The Legacy of Wrath
Chapter: 9
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Somewhere on Thessia:
Liara was getting extremely tired of waking up in strange and unfamiliar places, but yet again, as she cracked her eyes open, she beheld an unfamiliar scene, the back end of some kind of cargo van and it was hurtling frantically through the midday sky.
"Hang on brother, just hang on!" a frantic tone echoed out from nearby as, out of the corner of her eye, the young maiden caught sight of a matron, anxiously leaning over a gore drenched figure, that was slouched against one wall of the speeding vehicle.
"How's he doing sister?" another voice echoed out from somewhere nearby, slightly muffled by the compartment wall.
"He's bleeding like a stuck space cow," growled the middle aged Asari distractedly, as she seemed to press heavily on one side of the man's neck, which was slick with his own blood. "We need more medi-gel back here!"
"There's some over in the corner by the prisoner, but after that we're out!" The matron swore under her breath as she quickly made her way over towards the stated location, just missing the slight spark of life that darted across Liara's features as she slammed her eyes shut.
"Is this all there is!" demanded the acolyte, as her voice drifted back from the other side of the crowded space. "We need more!"
"We don't have any more!" came the frustrated reply. "Just hold on, we're nearly back at the safe house."
"For Brother Markus's sake I hope you're right," snapped the Asari. Liara gingerly pried open her vision once more, only to be met by a weak smile from the heavily wounded figure nearby .
"Nice to see you back amongst the awaking world Docter T'soni," wheezed the Brother quietly, as he met her gaze. "Sister Tev'yais you do our honoured guest a disservice, will you undo her gag please." His fellow Athameian nodded respectfully before obeying the command without hesitation.
"What do you want with me?" challenged the academic uneasily, as she glanced around at the rest of the space, which besides herself was only occupied by the injured brother and his fellow acolyte. "I haven't done anything wrong!" The man let out a wet laugh as he heard the comment.
"Young one we're well past the point of lying, besides," he coughed sharply, a clump of dark crimson splattering the lower part of his chin, much to the clear horror of his companion who quickly darted to his side.
"Don't push yourself Brother Markus, save your strength, we're nearly at the safe house," whispered Tev'yais uneasily, as she wiped the blood from his features tenderly.
"The goddess gives us only as heavy a burden as we can carry sister," wheezed the man quietly. He seemed to be slipping in and out of consciousness.
"No, stay awake, don't fall asleep brother!" The Asari began liberally applying medi-gel to his crushed and broken chest. "We need to get there right now!" she bellowed to the driver, who let out a loud curse and a split second later the vehicle noticeably accelerated forward.
"What happened to him?" questioned Liara uneasily, as she took in the man's ruined appearance.
"He was injured by Tela Vasir when rescuing you from the spectre."
"Rescuing me! rescuing me! You were trying to kidnap me!" the older Asari let out a small huff of frustration.
"You are a follower of our goddess, you carry her blessing, there is no need for us to kidnap you, we are simply escorting you to her Revered Eminence without fear of interference." The maiden felt a cold trickle of fear run down her spine.
"The High Priestess," stammered Liara nervously, as years of ingrained reverence took hold.
"I think you've told her more than enough dear sister," gurgled Brother Markus, as he dragged himself back into consciousness. "Wouldn't you agree?"
"My apologies brother" but the statement was waved aside weakly by the bleeding human, as he locked eyes with his fellow disciple.
"How far are we from safety?" he whispered.
"Not much longer brother, please hang on," replied the matron in a pleading tone.
"I can see the safe house, hold onto him I'm coming in hot!" declared the unseen pilot urgently.
"That idiot is trying to get us all killed!" muttered Tev'yais. The passengers found themselves sliding this way and that, as the vehicle slammed into a steep nosedive.
"Next time someone else drive," Liara heard brother Markus splutter. She watched as the older Asari pinned him as gently as possible to the wall with her biotic power.
"They're in the back, get them out, get them out right now!" bellowed the unseen driver harshly to someone outside, which quickly resulted in the backdoors being thrown open, as several robed figures hastily clambered into the narrow space.
"Brother Markus needs immediate medical attention, get him inside and someone safeguard his staff for Goddess' sake!" Her uncompromising tone left no room for argument as a number of them nodded quickly before carrying the limp body of their superior deep into the safe house, which seemed to be located on the outskirts of some small town, that Liara didn't recognize.
"What about her?" questioned one of them uneasily, as they looked in the maiden's general direction.
"Take her to the guest room, make sure she is taken care of, she is a sister of ours and has been manhandled, so please be kind." The human, nodded respectfully before carefully untying the academic and politely escorting her over the threshold of the safe house. The sight that greeted her was one of simple elegance, long silk drapes hung from the walls and beautifully crafted carpets covered the stone floor. After a while they came to a stop in front of a plain looking doorway that pulled open to reveal a rather simple, if well furnished bedroom.
"Please make yourself comfortable, if you need anything please use the indoor com-link." The man indicated a panel on the wall. "Now if you will excuse me I will leave you to your contemplation." The portal slid shut sealing the young maiden in.
"Now what do I do?" whispered Liara to herself. She looked around at the gilded cage, she got the feeling she was going to be here for some time.
Somewhere orbiting Terapso
"These fuckers just won't leave me the hell alone!" snarled Jack out loud, as she vaulted over a street stall and made a beeline for one of the shuttle bays, her dedicated pursuers in hot pursuit.
"Keep moving!" bellowed Asura over the com, as panic-stricken cries could be heard from the end of the line as the Shinkoku, she suspected, was smashing his way through whatever was dumb enough to block his path.
"Easier said than done boy scout!" yelled the tattooed woman angrily, back down the line. "These assholes don't know when to quit!
"Are they attacking you?" came the dagger sharp response.
"No but they really are working hard to keep up with me," she replied distractedly, smashing an unfortunate bystander to the floor as she hurtled down a bustling side street.
"They must be after something else then, I'm nearly at the hanger. How far out are you?"
"Not far, a few more minutes," muttered Jack grimly. "You'd better be there when I arrive or I'm leaving your fat ass behind!"
"Noted," the line fell silent a split second later.
"Bloody god of the boy scouts, he better not do anything stupid for my sake," she muttered bitterly as she continued her escape.
Nearby:
"Do you have the target in your sights?" shouted Nihlus into his mouthpiece, as he dashed down a walkway.
"We're trying but the skinhead isn't making it easy!" snapped the flustered voice of Zaeed and judging from his heavy panting he wasn't enjoying the chase. "She must have been here before, she's got her entire escape route planned out."
"Will you shut up and run!" snapped Myrae, who's angry tone could be heard in the background.
"Stay on her as long as you can, I think I know where they're heading," declared the spectre confidently. He jumped over a gap between buildings, as he took a shortcut through a built-up section of the station.
"Just don't leave us hanging in the wind when her big friend turns up, you're not paying enough for me to deal with that shit," countered the mercenary pointedly.
"We're not here to fight him, I just want to know where they're going," replied the Turian dismissively as he elbowed people out of his way.
"They why are we chasing them?" asked the human, in mild confusion.
"Because we don't want them to think that we're after the giant, they need to believe that Jacqueline Nought is our prize, they'll be more predictable that way," stated their Asari pilot knowingly.
"As long as we don't have to fight that monster, I don't care," grumbled Zaeed's voice. The spectre meanwhile ducked in under a doorframe as he drew closer to his teammates' ID signatures.
"If that happens we'll bug out, we're not equipped to handle someone of that threat level," reassured the council agent as he kept his full attention on the path laid out by his omni-tool.
"No shit!" cursed the mercenary as the line went quiet.
"Come on, come on, come on!" snarled Jack grimly as she punched in the access codes to the shuttle, she'd come sprinting into the hanger bay not a minute before and had made a bee-line for the craft, smashing anyone who got in her way to one side. "Stupid machine, work!" The ship's onboard VI let out a low whine before finally accepting the series of numbers that had be punched into the holo-screen and started lowering the rear access ramp.
"I think she went in here!" the unfamiliar voice echoed out behind her and Jack quickly threw herself behind cover as footfalls could be heard echoing out on the deck plating and a split second later her pursuers came darting into the chaotic space.
"Do you have sights on the target?" snapped the Asari matron, who was swiping at the surrounding scenery with her assault rifle.
"Not a bloody bleep" muttered her scared companion coldly. "But I'll but my entire retirement fund that hunk of bolts over there is their ship." The Asari tore her gaze away from her searching to glance at the rust bucket before them.
"Want me to check it out?" she murmured.
"Yer but be quick about it. I get a feeling we're not alone here," Jack ducked back down behind cover as she heard him say this, her nerves on edge.
"Fine but you'd better do your job old man," snapped the matron. She slowly made her way towards the waiting spacecraft.
"Fine you want to play hard, we'll play hard," growled the biotic as she felt that all too familiar rush as her power surged throughout her system.
To her credit Myrae preformed a perfect combat roll as a blazing wave of blue energy came crashing into the deck plating sending boxes and plastic barrels smashing into the surrounding walls as station workers ran for their lives.
"I think it's easy to say that she knows we're here!" shouted the Asari loudly as she began slamming rounds down range at the wanted criminal, who at this point seemed to be trying to flatten them under heavy duty containers, that had been left lying around the docking bay.
"Oh just shut up and shoot her for crying out loud!" snarled the mercenary as he laid down covering fire that rattled off the metalwork. The pair split up as they attempted to outflank the nearby hostile.
"I'm trying!" snarled Myrae as she cut loose with her own biotic abilities, sending a hefty looking cargo lift slamming into the far wall, mere inches above the shaven woman's head. Jack however had the common sense to duck down and stay down for a few scant moments, which was just long enough for the pair to quickly relocate.
"What in the spirits is going on down there!" snarled Nihlus over the com-link.
"We got played by the brat, she was laying in ambush in the docking bay," replied the mercenary grimly as he quickly threw himself sideways, to avoid a pounding shockwave that ripped across the floor towards them.
"That wasn't the plan Massani!"
"Well plans change!" spat the human as switched to full-auto and began tearing through what little protection the biotic criminal had remaining.
"I will destroy you!" the roar echoed out over the open space as the angry woman let her presence be known once again as she arced a glowing ball of dark energy over the mound of crates that she was currently squatting behind.
"Singularity!" the warning was a split second too late as the pair were yanked off their feet and sent flying around the room.
"I'm really getting tired of this bitch!" spat Myrae angrily. She shot her hand out in a well honed gesture. The swirling sphere which only scant seconds ago was a torrent of cascading power exploded out in a blinding blue light, that sent anyone still standing crashing into the ground, hard.
"These people just don't know when to quit," muttered Jack angrily as she struggled to her feet only to be met with a brutal right hook that sent her staggering to one side.
"I wouldn't if I were you," declared a heavily armoured Turian that seemed to materialize out of thin air just behind her. "This is a HMWP Master line hand cannon and can cut your shaved head clean off with single shot, so drop the glow if you'll be so kind" and against her better judgment she did. "Good," her attacker did however raise a browplate as he caught the look of smug satisfaction that darted across her face. "Something funny?" challenged the individual in clear amazement.
"Just how much I'm going to enjoy watching you get your asses handed to you," chuckled Jack evilly, just as a sealed access hatch nearby caved in. A massive blow sent the twisted metal remains somersaulting across the ruined space.
"YOU DARE THREATEN SOMEONE UNDER MY PROTECTION!" and the divine guardian general joined the fray.
Asura was not happy, not happy at all. Jack had deliberately ignored his instructions to meet up, instead of deciding to make for their shuttle, which was a rather poor decision in the general's mind as it was rather an easy place to wait in ambush for them.
"TheChōkarā is going to get herself killed, if she doesn't grow up soon," muttered the Shinkoku grimly, as he parted the crowd prior to thundering down a bustling market district, at full speed.
"Hey what do you think you're...!" the challenge was brought to a sudden halt as the guard was backhanded into a nearby wall with a wet thud. The giant stormed through a doorway, which had been pointed out to him by his omni-tool's built-in navigation as the quickest route to his final destination.
"Some idiots are having a bloody fire fight down in docking bay nine," shouted a passerby and a whole host of frightened individuals immediately surged in the opposite direction, panic clearly visible on their features. "Someone contact station security!"
"Why am I not surprised," growled Asura to himself as he leaped over a railing and took a thirty foot fall as if it didn't exist. "I can only hope that she can hold on until I arrive." Dark flashes of anger travelled down the back of the man's mind as he took on a cold tone. "And I will make them suffer pain unimaginable if any harm has befallen her, that I swear." The threat sent a trickle of fear running through anyone who heard him and they couldn't help but feel pity for whatever poor souls had brought this seeming demon's wrath down upon themselves.
"In fifty metres take the third left, then proceed straight for one hundred," the monotone drawl of the devices onboard VI echoed out towards him.
"Accursed device, what I wouldn't give for a competent Shinkoku AI" muttered the general in frustration. He recalled the loyal constructs that had served under him during the long war. He'd take any of them now, rather than these pale, pathetic imitations that he currently found himself surrounded with; unfortunately or maybe rather fortunately for the giant a rumbling detonation echoed out through the metal plating underfoot, as he came to a screeching halt.
"That was nearby I must be getting close," declared the warrior and he increased his pace twofold as the sounds of battle began increasing in volume with every passing moment.
"I will destroy you!" The roar thundered down the corridor towards him as he came sprinting around a corner.
"Finally," growled the general, as he heard the ping from his omni-tool telling him he'd arrived. "YOU WILL NOT STAND IN MY WAY!" if metal could feel fear it would be shaking in its boots by now as the towering giant bore down on the sealed portal in front of him. It didn't put up much of a fight as he came crashing into the chaos that was on the other side. "YOU DARE THREATEN SOMEONE UNDER MY PROTECTION!"
"Oh bloody hell," muttered Zaeed in growing terror, as he watched the plating warp under the opponent's weight, as the giant came crashing down to earth with a deafening crescendo.
"YOU WILL KNOW PAIN!" the bone chilling declaration echoed out around the lofty space as their real target finally made his presence felt.
"By the Goddess," his Asari companion took a few steps back, as the mountain of a man pulled himself up to his full height.
"Fall back, fall back right now!" yelled their employer frantically as the Turian ducked under a devastating right hook that sent a nearby container screeching backwards a few dozen feet, with a clear imprint of the attacker's fist hammered into one side.
"FACE ME!" roared the monstrous human as he dashed forwards at an unbelievable speed and attempted to grapple with the spectre, who was desperately attempting to extract himself from the frankly terminal engagement that he now found himself engaged in.
"Don't just stand there shoot him!" snarled the mercenary as he levelled his weapon at the goliath.
"Are you out of your bloody mind!" replied Myrae as she almost threw her rifle to one side in her desperation to escape. "You're on your own!"
"I wouldn't bet on it shithead!" the statement caught them by surprise and a split-second later there was a blinding flash of biotic energy as Jack smashed into the pair in a dazzling display of acceleration that sent them crashing into the deck a good few metres away from where they'd been standing. "I promised to destroy you and I always keep my word!" chuckled the woman, as she loomed over them.
Meanwhile on Thessia:
"How is our guest Sister?" The question echoed out of the speaker, as the hologram turned its full attention to the acolyte who knelt before it.
"She is contained Revered Eminence and on our last inspection subdued." Sister Tev'yais glanced up nervously "When should we expect your arrival?" The question brought a look of frustration to the matriarch's chiselled features as she heard it. "Ma'am?" the acolyte raised a worried eyebrow in clear confusion. "Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing that you should worry yourself about my dear, just be aware that I'll be unable to meet our sister for a few days as I take care of some bureaucratic nonsense."
"By your wisdom most Revered Eminence," murmured the Asari as she bent low in a sign of respect. "We shall keep her occupied until your business is settled, Goddess be with you Revered Eminence."
"And with you too Sister Tev'yais," replied the high priestess calmly, as the line fell silent once more.
"The Goddess protects," muttered the matron and she walked wearily out of the sealed room and back into the main office of the safe house.
"What did her Eminence say?" whispered Markus weakly from where he lay in a comfortable bed in one corner of the room.
"Her Revered Eminence has been delayed, she wouldn't tell me what the problem was but the timing of this can't be incidental."
"It was to be expected," wheezed the man tiredly as he looked over towards his fellow Athameian. "We didn't stop to make sure that the spectre was dead after the engagement, it's not beyond belief to suspect that she survived as well." The matron gave him a disbelieving look.
"You dropped a warehouse on her head brother, most normal people don't walk away from that." The man let out a low chuckle.
"Tela Vasir is not normal," he stated.
"If she can go toe to toe with you Brother Markus, even when you have a staff of the Goddess, then that would be a massive understatement," declared the Asari grimly as she handed him a glass of fruit juice.
"Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle," quoted the human evenly as he took a small sip. "They live up to their reputation if nothing else." He took another sip. "And what is to happen to our guest? I doubt she will remain subdued for much longer, her family, pardon my bluntness, isn't known for its timid nature."
"That's an understatement and a half," muttered the acolyte grimly. "We'll need to keep an eye on her. The longer this goes on, the more likely it is that she will attempt to escape." The brother nodded in agreement.
"We should also prepare for unexpected company, it wouldn't be unreasonable for Miss Vasir to pay us a surprise visit and if not her then some of her friends," advised the human tiredly. "Hopefully by then the Goddess will have blessed me with her healing."
"We can only hope" murmured the Asari respectfully as she bowed her head at the mention of their deity. "But having an artefact from the Most Divine should help you channel some of her divine power, no matter how faint."
"Indeed," Brother Markus closed his eyes. "I apologise sister but I'm rather tired. The healing process has taken a lot out of me." The matron put up a hand to placate him.
"I understand Brother, rest, save your energy." The man let out a lengthy sigh and allowed himself to slip into a deep slumber. The look of confidence that had been painted across the Asari's face melted away and she turned pensive as she exited the room.
"What are our orders sister?" quietly questioned one of her fellow believers, who had been maintaining a vigil outside the door.
"Double the security on both our guest and on the perimeter," instructed the matron sharply, as she took on a commanding air. "Nothing is to be allowed in or out without my say so!"
"As you say sister." The Turian bowed deeply before hurrying off at a brisk pace.
"And now we wait," she muttered.
Somewhere in deep space:
High Priestess Radishi glanced away from the projector as she turned her full attention back towards one of her attendants, who was similarly dressed in a flowing white ceremonial robe.
"Have we heard anything from our brothers and sisters on the citadel?" The Turian woman shook her head in clear disappointment.
"They have been strangely unable to find out why the Council has asked you to visit them on the citadel at this time." She let out a low, nervous rumble from her throat.
"Are you sure that it is wise to be undertaking such a journey Revered Eminence?" The matriarch allowed herself a long moment of contemplation before answering.
"It would be deeply discourteous to refuse a summons from the Citadel Council," hummed the figure. "Even if I do technically have diplomatic immunity as a prominent member of a major religion;" a fact that most of the general public are completely unaware of, something that those in power are deeply grateful for, no one likes having their power undermined after all.
"I still think it's unwise your Revered Eminence, if you don't mind me saying so," whispered the acolyte. "The nature of this meeting is deeply suspicious. I do wish you had permitted us to bring some more security to safeguard you against any nefarious acts." The Asari allowed herself a small smile as she placed a silky smooth and reassuring hand on her fellow Athameian's shoulder.
"Your concern for my well-being speaks highly of your character sister," stated the religious leader kindly turning her full attention towards the female Turian. "Besides on the matter of my well being I have you and a dozen other fellow believers to keep me secure." The matriarch glanced sidelong over her shoulder at an immovable silhouette that stood in a patch of shadow in the corner of the well furnished room. "Along with one or two other holy protectors." The acolyte deliberately made sure that her gaze stayed well away from the area in question in a show of revered respect.
"And we all feel honoured to have such sacred artefacts crafted by the Most Divine here with us your Revered Eminence," there was slight pause "But I fear that certain unfaithful elements may not react well to their presence on the citadel." This last concern however was quickly quashed by her superior, who waved the statement away with a simple motion of her outstretched hand.
"They will remain aboard the official craft unless they are needed." The High Priestess looked over at the intricate gilded metalwork that covered the figure. "Is that clear?" There was a low note, almost like a music tone that echoed out in response. "Good" the matriarch turned back to gazing out at the flashing, twinkling lights of stars as they flashed by. The conversation ended.
A few days later on the Citadel:
"Has her ship docked yet?" enquired Sparatus sharply, as he glanced up from a stack of data pads to glare at his assistant, who was standing only a few feet away.
"Not yet Sir, High Priestess Radishi's official craft has only just cleared Citadel Control. She should be heading to the private hanger as we speak," stated the younger Turian evenly as he answered the question, seemingly unperturbed by his superior's angry tone.
"Inform me when she comes onto the station," snapped the Councillor. He rose from his seat. "I'm going to go and meet my fellow councillors."
"Yes Sir." His fellow Turian nodded respectfully as the politician exited the busy space. It didn't take Sparatus long to make his way from his official residence, towards the only elevator that was allowed down to the private docking port.
"Valern," the Salarian representative barely registered his greeting as the keenly intelligent individual's gaze remained fixed on a report that was held tightly in one hand.
"I take it that you haven't seen our esteemed colleague," replied his fellow bureaucrat evenly.
"No she's been rather distant with us since we summoned her esteemed religious leader to meet us in private," stated Sparatus grimly and that was putting it politely. When the decision had been officially brought up the Asari representative had been horrified by the suggestion and protested vehemently. It had taken the personal reassurances of Tela Vasir herself that the incident in question had actually occurred before the matron had finally relented.
"Well we can only hope that she remembers who's side she's supposed to be on," murmured Valern pointedly, as he fixed the Turian with a knowing look.
"One can only hope," he muttered.
"Why do I get the feeling that you're talking about me behind my back?" suddenly stated an all too familiar voice coldly. The pair turned around only to fall completely silent in stunned surprise as they caught sight of Councillor Tevos. Gone was her form fitting crimson and white dress, in its place was a flowing Sāḍī, pure as newly fallen snow, with silver thread running along its edges, in a breathtaking display of needlecraft.
"That is rather striking Tevos if you don't mind me saying so," commented the Salarian carefully as he took in his colleague's appearance, taking note of the freshly reapplied face paint and meticulous clean skin that greeted him. "I don't remember ever seeing you in that particular dress before." The matron nodded in polite thanks.
"It was my mother's, she used to wear it whenever we went to pray. Now it's mine," replied the Asari gently as she ran a dark purple hand over the fine material, in fond remembrance. "I thought that it would be only proper if I presented myself in a more formal state." She pulled herself upright as a professional air took hold once again. "I take it that you don't have an issue with this?"
"No problem, as long as you keep in mind why we are here and what the point of this meeting is," countered Sparatus coldly. He crossed his arms firmly, the snide comment earned him a withering glare from his fellow representative as she opened her mouth to fire back a barbed retort, which was quickly cut off as the Turians omni-tool blared into life. "That will be my assistant," muttered the bureaucrat as he quickly checked his messages. "The High Priestess's ship has just docked, she'll be with us momentarily."
"Then may I suggest that we put aside our personal differences and focus on the task at hand," stated Valern critically as he fixed the pair with a stony stare. "Don't you think?"
"Of course Councillor," replied the matron evenly as she nodded her head in polite agreement. "My apologies;" the three of them fell silent as they picked up on the low rumble of generators as the express elevator carried its important cargo up to their level.
A few minutes longer:
"The Citadel Council welcomes you warmly to the station your Revered Eminence" the Asari councillor bowed her head respectfully as High Priestess Radishi slowly stepped out of the tight confines of the crystal and glass lift, with an air of elegance that almost took the three politicians by surprise.
"Ah Sister Tevos it is good to see you again," murmured the religious leader evenly, as she nodded her head in subtle greeting before turning her attention towards the other figures, waiting patiently nearby. "Councillor Sparatus, Councillor Valern, I am honoured that you all see fit to greet me, I know just how busy you all must be." The Turian representative let out a low huff.
"I bet you do," he muttered, but the comment was quickly silenced by a sharp elbow to the ribs from his plum coloured colleague, who was attempting to keep a controlled expression in spite of his unwanted commentary.
"I do hope you don't mind but I would like to visit some of the Goddess's shrines while I'm here, tending to the faithful is one of my sacred duties as a priestess of Athame after all." The matriarch's attendants quickly fell in behind her as the small gathering of politically powerful individuals made their way back through the more opulent sections of the station. Understandably the appearance of such a gathering in public was enough to cause the general public to come to a standstill, as the procession slowly passed them by.
"Is this really necessary?" commented Valern quietly from his position to one side of their guest. "This is rather more public than I was anticipating."
"It is important for people to be able to engage with those that guide them," countered the High Priestess evenly as she concentrated on engaging with the faithful, who hearing of her surprise arrival on the station, were now flocking to greet her, as she was escorted to the council tower.
"How charitable of you," muttered the Turian representative coldly, as he caught sight of a fair few of his own people amongst the excited crowds.
"Although I agree with you your Revered Eminence, my colleague is correct, we should make haste to the council chambers, where we can talk in more secure surroundings," murmured Tevos respectfully.
"As you wish" Radishi raised a hand and her fellow Athameians fell silent. "I am deeply moved that so many of my brothers and sisters have come to greet me on my arrival, it has been far too long since I last walked upon this station and I promise that once my business is complete I will return to you all, on that you have my word." The gathered onlookers let out a low hum of understanding before slowly dispersing, as they respectfully backed away.
"A masterful display High Priestess," commented the Salarian council member as the party quickly returned to their original pace.
"I do what I can," she replied as they entered the main elevator.
"Your attendants will have to wait here until the lift returns, weight limitations you understand," declared Sparatus brusquely, as he entered the narrow space. The comment did not go down well with a number of the Athameians, who let out low mutterings of protest at the request, but were quickly silenced as their leader raised her hand again.
"As you wish, we are your guests after all," Radishi leant down and whispered to what appeared to be her personal attendant, who nodded in begrudging acceptance.
"As you wish Revered Eminence, may the Goddess watch over you," she muttered coldly as the female Turian turned her piercing gaze towards the council members. "We will be with you again shortly."
"Do not be concerned sister I'll be perfectly fine on my own for a few minutes," chuckled the matriarch as she stepped through the waiting portal to join the politicians waiting patiently for her on the other side. She vanished from view as the sealed doors closed behind her.
"I do hope you're not offended by my fellow Athameians Councillor, they tend to be rather overprotective of me on occasion," commented the High Priestess evenly as she glanced knowingly towards Sparatus "but they mean well."
"I am sure they do," countered the politician dismissively. "One has to wonder why you feel the need for such protection, it's almost as if you expect there to be an incident." His subtle challenge was expertly diverted however, as the religious figure let out a soft titter of amusement.
"And what need would that be?" she looked around at the other members of the council. "I am a guest here at your own invitation, it would be inconceivable for the leaders of the galactic community to do something as underhanded as breaking their word, correct?" The silence which echoed out after the comment was deafening and later on the high priestess could have sworn that she heard one of Sparatus' teeth crack, he was clenching his jaws so tightly together.
"The idea is absurd, you have diplomatic status, such an action would break our own laws, not to mention the loss of face we would suffer," countered the Salarian sharply as he looked over towards the matriarch. "Which is, I believe, something that you know only too well," he added.
"I fear you overestimate my abilities Councillor," replied the high priestess humbly. She bowed her head in polite acceptance of his remarks.
"We should really discuss this in private don't you all agree!" interrupted Tevos. "We didn't invite one of the most important members of the Athameian faith all the way to the Citadel to talk about politics in an elevator!" Her fellow representatives had the decency to look embarrassed as they fell silent once again, fortunately for everyone the ride now came to an end, with the inevitable 'ping' as the glass doors slid open.
"I take it that we'll be discussing matters in a more secluded setting," stated Radishi, as she was guided past the official chamber and towards a door set into a far wall.
"But of course," replied Valern as he indicated the room in question. "This space is used to discuss more sensitive topics, rather appropriate don't you think?" A brief smile darted across the Asari's face.
"Whatever do you mean Councillor?" but the polite banter quickly disappeared as the group quickly made themselves comfortable in the rather spartan looking chamber, which besides a few comfortable looking chairs and a table was strangely empty.
"Now that we're all settled can we please get down to business," snapped Sparatus sharply as he poured himself a cup of dextro coffee from a machine.
"As you wish," replied the high priestess as she calmly accepted a beverage from the Asari representative and made herself comfortable. "What do you wish to discuss?" The Turian councillor let out a loud snort.
"Enough games we all know why we're here," he stated. "Blatant interference in official council business by your organisation, not to mention the unprovoked assault upon one of our spectres, which may I remind you is a serious offence." The matriarch took a long sip of the coffee, savouring the taste, before replying.
"Quite delightful," her gaze shifted away from the dark, ebony liquid to stare at the assembled politicians before her. "Now what was it that you want to discuss exactly?" she turned her attention towards the unhappy looking Turian. "The fact that you allege that we interfered with official council business?" She raised a non-existent eyebrow. "Can you tell me what exactly this business is, I'm unsure of what matter you speak of." She took another sip of her beverage. "And on the matter with Miss Vasir we were simply moving to protect one of our sisters from an unknown attacker." The atmosphere grew tense as the politicians took full notice of what was being said.
"So you admit to deliberately interfering with official council business," growled Sparatus coldly as he leant forward in his chair.
"I think you misunderstand me Councillor," countered the religious leader. "I said we were rescuing one of our believers from an unidentified attacker, I never said that we were interfering in council affairs."
"Agent Vasir is a council spectre, as such her actions count as council affairs," challenged the politician. "Any deliberate interference from a third party is considered a serious crime."
"Is that so?" commented the Asari as she looked around at the other individuals in the room. "Is this a trial than? I was under the impression that I'd been invited here to discuss certain issues, not to stand trial." Councillor Tevos visibly flinched at the accusation.
"I assure you your Revered Eminence, no one is on trial here, we simply want to discuss the situation with you that is all," answered Valern as he held up a hand to reassure her. " I'm sure you understand that we have our concerns."
"And I'm sure you can understand mine," retorted the matriarch sharply. "I have a duty of responsibility to protect my fellow Athameians, so when I hear word of one of them being snatched in broad daylight, in the middle of a shopping mall no less, I tend to take action," her tone had become noticeably terse.
"She is a suspect in an ongoing investigation!" declared Sparatus as he slammed a fist down onto the arm rest. "An investigation you deliberately interfered with!"
"And I'm glad I did!" retorted the High Priestess," or is it council policy to permit torture of suspects?" She glared over towards the other Councillors. "I wonder how her mother, Matriarch Benezia will respond, when she sees the state her daughter is in!"
"We had no knowledge of this!" declared Tevos hastily as she exchanged nervous looks with her colleagues "Agent Vasir acted on her own initiative without Council acquiescence."
"And yet here I am being held accountable for her action!" snapped the religious leader.
"Leaving the matter of morality aside," interrupted Valern as he forced his way into the conversation "Your subordinates still committed an aggressive action against the council representative, which is a serious offence under galactic law."
"Not to mention certain other aspects of the event that require an explanation," added the Turian sharply.
"Is that so? and what, pray tell, will happen if I refuse to agree to your demands?" The challenge sent a small shock wave through the gathering.
"Your Revered Eminence I must protest strongly against such action, it would be ill-advised for all parties involved" pleaded the Asari representative, a look of genuine concern clearly visible upon her features. "You must understand that there are issues here that go well beyond the young T'soni."
"That's enough Tevos, we will not discuss such matters with...!" but the Turian was quickly silenced by the icy glare that greeted him.
"You will stay silent Sparatus! I will not allow your hatred of the cult to blind you to the serious political ramifications of such an action." The matron turned her attention back to their respected guest. "Please Revered Eminence I beg you, as a fellow follower of the Goddess, to work with the council to overcome this crisis." The matron lowered her head in a clear display of submission.
"Are you asking this of me Sister Tevos?" stated the matriarch coldly. "As one follower to another?"
"Yes your Revered Eminence," the High Priestess let out a low hum as she fell silent for a long moment, as if she were weighing up her options.
"Fine but do not expect me to bend the knee, there are only two beings that can ask that of me and your council is not one of them." The councillors exchanged nervous looks, this was going to be a lot harder than they'd originally anticipated.
The first new chapter of The legacy of Wrath in 2017, I do hope you all like it, this story has been my most successful to date and I couldn't be more grateful for all the reviews and comments that this work has attracted THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Now we're homing in on the big one hundred comments mark, a goal that I never thought possible for me, but with all your help it is nearly a reality, so I will humbly ask that you please READ & REVIEW, it drives me to work even harder to get the next chapter out for your reading pleasure, also I'm think of doing something special to mark the mile stone ;).
I'll see you all next time in the next chapter.
Gods-own