No," Euphemia responded, "was just an errant thought. If there's anything else I may have forgotten I can have it sent to you as well."

"That's...rather generous," Tevos responded with a blink, it wasn't very often that the Ambassador offered what was more than likely OSI information, which meant...

"And what can I do to return this generosity?"

Euphemia smiled wanly, as she leaned folded her hands together, body language screaming a mixture of signs to Tevos.

"I was informed yesterday that Britannian surveys have found a trio of garden worlds located in what we are calling the Avon System. The problem is they are dextro-based worlds that offer nothing to us-"

Not this again, Tevos thought with a sigh. If there was one thing that Tevos found quarrel with the young Ambassador, it was the "Quarian Question". Britannia had been quietly moving behind the scenes trying to work up a coalition to challenge the Council on how the Quarians were being treated and to set up the Quarians on a new planet. Princess Euphemia was the loudest of supporters for the measure.

The problem was the Council itself though. The official line was that the Quarians were recidivist criminals that were incapable of changing their ways and awarding them a new home would only perpetuate another Geth Rebellion, Tevos didn't exactly believe that, but what mattered was that the Citadel did.

In actuality, the reason was a lot darker than anyone wished to admit. As long as the Quarian Fleet and the clear threat it presented, the Turians had a reason for their military expenditures. The Salarians on the other hand, at the top levels, despised the Quarians simply they were a threat to their scientific and technological primacy.

Yet Britannia continued to press the matter, noting that the Quarians had spent a generational prison sentence for the crime of their ancestors, that it was't fair to new generations to be punished for the sins of the old.

It was why Britannia had seemed to become a popular Pilgrimage location. If there was any race that seemed to treat them with any modicum of respect as long as their laws were followed, it was the Britannians.

However, Princess Euphemia was even worse than the Britannians in regards to the Quarians. She had taken the Quarian's situation to heart and had made it into a personal crusade. In fact, according to her sources, Euphemia was the very heart of the Quarian rehabilitation movement. Quite impressive for someone who was the equivalent of an Asari child.

"-That is why I would like for you to put forward a motion for debate and a vote for approval."

Taking a few moments to draw it out, she shook her head, it was the only thing she could do in the face of the persistence of the Ambassador.

"You know perfectly well that what you are doing is futile," she stated as gently as she could, "there is no way the Council will approve of such a measure, with or without my vote. I agree with many of your arguments, but the fact of the matter is that the Quarians are a salient issue for both the Hierarchy and the Union to refuse to let go for their own reasons. And even if I vote for it, I would be going against my own people's interest in maintaining the delicate balance we have had in the Council. I'm sorry."

"And so dooming 17 million sentient beings for a crime their ancestors committed to a slow death is justice?"

"It's not a matter of justice and morality," Tevos chided with a frown, "it's a matter of politics. The Turian will never go for it because they need a bogeyman for their military expenditures and it will be a cold day on Palaven before they allow you to absorb the Quarians into a protectorate. The balance of power would be threatened, even with the initial damage done by getting the Quarians on their feet, they will not allow an economic threat like this to pass, as well as the Salarians."

"They are not Numbers," the pinkette stated firmly, her eyes narrowed in barely suppressed anger, "the Citadel Council is perpetuating the very sin that started Quintipartite War on our homeworld."

"Your analogy is incorrect, Ambassador," Tevos responded with her own irritation, "the Quarians no longer have analogical capability to cause the widespread damage you are comparing to. You are pushing the wrong agenda here. There is no way the Hierarchy and the Union will allow this to happen."

"All for 'balance'? Are you listening to yourself Councilor? Balance is a sense of all things being equal, there is nothing equal with the Quarians, they are a race that can offer so much to the Citadel if only they are rehabilitated. And yet, you state that for balance to exist, 17 million beings must die a slow and agonizing death to feed the egos of one race that is vying for more power and another that is more interested in maintaining its own primacy in the fields of its expertise. How is that balance when the powerful only get more power on the backs of the weak and desperate?"

A silence descended over the pair of them, Tevos looking at the young woman who just seemed to never give up on an issue far beyond her years. It was a unique experience to say the least. She had been in the Council for almost five decades, and over those years she could count only a handful of people who would willfullly argue with her on any issue so passionately. It wasn't disrespect that Euphemia showed, it was merely the idealism that simmered beneath the surface that caused her to do what few dared to. It was also one of the reasons Tevos had come to respect her, because even though Euphemia could be a jaded political operator when she needed to, she still had her own idealism. If Tevos was a bit younger, she might have had something more than respect for her.

Letting out a sigh, she closed her eyes, knowing that the young Princess was not going to drop it.

"Alright. I'll give you the floor to put forward the motion this afternoon. Hopefully that is satisfactory?"

"Thank you," Euphemia responded, her smile seemingly taking away the misgivings the Asari had for doing this, she would be burning some political capital, but it was a mere pittance to all that she had.

"However," she stated, holding up her blue hand, "there is one other thing I want answered. It has come to my attention that a rumor has surfaced concerning the daughter of Aria T'Loak, Liselle. Is it or is it not true that Liselle is now in Pendragon?"

"May I ask why you are so curious as to the matters of T'loak's daughter?"

Tevos fell silent, not able to think of a valid reason to give Euphemia without revealing her interest. She could note the strategic interest, but that wouldn't make sense for the Asari to do so, not to mention Britannia would note it to Aria. She had overplayed her hand...

"Liselle is currently receiving instruction from the Knight of One, Two, and Twelve in Pendragon," Euphemia stated, "I can provide you with the details of her progress, since you are her family."

There was no way Tevos could resist showing her surprise, her eyes widening in response. How did they know?!

"We've been aware for about two years now." Euphemia answered the silent thought, "I'm not sure on how we discovered it, just that we know. However, I've ordered the information to be sealed privy only to the royal family and the Director of the OSI. I refuse to have family used as a weapon regardless of the circumstances. It helps I also consider you to be a good friend."

Tevos could shaking off her surprise at the course of events, the shock slowly receding even as her political senses churned the information. She would need time to process all of this, but for now, she had to accept this for what it was and retreat.

"Thank you. I would be very grateful if you would so that. I wasn't a very good parent to her."

"Understandable, I'll let you know when I have them and will deliver them to you myself."

Tevos nodded at the offer, choosing to get up.

"Again, I thank you. I should get going, you have your meeting and I need to arrange the floor for this afternoon. Good morning, Ambassador li Britannia,"

"And to you, Councilor Tevos."

0000000

Euphie watched as Tevos disappeared back into the cafe. Frowning after the Asari was gone, she took a sip of her now-cold tea, the frowning deepening further.

That was about how she had expected it to go when she had gotten the update on what had happened on Omega. The STG just didn't have the assets for the complete coverage the OSI had there. Omega was one of the top three locations the OSI invested their assets and budget on. The other two were Ilium and the Citadel itself. It wasn't known if the STG knew these facts, but based on Tevos approaching her it was more than likely that the STG had an inkling.

Troublesome, Euphie thought silently as she closed her eyes, reviewing the entire discussion and going over it. Thirteen years of training and experience leaving the process honed like a finely sharpened blade

Since the age of four she had been groomed and prepared for just this eventuality. The art of politics and diplomacy drilled into her while her natural warmth and attitude left alone. She was told the purpose by Marianne herself, Britannia needed someone who could woo the Citadel with a natural grace, kindness, and a keen mind. Someone like her.

She hadn't been lying when she told Tevos that she was a good friemd. But she had been lying when she told her that the OSI knew about Liselle. Now she had to decide what to do with that information.

She could go back on her word, but the probability was that it wouldn't do anything to benefit Britannia in the long run. Asari viewed Purebloods as a shameful occurence, and Tevis was rightly concerned, it was just that it would more than likely cause a ripple in the Republic, nothing more. Tevos had a lot more worth than she realized, with several of the Matriarchs quietly approving of her work do far.

No, the information would best be logged away for the tome being. A weapon against Tevos it wasn't, maybe Liselle, but she didn't really like the idea of disrupting further an already broken family.

No, more than likely Tevos would conclude that it was a blackmail move and prepare herself accordingly to avoid that trap. Which meant Britannia had a small amount of leverage now. Schneizel would probably be pleased.

Still, it made her feel a little dirty at how she would be unintentionally using a friend's weakness as an asset...

But, it was for the Quarians, she reminded herself, steeling away the worry.

"Remember Euphie," she murmured to herself, "you aren't here to preserve the status quo, you're here to overthrow it and create a future for everyone. Sacrifices must be made from time to time."

1437 Local Time

"Next," Corporal Armando-Owen Bailey commanded gruffly, not looking up from his display as he dismissed the Volus he had just dealt with. It was all he could do to resist snapping at his situation.

He had applied to C-Sec last year after the Systems Alliance Navy began a 'revitalization plan' to cleanse its ranks of 'old soldiers'. A lot of good men and women suddenly found themselves discharged in order to make way for fresh faces. All for the public image the military stated, of course, a lot of the military members had Britannian family members, like his wife.

And so, faced with no choice and needing to get a paycheck to support the family, he applied to C-Sec, figuring his background in the Navy would get him in, which it did. Unfortunately, the fact that C-Sec was pretty much a Turian operated organization, what humans did get in got the shoddy jobs that Turians found beneath them. In his case, he was stuck in immigration checking passports.

He didn't even look up as he spoke again, the internal cadence telling him where the next person should be, "Step into the scanner."

That done, he watched his display, frowning when it detected a weapon. Just lovely, one of those idiots.

"Step forward," he spoke, tapping an attention beacon as he looked up at the subject, a silver-haired young man.

"Passport, name, origin point, and purpose of visit."

The young man handed over his passport, as he was doing so he answered Bailey's questions.

"Nicolai Alvin Hubert, Logres, Holy Britannian Empire, the purpose of my visit is for both business and pleasure."

"Do you have a permit and reason for carrying a weapon Mr. Hubert?"

"Yes," the boy replied producing another document and providing it to the C-Sec officer, "I'm a Viscount for the Holy Britannian Empire, this weapon is for the protection of my person and effects."

"Produce your weapon for inspection, then, Viscount," Bailey added the last part sarcastically, "slowly please."

Nodding, the young man reached into his jacket and produced it from an underarm holster, grabbing the weapon and handing it to him, butt first. Bailey took it and looked it over, comparing it to the documentation, frowning deeper, his instincts were telling him something was off, but he couldn't tell what it was. Everything checked out, except-

"Color me curious, but I've never seen this kind of gun before."

"Probably because it's only one of maybe a hundred," the Viscount replied, "it's designed by a gunsmith I cannot really name, she prefers select clientele."

"I see," handing the firearm back, he looked over the papers one more time before approving them.

"A word of warning, Viscount. Expect to get shaken down quite a few times. C-Sec generally frowns upon armed private citizens, especially if the citizen is human."

"I'll keep that in mind, officer. Thanks for the warning."

"Next," Bailey called out, eyes tracking as the Viscount picked up his bag and left before the next in line attracted his attention.

0000000

Nicolai let out a sigh after getting through the immigration and on the shuttle that would take him to the Presidium.

That had been a bit different, he mused quietly, his eyes scanning the shuttle at the variety of occupants, the old habit of scanning for threats automatic for him. Satisfied with the results, he focused on the events so far.

He had to admit the C-Sec officer was efficient and thorough, looking over his documentation and weapon. For a moment he worried the C-Sec would set him aside for an interview. Instead he was sent on his way after a minimum of fuss.

This was incredibly risky behavior, going to the heart of the sub-enemy of Cerberus, but he needed to confirm something. Something that had been niggling at him the more he had looked over the history of both the Protheans and this current Citadel.

"Presidium, please exit to the left," the Citadel's VI, Avina announced, causing the shuttle to empty out with himself following everyone out.

A few hundred meters later, he was to a balcony looking out on the massive Presidium, his blue eyes taking in the sight.

It was definitely a beautiful sight, more awe-inspiring than the images could convey. It was a pity that the Citadel was a trap, but it had to be convincing to be a good one.

Glancing at his chronometer he smiled. He was just in time to see Euphie's presentation to the Council to allow the Quarians to take possession of the Avon System.

0000000

For such an advanced facility, the elevators are incredibly slow, Nicolai mused, tuning out the background news announcements, but then again, there is strategic worth if it takes a damn century to reinforce any point!

"Now arriving, Citadel Tower. Watch your step."

Taking a deep breath, he waited for the doors to open. Once they did, he stepped out, taking a cursory glance of his surroundings. It was much the same, to his chagrin. But then again, if you wanted to attempt to create a relaxing atmosphere you would go with such a shallow-

Welcome.

Nicolai froze, his eyes widening.

It couldn't be.

Welcome. Come and serve.

Serve the cycle.

Bring peace.

Enforce the cycle.

Bring tranquility to all.

It was like a barrage of voices were hammering his head all at once, yet spaced just enough to be able to understand exactly what was saying. And through it all, his entire body felt as if every nerve was crawling. And to make it worse, even as he could feel a tremor run through his body, his hands beginning to shake as he paled, he felt as if he had walked into the den of a something older than comprehension that was beginning to become aware his presence.

Run, I need to go, now, he thought desperately his eyes darting furtively as he spun around, reaching for the elevator summon button, hands cold and clammy even as he began to sweat, the voices now becoming a cacophony as they began to recognize exactly what he was and what he had within him.

ONE OF US!

SERVE THE CYCLE!

DESTROY THOSE WHO THREATEN THE CYCLE!

BRING PEACE!

SERVE THE CYCLE!

WE ARE YOUR DESTINY!

The door opened up, Nicolai stumbled through a gathering that were exiting the elevator, not even listening to their cries as he hit against the wall of the elevator. Yet even as the doors began closing, the voices changed into a single voice, a voice sounding throughout his mind that seemed to mock him even as his he felt something far older and far worse caress his mind.

YOU CANNOT ESCAPE INEVITABILITY. THE TIME OF OUR RETURN IS COMING. YOUR FUTILE STRUGGLE SHALL END LIKE ALL THAT HAVE COME BEFORE YOU.

And then it was gone, leaving Nicolai with an empty feeling, even as he fought to control his breath. He knew he was having a panic attack, but he couldn't help it, he didn't even know how to describe it, but everything he had ignored simply because it was too far-fetched was laid before him.

It all made sense now. The actions of the Citadel in regards to the extermination of the Rachni, the Genophage, the Quarian Exile, even The Humiliation. Every single action that could serve in the long run of crippling the Citadel from the Reaper threat was laid bare before him.

He couldn't help but beginning to laugh even as he slid down the wall to a sitting position, his left hand unconsciously reaching to the omnitool on his right and tapping a few buttons, causing the elevator to stop. Laughing was all he could do, because it all fit, it was like finding that last puzzle piece that had evaded you for days on end and you finally found it.

It all made sense now, Nicolai thought, his laughing getting louder, almost sounding as if he were cracking, the Citadel wasn't just a trap.

It was THE trap.

A/N:

Apologies for taking such a long time to update in comparison to previous updates as well as shortchange it again with no Suzaku and Jane appearance. We promise that the next chapter will deal with them, but this was a chapter that needed to be done to lay out some of the events over the next few chapters. From the awareness of Cerberus to Nicolai's discovery. The first appearance of Euphie was also something that needed to be done as she'll have a part to play.

It has been decided that we will update as we go instead of taking a hiatus, the loss of impetus would be a bit to ignore. Thought this all allow AlSmash to update some of his own works.

Now, a commentary to the guest who discussed kinetic energy. Actually, when it comes to ammunition, it does matter. It's part of the reason I, AlSmash, also have a conversion kit for my Bushmaster ACR so I can convert it from 5.56mm/.223 cal to a 6.8mm Remington SPC when I want it to hit a bit harder, like when I am hunting. The reason for this is because the 6.8 has a higher stopping power value because it is a balance between the 5.56 (higher range, velocity) and the 7.62 (heavier round, lower range, but better stopping power in terms of how it hits the target). Think of the idea of kinetic value in the realm of an analogy, I hit you with a stick at a certain velocity across the face, it's going to hurt quite a bit, now if I come back with a wooden baseball bat made of the same material and whack you across the face with it at the same velocity as the stick, you're likely not to get up or worse. That's what was the intention of that statement.

Anyways, to those asking, Yes, Knightmare Frames will make an appearance, but not for a good while. But when they show up, I think you will all enjoy it.

Yes, Code Geass tech will start making its appearance. If people were paying close attention, Sakuradite warheads have already been used. The problem is that realistically, Mass Effect technology is light years ahead of Code Geass technology, so finding that medium of introducing Code Geass tech in a way that it works well with the established Mass Effect technology is the issue. But yes, some Code Geass techs will start showing up soon. Especially since if you have read the chapter there is a certain mention of a purple haired pudding loving scientist.

Anyways, that's pretty much it. Hopefully you guys have liked this relatively short (in comparison to previous others) chapter, leave us your thoughts. Until next time.