A/N: Still going strong folks, glad to see such positive response to the story.
A moment of…hmm…discourse? Well, more like me just talking a little about my thoughts on the Story. IF you wish to read, feel free, if not, skip past the bolded A/N.
So, over the past few weeks, I've been thinking on my Systems Alliance. Of course, one can expect, some of the things I've given them are rather over powered, and throwing in three other alien species that they've made peaceful contact with has had an effect on them. I had been thinking that I had made the Systems Alliance too strong, too powerful. Or more specifically, Humans. Of course, the Vegans provide technical abilities, the Vargr military strength and the Aslan an exploratory wanderlust…but at it's heart, I was beginning to think that I had made humanity too strong. I'm the first to admit that I can build rather uber characters. Looking at my Far Flung Hope series, I admit it full well. But I set out to portray humanity as normal…and when I set my humans against the Humans in ME…they're overwhelmingly stronger.
But then I began to think long and hard on it. I realized I wasn't making my humans overly strong, but the humans in Mass Effect were so much weaker than they should be. Technologically, militarily, culturally, politically, they're all so much weaker than they should.
Technology, folks, have any of you ever looked at the 'Experimental Technology' page in the Wikipedia? Or heard about some of the other technologies that are in research now? At the start of the 21st century, we are researching invisibility, teleportation, Fusion power, and man-portable directed energy weapons, we have prototypes of all these technologies, right now. Nanotechnology, genetic engineering, molecular computing, a host of other advanced technologies are under development. Perhaps not working to the degree we see in movies, but on micro scale levels, but they are there, without a doubt. Right now, FTL travel is something that NASA scientists regard as possible within the next century. In Mass Effect, human technology seems to simply be cloned versions of everything that the Citadel Council has. Human tech is the same as Citadel Tech, no variation, no changes, nothing is really different other than esthetics. In two thousand years humanity went from Ancient Rome and China, to space travel. The Citadel Council remained static.
Militarily, two thousand years ago, the best soldier in the world was a Roman Legionary, wearing iron segmented armor, carrying a shield, short sword and two throwing spears. He marched into battle wearing sandals, was supported by light Calvary armed with spears, and had archers for fire support. Today, the average soldier, wears composite ceramic body armor, is armed with a selective fire rifle, grenades and a variety of support weapons in his squad, including anti-tank weapons. He's supported by fighter bombers, heavy armor capable of moving at upwards of 70 mph across the battlefield, attack helicopters and rides into battle in an APC. He has communications that can link him to any other point on the planet, satellite reconnaissance and other forms of intel that are provided to him instantly. The Citadel Council has maintained the same military doctrine, equipment and strategy for the past two millennia. Even Naval doctrine, drawing on the mass experiences of World War one and World War two, we see that the Systems Alliance barely came up with the concept of using carriers, instead for the most part they duplicate the Citadel Council's doctrine of using dreadnoughts. At that rate it feels like the Alliance should be using bolt action rifles and mass wave assaults, not maneuver warfare.
But this is just my grousing and nitpicking. I could go on and on second guessing the decisions made by Bioware who manage to do more right than wrong with their games. Mass Effect is a lovely universe to play in, I adore the games and the characters…it's just the Systems Alliance is so…weak. Humanity just deserves better in the grand scheme of things by my reckoning.
GNN Broadcast, November 28th 2157
"In a stunning revelation today, Arcturus has announced that the Citadel Council, the supervisory government of the Turian Hierarchy has sent an emissary to undertake peace negotiations with the Systems Alliance. The news was relayed in a press conference given by President Trindle. The President stated that for the time being, Alliance forces in the Macedyn Theater of War would be holding in place in agreement with Fleet Admiral Yarazh. Despite expressing hope for peace, the President made it clear that the Alliance made no promises as to resolution of this conflict without severe concessions from the Council. When asked further, President Trindle refused to elaborate on the matters, merely saying that 'the State Department has it's instructions and I will not undermine their position by telling the other side what we want'."
"Confidential sources in the State Department have been as tight lipped as the President, refusing to elaborate. Although one source was willing to state that the State Department would reach a settlement that resulted in the safety and security of the Systems Alliance, or their would be none at all. Sources from High Command have informed us that an undisclosed number of military units have continued to be moved into the Shanxi System along with Naval forces. Although no exact strengths have been relayed, it is safe to say that while there might be peace along the Macedyn front for now, the Alliance is ready for a long war."
Quarian Migrant Fleet, November 28th 2157
Captain Shala'Raan vas Tonbay looked at the grainy hologram image along with the other officers. The Admiralty board had expanded it's normal gathering, including commanders from several prominent vessels in the Fleet, including the life ships and combat spacecraft. The briefing chamber was filled with Captains and Admirals, all of them taking notes on their Omni-tools and reviewing the key points that had been made from the holo. Very few of them knew where the information had come from, but all of them were extremely interested in what it showed. The location was not provided, but for Quarians, what planet the battle was around didn't much matter, hadn't much mattered since Rannoch…space was their home…and a new alien armada appearing in it…
…one that had so thoroughly decimated the Turians…
The image was a still capture from a holo recording that had been barely twenty minutes long. It had centered on a Mass Relay being guarded by a large Turian Fleet complete with Dreadnoughts and Cruisers. They were arrayed in a the standard 'half orb' defensive position around the relay, distanced enough that they could engage any force that jumped through with their Mass Accelerator weapons before fighters and Frigates could engage the assaulting force at close range. In the still shots the vessels were labeled by class, along with information provided on command structure, technical aspects and battle history of each of the Turian vessels. Though the Citadel wasn't fully aware of it, Quarian military Intelligence took a very close interest in the command and control structure of opposing fleets in addition to their military capabilities. Included in the briefing was a breakdown of numbers and effective combat power. Truth be told, the assembled Turian force was the largest that the Quarians had seen since the Krogan Rebellions, possibly half the combat power of the assembled Migrant Fleet.
The holo didn't spend much time just gazing at Turian vessels though, less than ten seconds into the clip, the first alien craft moved through the Relay. The ships were large, but the information given on them was sparse, size and maneuver capabilities put them in the range of Frigates and Cruisers, while some based on size had to be Dreadnoughts. The Turians engaged the alien craft with Mass Accelerators, laying down a withering barrage that was far outside the acceptable safety margins of Turian weapons. The withering fire tore through the vanguard of the alien fleet, ripping apart the Frigate and Cruiser scale vessels as they accelerated into the teeth of the Turian barrage. Captain Shala'Raan knew that such a strategy had to be suicide, the aliens were being torn apart…but on the heels of the vanguard more vessels leapt through the relay. These craft were almost all Dreadnought in size…and larger…several seemed to be half as large as the Destiny Ascension, the gargantuan Asari Dreadnought that the Citadel Council used…
With the second force, the actual maneuver phase began in earnest. The largest vessels seemed to engage the Turian defenders with what the analyst who'd provided the information on the holo stills had hypothesized were directed energy weapons of immense damage potential. The initial force and smaller alien craft accelerated into the Turian line, even as nuclear explosions erupted against the advancing second vanguard…the Turians had been wiling to throw everything they had against the aliens. But it wasn't enough…the smaller craft were heavily armed as well, and at close range immune to the heavy Mass Accelerators on the Turian ships because of the maneuverability that they had. Explosions ripped through the Turian fleet, the Dreadnoughts and Cruisers in the firing line beginning to maneuver out of their formation to engage the closer targets, the Frigates and fighters trying to divert the lighter alien ship's fire. In moments, the disciplined Turian formation had been ripped apart into a swirling melee of ship against ship battles. Even as this melee ground through, more and more alien ships leapt through the Relay, but none of these appeared to be joining the fight. Instead they were moving to FTL immediately, headed for other targets.
So far, none of the Captains or Admirals had commented on the footage, or their briefing files. All of them were too shocked at the information. For a Quarian, the principle threats in the galaxy were the Geth, followed by raiders, and behind them was the Citadel Council. No Quarian would ever forget being abandoned in their hour of most dire need by the supposedly benevolent council. The Turians, Asari and Salarians were not considered to be friends by any commander in the Migrant Fleet. But to see one of them…perhaps the strongest of them get swept aside in a bloody showdown against an unknown alien invasion force…it was sobering…
…and as much of a threat as a suit breach.
"Is this information accurate?" Captain Shala'Raan asked aloud, breaking the silence. In the briefing auditorium, the enviro-suit faceplates of every other Quarian turned and looked at her, fighting the urge to flinch at the sudden attention, she remained sitting upright, glad that it was Admiral Rael'zorah giving the briefing.
"To the best of our knowledge Captain. It was gathered by a Marine patrol ship scouting the Macedyn Relay for possible use at a later time. They happened to be in the right place at the right time to catch it all." Rael replied in the briefing hall.
"Good luck for us, the Turians would never let this kind of information out." Another Captain said aloud and several heads nodded. The Turians were nothing if not proud of their military might, and they wouldn't want a devastating defeat like this being made general knowledge. The fact that the Migrant Fleet had gotten this kind of information so quickly was an unexpected windfall, even if the information gained was not pleasant.
"That is correct Captain, this briefing is to make you all aware of the gravity of the situation. Should this force move beyond the Macedyn System, it is…unlikely, that the Turians would be able to contain it. In that event, the Migrant Fleet will have to avoid any possible sectors that it is operating in. Patrols and reconnaissance expeditions will have to be dramatically increased as well." Rael said, the weight of the Admiralty board behind his words. The Conclave had significant say in the government of the Flotilla, but with something like this, ship captains were more than willing to accept the advice of the military. Life in the galaxy was hard for a Quarian, there was never any question of that…but the existence of this kind of military force waging a war against the Turian Hierarchy, and by extension the entire Citadel Council, the Migrant Fleet had suddenly gained a new and very dangerous threat to it's existence. As the briefing broke into many smaller conversations, most of it going over the limited information on the briefing documents, others expressing shock at the Turian defeat. Shala stood and moved down the aisle, walking up to Rael and nodding to him, sharing a private word.
"Rael, what are they?" She asked quietly, looking at the holo image of the alien craft.
"We don't know Shala, the Admiralty Board is without a doubt concerned over this…very concerned. We don't know why they invaded Macedyn, we don't know where they came from. But they certainly don't like the Turians." Rael said, flipping a few holo images and looking at several of the frozen images, alien ships tearing apart Turian craft with what seemed to be no quarter.
"Could the Turians have provoked them? They're not exactly the most diplomatic." Shala said, it was well known that the Turians had a slightly bullying nature when it came to others, martial discipline and civic duty were one thing, but they had a decidedly xenophobic bent when it came to other races, especially those they could subjugate. Only the Batarians were more aggressive against other races, but the Turians had a patina of legitimacy because of their position on the Citadel Council and as the galaxy's peacekeepers.
"It's a possibility Shala, I know that Turian patrols have been extremely aggressive against the Migrant Fleet whenever we've come into contact with them. I hesitate to think what they might have done to these aliens. I can name at least two Turian Colonies that belong to other species who were 'aggressive'." Rael said darkly and Shala could only nod for a moment, looking at the shape of the Turian Dreadnought Gothis being ripped apart by internal explosions. Both of the commanders winced at the image.
"I hope they only hate Turians." Shala said quietly.
"So do I Shala, so do I." Rael replied.
Arcturus Station, November 28th 2157
Ambassador Kar Jiv-nar smoothed the seam of her elegant dress and shook herself slightly. The tall, lithe Aslan Diplomat had been seen to by her assistants and full fledged makeup artists and tailors prior to this meeting. Her black and white striped fur was immaculate and styled to perfection. Her Chinese style dress was perfect, draped across her body and formed to her with the perfection one would expect on a Hollywood starlet being seen on the red carpet, the rich green silk and gold inlay on it was perfect. Her sharp green eyes closed for the moment as she thought over one piece of information from the briefing reader in her paw before she looked back to the holo display. Ambassador Jiv-nar was an extremely striking female by Aslan standards, and to a lesser degree Vargr and Humans…not so much to Vegans…but physical appearances didn't matter much for them. All in all, the Ambassador looked like every credit of the several hundred thousand spent on the outfit and elaborate styling that she had been put through for most of a day. It wasn't something that the government advertised, but it was a very important part of statecraft. Ambassador Jiv-nar was the first official Systems Alliance Ambassador to meet with Matriarch Sereya, and for such a meeting, one had to present a perfect picture. Dressed in simple but elegant attire, perfectly turned out, every inch of her six foot five frame seen too, and every single motion in the entire diplomatic undertaking planned with perfection towards putting the Council Ambassador into the precise mindset that the Alliance wished. For Aslan it was an art-form, just like with human ambassadors. Humans had been carrying out diplomacy on the level of nation states for thousands of years. Aslan functions were on a smaller more personal level, which meant that Aslan diplomats had to make a mental leap when it came to scale, but otherwise…Aslan females made up a surprisingly large portion of the State Department's Foreign Service Officers.
Ambassador Jiv-nar was the most senior and skilled of the State Department's ambassadors, which was why she had been hastily transferred from the negotiations and meetings with the Xenopus species' leadership and hustled back to Arcturus. A lower level, but still, female Aslan was discussing matters, very skillfully dodging the concerns and distress that the Amphibian species' leadership felt when they discovered they'd been put on hold. But when you were negotiating with a major galactic power, sometimes, you had to make someone come in second. Now was one of those times.
"Ambassador, the Matriarch's shuttle will be arriving momentarily." Came the soft word from her aide. She turned and nodded to the human with a reassuring smile.
"Thank you Stephen, are all the preparations made?" Jiv-nar asked unnecessarily.
"Of course Ambassador, shall we?" Stephen said, with a smile, he wasn't nearly as well turned out as ambassador Jiv-nar, he had been busy coordinating the entire 'circus' that had been undertaken to make the arrival at Arcturus station sufficiently imposing and dramatic for the Asari. Even if there were only three of them, Jiv-nar was quite certain that they would be memorizing everything that they saw…and the Alliance was making sure that they had a lot to memorize. Jiv-nar set down her reader and turned, walking out of the changing room with such grace that she seemed to float along. She made her way through the passages that had been polished with precision that was beyond anything that the most demanding Marine Basic instructor would want to see from his cadets, and turned into the hangar bay.
It was much smaller than the bay on the SSV Leonidas that had received the Asari Matriarch and her aides, a more intimate setting for this was preferred. Jiv-nar took her place at the end of a long plush red carpet, standing at the end and shifting her poise to take in all the effect of a regal bearing. Jiv-nar tilted her head back slightly so she would be looking down at the Asari, calculating her poise so that from the very second it would be clear to the Council representatives just where they stood. She looked at the honor guard arrayed behind and beside her, all of them soldiers, and every one members of the honor guard detachments billeted at Arcturus for state functions. A squad of Marines stood in their vivid dress maroon uniforms complete with kilts, polished boots, berets, campaign and decorations, even a piper...each one at attention to her right. A squad of Army Light Infantryman stood to her left, their dark green dress uniforms a contrast to the vivid impression left by the marines, their pants bloused in mirror finished boots, unit patches on their shoulders proclaiming them to be the toughest troopers the army possessed, their berets black, and their chests boasting decorations to rival their marine opposites. Behind Jiv-nar to her left was the Navy their deep blue uniforms turned out with precision, the bright white attire of formal dress uniforms assuaged for this presentation, but unlike the Army or Marines, this honor guard was made up of high officers. To the right of Jiv-nar was the Aerospace forces, they wore black dress uniforms cut along severe lines, but despite the sharp and imposing figures that these uniforms made, you could sense that these pilots were daredevils, beings that took risks and loved them…even if their uniforms were black and the lines of them sharp, these were beings who were more at home in the cockpit of a craft than standing for a formal meeting.
Jiv-nar knew that the display was small compared to the one given by Fleet Admiral Jarazh, but this was to be more intimate, and as she looked out the mag-sealed hangar at the approaching form of the shuttle, she knew that this had been crafted perfectly. A small display, a subtle one, and one that would reinforce the lesson given by the Fleet Admiral. Jiv-nar took a deep breath as the Alliance Shuttle glided in, it's pilot positioning the craft at the end of the carpet, the exit ramp that descended from the side of shuttle rested perfectly at the end of the carpet. As Jiv-nar took a breath she saw the form of the Asari Matriarch walking down the ramp, flanked by her aides/bodyguards. Jiv-nar had seen the images of the Matriarch that had been forwarded, and she had read everything she could about the Asari from the briefing materials. The appearance of the aliens was not as shocking as it could have been. They were humanoid after all, and they looked a lot like humans in form and face…there was a big difference between humanoid and human looking. Humanoid meant two arms, two legs, and a head around a torso. Human looking? If it wasn't for the skin color and the tendrils…they could have been human. The face…that was what made Jiv-nar look twice and pause, it was for all intents and purposes a human's face. Jiv-nar forced herself not to stare, but merely watched, marinating an aloof pose through sheer force of will while the soldiers surrounding her did so through military discipline.
"I greet you in the name of the Citadel Council, Ambassador. I am Matriarch Seraya." The Matriarch said and bowed. The two Asari flanking her bowed along with her, all of them very professional in their motions, but Jiv-nar could sense the dangerous movements in each of them. She didn't doubt that they were dangerous beings, and the Aslan ambassador was certain that was the same consensus was going through the heads of the soldiers surrounding her. Jiv-nar blinked and realized that the Matriarch had made her own subtle move in the ballet between them. Jiv-nar was surrounded by soldiers, the Matriarch had only two, and the Asari was not concerned in the slightest by the disparity of forces. It bespoke calm, confidence, or disinterest…
"I greet you in the name of the Systems Alliance, Matriarch. I am Ambassador Jiv-nar. I am glad that you have come to greet us on a mission of peace. The people of the Systems Alliance have great hopes that this terrible conflict can be resolved." Jiv-nar said with a bow of her own.
"It is good to hear Ambassador, it is a tragedy that our peoples had to meet under such terrible circumstances." Matriarch Seraya said with a frown on her features…those all too human features… Jiv-nar nodded and extended her paw, touching the outstretched hand of the Matriarch in a universal gesture of greeting. The Asari looked at the gesture and took the Aslan paw tentatively. Jiv-nar smiled in her mind, chocking up the slight shift in control of the situation as a win for her. At the moment, the ambassadors were both feeling each other out…but even when scouting one another, they knew that subtle battles were being fought against each other. As Jiv-nar released the Matriarch's hand and gestured for them to walk along. The honor guard of soldiers moved and formed up in ranks, but didn't follow as the Alliance Ambassador led the Citadel representative from the hangar.
"A tragedy on so many levels, so many lives have been lost in this conflict. It is…something that the Alliance has not known for a very long time." Jiv-nar said sadly, crafting the subtle jab with care.
"Never? Then your Systems Alliance has been very gifted in many ways." Matriarch Seraya said darkly.
"How so Matriarch?" Jiv-nar asked cautiously, she sensed that there was something waiting there.
"The Citadel has not always enjoyed peaceful relationships when we have made contact with others. We have faced a great deal of danger throughout our time among the stars. More than once great threats have risen up against us and we have had to do what is necessary to counter them." Seraya said grimly, her eyes drifting to the stunning view of Arcturus out a massive set of viewports. Jiv-nar nodded, well aware of what 'necessary' meant to the Citadel, she had read the briefing documents on the conflict at Shanxi. The Turians had attempted to eradicate the entire Capital of Shanxi before they were completely overwhelmed. She forced herself not to react to the comment from the Asari. Jiv-nar let the comment drift away, better to let the Matriarch's thoughts drift elsewhere.
"Are you impressed with our Capital, Matriarch?" Jiv-nar asked, slowing to let the Asari gaze out the armor glass viewport, like everything else in this diplomatic meeting, the 'chance passing' by the spectacular view of Arcturus' gas giant and the glowing orb of Arcturus itself in the distance. In contrast to the muted reds and orange glows of the gas giant and system's star, small blue and white flashing lights of the He3 mining operations and navigational beacons above the giant. Jiv-nar couldn't read the expression on Seraya's face, but she watched the Matriarch's eyes gazing out at the system, looking from the orbital tracts above the gas giant Themis. The Mass Relays that made such a desolate system important to the Alliance weren't visible from this distance, but Jiv-nar knew they were there.
"It is an impressive construction Ambassador. I am surprised at the industry of your Alliance. Perhaps you could see the Citadel some day, the seat of the Council is something the entire galaxy is in awe of." Seraya said, and Jiv-nar smiled at the last comment, and smoothly replied.
"Yes, the Protheans left many impressive legacies in the galaxy. If their Mass Relays are any indication, their Citadel must be breathtaking." The Aslan said, looking to the Matriarch as they left the viewport behind. Once again, the female made no response to the subtle jab. For a long moment, Jiv-nar wondered if the Asari was simply not noticing the jab and slight provocations that she was using. Without hesitation, she dismissed the thought…thinking that was a mistake, a dangerous one. Just because she was talking civilly and trading small jabs with her didn't mean that this Asari wasn't an opponent. Just because Jiv-nar didn't carry a weapon didn't mean that she shouldn't view Seraya as an adversary. Far from it, the battle she was fighting here was much more deadly than any theater of combat. It was one on one, being to being, and the outcome of this would affect the lives of billions of citizens of the Alliance, she had to win this battle, no matter what the cost.
"It is, Ambassador Jiv-nar. Millions of beings living in the wards, the seat of power for the galaxy, truly an inspiring sight." Seraya said.
"But no the entire galaxy, simply the one percent that you have surveyed of course. Not to mention the systems that refuse to accept your authority…or those you've cast out." Jiv-nar said, the subtle challenges gone in favor of a more pointed observation. Seraya looked over at the Aslan diplomat and blinked. She had been prepared for such blunt responses.
"That is…true, Ambassador. There are many who have failed to see the positive benefits that come from working with the council. The Terminus systems are a lawless wilderness, filled with war and conflict. Other species who have been…excluded from positive relations with the Council have had their embassies revoked for practical reasons." Seraya said, looking to the Aslan.
"Practical reasons Matriarch? That is a very timid way of putting it. I don't think that the Krogan or the Quarians did anything so deserving their exile as you might believe." Jiv-nar said, placing the first card she had to play on the table. The Alliance had studied Council history in great detail, from the first bits and pieces that had been learned from the Salarian spies to the information extracted from Turian computer systems, they'd learned much about the Citadel. More than the Council would have liked.
"Such as it is, both of those species proved a significant threat to the peace and stability of the galaxy." Seraya replied.
"Well, that is a discussion for another time and place Matriarch. For the moment we are trying to negotiate an end to a war before it spirals beyond control. Hopefully before we prove to be a threat to the peace and stability of the galaxy." Jiv-nar said pointedly as the pair reached the small conference room that had been tasked for the negotiation. Relatively unadorned and simple, the room was split by a single table, with a chair on each side, other seats set along the walls for the aides to sit. But that was it. Jiv-nar gestured for Seraya to sit and the Asari did so. Both of the Matriarch's bodyguards took seats, their eyes watching their Alliance opposites, Jiv-nar's Vegan aide Tat-zi-makla caught more than one long glance, whether it was because she looked dangerous or because she just looked so alien…
"So Ambassador, let us get into the point of this affair. Shanxi, Macedyn, and the war between the Alliance and the Citadel." Jiv-nar said and Seraya nodded.
"With the misunderstanding that occurred to start this war, the Council is willing to accept a return to the status quo. Return of Macedyn to Turian control, setting up a demarcation line and demilitarized zone at Shanxi an-" Seraya began, clearly reciting a long list of terms that the Citadel had expected to be laid out and worked from, but was shocked when Ambassador Jiv-nar raised her paw and gestured for the Asari Matriarch to stop. Seraya halted in mid sentence, shocked at the breach of diplomatic protocol. That was another card that Jiv-nar decided to play. She knew that the standards of diplomacy in Citadel Space were much the same as they were in the Alliance. Breaking those rules…or at least ignoring them until she wished to obey them gave her a potent tool. Diplomacy and negotiations were like a game of chess. To play, both sides needed to obey the rules, pieces moved a certain way, both sides took turns…but when you knocked over the board when you were losing, it tended to complicate matters.
"Matriarch, you are acting as though the Alliance was responsible for this conflict. We are not." Jiv-nar said, and the tone of her last three words left no room for debate.
"Ambassador, the Alliance was attempting to blindly open a Mass Relay." Seraya said, her voice tightening at what she thought was a denial.
"That is incorrect Matriarch. The science expedition was attempting to study the Mass Relay, it had no intention of activating it. Besides that, the relay was a point to point Relay, and the twin was at Macedyn. So even if our researchers had accidentally activated it, the relay would have linked to the Turian system, not a blind jump across the galaxy. Unless you consider making contact with the Hierarchy to be a dangerous action." Jiv-nar said calmly.
"The policy of the Citadel is that no matter what, you do not blindly open Mass Relays Ambassador. Yes, that relay linked to Macedyn, but how were you to know? It took the Turian scout detachment several days to calculate that." Seraya said.
"Our vessels hailed the Turian ships repeatedly, but they opened fire without hesitation, on our combat craft, and on unarmed fleeing civilian transports. Our ships refused to fire first, only engaging after they had been attacked. Your Turian vessels proceeded to attack even as the science ships fled. Is it Council policy to attack civilians?" Jiv-nar asked, an almost predatory smile on her features. She was not going to hold back at the moment, she was jabbing deep, skirting close to another card she had to play.
"The situation was unfortunately an extreme action by the Turian commander. It is regrettable, but the commander had no way of understanding your hails Ambassador." Seraya said, hedging her own comment slightly to gloss over the situation.
"Well, it is unfortunate that the Turian commander could not understand Salarian." Jiv-nar replied.
"Salarian? What are you talking about ambassador?" Seraya said, blinking in surprise, taken slightly off guard by that comment, she'd never been briefed on anything along those lines. The Turians had said the Alliance vessels had failed to communicate properly…
"Yes Matriarch, we had some assistance from a Salarian in learning his language, we thought that it would be prudent to communicate in a language that might be understood by a Citadel warship, we were unfortunately mistaken. I would hope that in future your ships have the ability to communicate in Salarian, Asari, or Turian…or any of the myriad languages in the Galaxy. It may avoid unfortunate misunderstandings in future." Jiv-nar replied to Seraya's shock. She smiled slightly and poured herself a measure of strong Russian tea into a glass cup set in silver. The Aslan pointedly ignored the surprise registering across the Asari's features, the slight flicker of emotion was clearly like the tip of an iceberg. It had to be a major jar for her to register anything at such a delicate time. Jiv-nar smiled as she raised the steaming tea to her lips and sipped at it, letting the Asari consider her own glass for a long few moments.
"We shall have to consider those matters at a later time Ambassador. Right now this is a discussion between the Alliance and the Citadel." Seraya said. Jiv-nar nodded.
"Of course, you are quite right. Considering the situation that has occurred, the assault on our scientific expedition without provocation. The slaughter of the majority of the expedition, failure to attempt communication, we feel that requires the Alliance to assert our territorial rights and demarcate a set frontier at a later date which isn't dependent on the Mass Relays. Simply to avoid further misunderstandings. But that will be for later discussion of course. Once this matter is resolved, the State Department will be quite eager to inform you of where our territory exists. Now, as for a demilitarized zone at Shanxi. That is unacceptable to the Alliance. We have already experienced an invasion by the Turians there which was beaten back at severe loss of life, both military and civilian. We will be maintaining our right to station military forces there." Jiv-nar said flatly, her eyes meeting Seraya's over the table as the Asari examined her tea for a moment.
"I see, that is unfortunate Ambassador. The presence of military forces so close to Macedyn makes for the possibility of conflict once they are returned to the Hierarchy." Seraya said, sipping her tea and contemplating the taste, working to feel aloof. They both knew that the Alliance would never surrender their systems to the Citadel, to ask would be too much.
"We will be keeping Macedyn and the other systems seized as well." Jiv-nar said and Seraya looked across the edge of the tea cup at the Aslan.
"Now it is my turn to say that it is impossible. That is the only nonnegotiable consideration Ambassador. The Turian Hierarchy has made it clear that they will be recovering those systems by force, whatever the cost." Seraya said, and Jiv-nar looked at the Asari. She had been briefed on numerous 'possible' responses to the seizure of Macedyn and the other Turian systems as a possible step-off point into Council space. She knew that High Command wanted to hang onto the Turian worlds, but the State Department was reluctant because of the biological difficulties of colonizing the worlds. Jiv-nar realized that the Asari weren't going to budge on the matter. The Aslan nodded to herself.
"We will consider the return of these worlds for the time being, but you must understand, the Turians decided to assault us, using these planets as a staging area to move their forces against us. Leaving the Hierarchy in a position to strike against us is not a wise decision Matriarch, do you disagree?"
"You assume that the Hierarchy would wish to strike against you once more, we hope to make such things an impossibility in the future Ambassador." Seraya said artfully, and Jiv-nar smiled at the evasion of the answer, saying something while saying nothing was an art that the Asari knew well. The Aslan sipped her tea again and her smile faded.
"We shall consider the return of Macedyn provided the system was demilitarized and no Turian military vessels were allowed access to the system." Jiv-nar said. She knew that the Alliance might not be able to keep control of the Macedyn system, but if they could make things difficult for the Turians to stage forces there…it would be a net gain. Seraya looked at Jiv-nar long and hard for a few moments, contemplating the offer before speaking.
"Such an offer is rather difficult. But at the moment I can consider that if an allotment would be made for smaller patrol ships being permitted to access the system." Seraya counted.
"It will be considered, but a demilitarization of the Macedyn system that includes any combat spacecraft which could pose a threat to the Systems Alliance is the foundation of any peace accord." Jiv-nar said not budging on the matter. For a moment the Asari Matriarch stared across the table contemplating whether to push the issue or to let it rest, but the look in Jiv-nar's eyes made it clear that the Alliance wasn't going to let the Turians strike against them again, at least not from Macedyn.
"Alright, we shall consider this position set for the moment." Seraya said generously, and Jiv-nar gave a slight bow towards the Asari.
"I am glad that you are willing to be so forthcoming." Jiv-nar said with a smile.
"Given the damage that has been done to your world from this misunderstanding with the Turian Hierarchy, we are willing to push for reparations to be made by the Hierarchy. At the moment though, a financial amount would have to be decided at a later date by an independent commission. But given the damage done to Macedyn, any amount would be negligible." Seraya said, moving onto the next issue adroitly. She had her own scorecard and did not like the idea that she had been forced to make the first concession to the Systems Alliance, but was prepared to push on this issue. Reparations for this war would be token in nature only. The Turians would not abide by any kind of payment after losing three of their systems to the Alliance. But Seraya was sure that with the damage done to Macedyn's infrastructure…they would have no argument.
"Reparations will be made Matriarch, in the range of at least five hundred billion credits. That is the minimum amount that the Systems Alliance will accept." Jiv-nar said calmly, and the Asari had no reply to that little rebuttal, except looking at her notes for a moment and tilting her head to the side, the expression on her face one that seemed to be expecting a joke.
"I beg your pardon Ambassador?" Seraya asked curiously.
"Five hundred billion credits, Citadel standard. That is the minimum we shall accept. And given the amount of damage done to Shanxi we expect a much higher amount to be awarded us by an independent committee. The damage to Shanxi was extensive." Jiv-nar said calmly, and she mentally flexed her fingers to draw the next card she had to play.
"I do not think that will be possible Ambassador. Such a sum is exorbitant."
"We lost tens of thousands at Shanxi, and at Macedyn, the entire world was devastated by the Hierarchy. It is without question a dreadful toll against the people of the Alliance." Jiv-nar said.
"That may be, but similar damage was done to Macedyn and a t-" Seraya began, clearly planning a long response to the point, but was taken by surprise when Jiv-nar raised her hand to silence the Asari. A crack appeared in the Matriarch's calm façade, an expression of annoyance drifting over her features before she nodded in silence for Jiv-nar to continue.
"Similar damage? I beg your pardon Matriarch, but the Systems Alliance did not utilize any Mass Accelerator weapons against the surface of Macedyn." Jiv-nar said, casting the point down on the table with all the weight of a cinderblock being tossed onto the conference table. The Matriarch blinked again, and then her eyes narrowed.
"That is a dangerous allegation Ambassador." Seraya said finally.
"Yes, very dangerous, given the tremendous loss of life when the Turians used Mass Accelerators against a garden world. That is against your rules of war, is it not? Or do those only apply to your enemies?" Jiv-nar said, and cast aside the cool and calm mask she had been wearing, the true tone of the negotiations laid bare.
"This is a dangerous allegation." Seraya replied and the veteran Aslan diplomat pressed her advantage by throwing down another point.
"Yes, just like the allegations of mass executions of prisoners of war and civilians. Is that a standard practice in Citadel warfare? Or do you simply allow the Turians to carry that out against species who you don't control?" Jiv-nar said with a snarl. The polite and postured diplomatic meeting had suddenly taken a turn for the worse and the Asari didn't know just how scripted Jiv-nar's performance was. The Aslan knew that there were ways of doing things, and just like when she had broken protocol before to garner an advantage, she was doing so now.
"You dare make such a statement?" Seraya said, her voice deadly soft, and the expression on her face enough that if looks could kill, Jiv-nar would long since have become a corpse.
"Yes Matriarch, I dare. We know much of how the Turians wage their wars. We've been on the receiving end of them, but the Asari have only been the ones holding the leash…not just on the Turians, but also of the Krogan…and that worked well, you turned the other way until their actions were thrown in your face. Now the Turians actions have been thrown in your face. What do you propose?" Jiv-nar said, her expression as dangerous as the Matriarch's.
"That will be dealt with by us Ambassador, not you." Seraya replied.
"Much like the Krogan. Or perhaps the Quarians? The Citadel has a nasty history of betraying it's people. But now is not the time for discussing the shortcomings of your political leadership. Instead it is how we are going to end this war before you find the First fleet bearing down on your precious Citadel and enforcing a change in your government. Perhaps making it more…civilized." Jiv-nar growled the last word with enough force that the Asari winced as if the Aslan had reached across the table and slapped her.
"You…" Seraya said, the centuries old Matriarch taken aback by the suddenly forceful and brutish method that the Ambassador had decided to employ.
"I represent the Alliance Matriarch, and what happened on Shanxi in it's entirety is not known to the general public. You would best remember that your actions here are to placate them. The hundreds of billions of free citizens in the Alliance. You have to make them happy with your peace Matriarch. Otherwise…if their outrage is stoked, an army of billions and a navy of thousands of ships will be marching on Citadel space. Because the Turians have done much to fire the rage of my people…and you would do best to fear that Matriarch. We've done you a favor in not telling our people everything." Jiv-nar said forcefully. Her eyes locked on those of the Matriarch. It was a silent battle of wills, the Aslan had the better footing, the Asari had hundreds of years of resolve.
It was a long heartbeat before the Matriarch replied.
"You have no right to make these demands." She said finally.
Jiv-nar did not reply. Instead, she simply stood, and walked out of the room. Leaving the Asari sitting there, shocked and silent.
"They're fragile madam President." Ambassador Jiv-nar said to President Trindle. The human female nodded as she listened to the Aslan diplomat, her eyes not straying from the display that showed the Asari Matriarch and her entourage leaving the conference room, her head shaking angrily as she stalked down the hall to her chambers. Trindle smiled grimly at the display, Jiv-nar had known what buttons to push to get the reaction that she wanted, and the Asari hadn't quite caught onto it.
"Fragile?" Trindle asked.
"Yes, fragile. They expect much. They're arrogant. They've never been challenged like this before. That Matriarch…I fully expect that she came here planning on us kowtowing to her instructions and giving into whatever she wanted so that we could have peace. She's not so much disappointed as she is shocked by our positions…I don't believe that any species in Citadel Space would ever be so brazen in their treatment of the Asari or the Citadel Council. That triumvirate has the 'known galaxy' under their thumb very thoroughly." Jiv-nar said.
"And now we're here and they haven't got things cemented so well?" Trindle asked.
"Exactly madam president. We're a threat. They knew that they had to do something to placate us and make us happy. Reparations were more of a token gesture. Just like returning our gains to the Turians. It's enough that they can show 'we got it back, they accepted our terms' to the rest of the galaxy and save face. Whereas our stance is enough that they'll be having a fit over them. The Turians are a militant group demilitarizing one of their worlds…that's incredibly insulting to them. Reparations…half a trillion isn't nearly what we should be asking…but asking for it in Citadel credits…that's a real number to them, not Half a trillion Alliance credits, they can rationalize that as 'alien trinkets' or some such." Jiv-nar replied.
"After what they did to Shanxi, they should be glad we don't want to keep Macedyn…" Trindle said.
"It's worthless to us madam president. The entire ecosystem is toxic to us. Even demilitarizing the system is pointless, a quick jump can carry a fleet to Macedyn and then Shanxi with little difficulty. Any observation force would get wiped out before they could signal, or so High Command tells us. Demilitarization is just a slap in the face we need to deliver." Jiv-nar explained.
"I know, I know. But what about Admiral Varkus, that didn't come up." Trindle asked, knowing that the Turian Admiral had already faced a military tribunal for war crimes and been found guilty. The death sentence he had been given was currently on hold, but the Admiral…along with much of his command staff, the weapons crews who'd fired on Shanxi and loaded and launched the nuclear device had all been placed on trial and were awaiting death. The Turians had not known that the Alliance did not consider 'I was just following orders' to be a lawful defense….especially given the magnitude of their actions. It had shocked the Turians, especially when their legal counsel had explained to them the difference in the Alliance between lawful and unlawful orders.
"No madam president it did not. And that issue is something we can use as well. Varkus and the other Turian war criminals are a very pointed measure we can use to drive a point home. I recommend that we don't even tell the Matriarch we have them or that we've put them on trial. Once the executions take place, the Citadel Council will be informed that numerous war criminals were tried, convicted and executed in accordance with the Rules of War. We have the benefit of the Citadel Conventions expressly forbidding the measures taken by Varkus. Any outrage would be viewed as hypocrisy. And if it's one thing the Citadel Council cannot afford, it is giving their subject races reason to question their authority. Demanding that war criminals be released would be tantamount to saying 'do as I say, not as I do'."
"And that doesn't work on a child."
"Precisely. Strife and conflict would follow, and they have enough strife already."
"Oh?"
"Yes madam president, intelligence believes that the Turian Hierarchy has been very vocal over this situation. The Asari negotiations are not at their request, but rather despite their wishes." Jiv-nar said.
"They want a war."
"Exactly, and the Asari aren't letting them fight one."
"Hence your comments about the Turians being on a leash?"
"Yes madam president. To remind the Asari that leashed dogs are good, but when your dog turns on you, a leash is not the best thing to have when you're holding it."
"The price of failure here is that their precious peacekeepers stop keeping the peace."
"And with it, hundreds of raiders, pirates and warlords start causing trouble, and the Alliance Army, Navy and Marine corps cease to be their most pressing threat." Jiv-nar said.
"I see. Thank you for the briefing Ambassador Jiv-nar, I'm glad you are handling the negotiations. You're doing an excellent job." President Trindle said, shaking the Aslan's paw with a smile. The tall, lithe female bowed slightly and smiled.
"It is an honor madam president."
Matriarch Seraya fumed behind the cool façade she had erected. That insignificant alien had dared insult the Citadel, and to be so brazen about it…the Asari shook her head slightly as she sat in the opulent accommodations the Alliance had provided her. She knew better than to say anything within it's confines since the room was undoubtedly monitored, despite the best jamming equipment that the Salarians could devise…or at least allow others to use. Seraya stared at the low table before her, breathing slowly and making several mental notes about the situation. As she thought, her anger shifted from the Alliance Ambassador to the Turian Hierarchy.
The bastards had omitted the detail of their orbital bombardment…using Mass Accelerators no less. It was a very blatant violation of the Citadel Conventions, which would have been kept discrete by the Council in exchange for a few Turian concessions. Such was the way things worked. It was an open secret that the Turians bullied other species when they could get away with it…more than one Asari Matriarch had voiced concern that the Turians seemed to 'acquire' more protectorates and client races than any other galactic power…and all of them tended to be peoples who hadn't met the Citadel Council. Seraya sighed softly. If only the damn Turians hadn't been so brazen in their assault, or even if they'd managed to contain the situation properly, this would have been simply another 'new client state' for the Hierarchy and that would be that. The Asari rubbed her temple and reminded herself that she was here to broker a peace accord. After a few moments, she decided on a compromise that would appease the Alliance…and punish the Turians.
She sighed and wished for a moment that she was dealing with Batarians. Those nice, xenophobic, imperialistic slavers were a dream compared to this mess. Even if they were bullying their way around the Skyllian Verge and annexing independent worlds. It would have been easier trying to talk them off of Esan than trying to placate this Systems Alliance. Once again, Seraya scowled, her eyes staring out the window that gave it's breath taking view of the Arcturus System. She half wished that the Batarians and the Alliance would deal with each other and keep out of the Citadel Council's way. Seraya shook her head at that thought….then paused. She closed her eyes, considering the shape of the galaxy and the supposed location of the Systems Alliance…and then considered the distance from the Skyllian Verge…
The Batarians had been lobbying strongly for the creation of 'a zone of special Batarian interest' across the entire Skyllian Verge. Plus they had been making large strides in colonizing the system and building infrastructure…
Seraya smiled, realizing that she had just created a solution to several problems the Citadel was facing. The Asari filed away that decision, deciding that the two most glaring issues could be resolved, and without a doubt the peace could be obtained for the benefit of the Citadel Council. Seraya smiled and rose, preparing for sleep, and feeling very vindicated with her sudden decision. But the Alliance would not receive it without some movement on their own issues. Threats aside, they would submit themselves to the proper galactic authority.
Arcturus Station, December 19th 2157
"…it's been three weeks Matriarch. I tire of these games." Jiv-nar said idly, sitting at the same chair she had taken at the beginning of the almost daily negotiations three weeks ago, sitting behind the same cut-crystal and silver cup, sipping her tea and looking at the Matriarch. Jiv-nar's attire had changed, now she was wearing a black three piece suit rather than an elegant Chinese dress. There were no real frills anymore, no testing of the waters. Jiv-nar's outburst on the first day, carefully scripted as it was, had been the only one. Seraya knew most of what the Alliance knew, and she had dodged, feinted and considered many issues over the negotiations. Jiv-nar didn't feel tired though. She did not feel fatigued, she was fighting her fight just as skillfully, and not once during the past three weeks had she faltered in her battle with the Asari.
But she knew that Seraya had not done so either. The Matriarch was poised, calm and controlled…and fighting hard.
"These are not games Ambassador. We have made it clear we are willing to provide you with a guarantee that the Turian Hierarchy will pay four hundred billion credits of reparations, along with the Citadel Council as a whole providing another hundred billion in reparations due to the unfortunate attack on Shanxi." Seraya said and Jiv-nar noted the subtle and consistent use of 'unfortunate' to describe the invasion of an Alliance world.
"And the Alliance accepts that point readily. We have also conceded the inability to demilitarize Macedyn to any reasonable level, and merely are willing to accept the placement of a monitoring station at the Macedyn Mass Relay to ensure that the Hierarchy will not make any further unprovoked assaults upon Shanxi or any other Alliance world from their colony after we have returned it." Jiv-nar said, leaving out the fact that High Command would be keeping an entire deep penetration reconnaissance detachment within the Macedyn system…the monitoring station was merely the visible. Watch on the system.
"And the Citadel Council is grateful for that concession and overjoyed at the trust the Alliance is placing in the Hierarchy so soon after a conflict. As I said prior, a Citadel observation force will remain in Macedyn to ensure that no misunderstandings take place again." Seraya said with a nod.
"A generous measure Matriarch, but we still must consider the fact that the borders of the Systems Alliance must be recognized. Our use of the Mass Relays is not as extensive, and major local colonization efforts have taken place across our space. We have provided a map of our territorial claims, and the Systems Alliance does not understand the issues being raised by the Citadel Council." Jiv-nar said, once again, returning to the issue that had been the major battleground for the past five days. Seraya sighed, breaking her calm demeanor in a carefully crafted gesture of her own as Jiv-nar shook her head and looked away, rubbing her forehead softly with one paw. The Aslan's tail flicked idly beneath the table edge, not enjoying the thought of another sparring match over territorial boundaries.
"We have made it clear that the Systems Alliance claims a large tract of territory, several worlds that have already been charted by the Citadel Council." Seraya said, her voice sounding as if she were scolding the Aslan.
"Charted, yes, but there is only one colonized world and that doesn't swear loyalty to the Council, it is occupied by the council." Jiv-nar said.
"I am aware Ambassador, but none the less, that world is of vital interest to the Citadel Council. That is why the Citadel Council maintains it as a Demilitarized zone and observes it so heavily."
"Tuchanka is no threat to the Citadel, and neither are the Krogan." Jiv-nar said flatly.
"They carried out a massive series of rebellions that decimated the galaxy and nearly led to them over-running all of known space." Seraya said, the fire of the words not as pronounced as it had been when the discussion had first begun.
"They were sterilized and occupied Matriarch, twelve centuries ago. The threat is done, and I would have expected the council to be glad to get rid of them." Jiv-nar said.
"We shudder to think what might occur if the Krogan are not kept contained."
"It's rather unfortunate that you saw fit to use biological weapons against them to contain their threat…although…that was the Turians also, wasn't it?" Jiv-nar said, deviating from the script that the previous meetings had followed. The Aslan had begun to be slightly annoyed by the repetitive negotiations…a mistake. But Seraya didn't snap, she nodded.
"Yes…it was, a necessary, but unfortunate action. The Krogan were a threat, and they are still a violent race, despite the reduction in their numbers." Seraya replied, her expression looking saddened at the thought, that little expression was one that Jiv-nar had not seen cross the Asari's face before now. She blinked in shock.
"A…generous statement." Jiv-nar said.
"And a true one. If…if the Citadel Council was willing to relinquish control of Tuchanka…would you consider the territorial dispute resolved? Provided a Citadel observation force could remain in orbit around Tuchanka to ensure that the Krogan do not become a pronounced threat once more." Seraya said, and Jiv-nar cocked her head to the side.
"I do not think that we could allow a Citadel presence of any kind within our borders Matriarch." Jiv-nar said.
"In exchange for wider territorial rights." Seraya said reluctantly.
"How much wider?" Jiv-nar asked.
"Colonial rights to the Skyllian Verge. A large region of space mostly unexplored by the Citadel Council. In exchange for allowing a token observation force limited to a station in orbit and a sensor grid, we give you a large span of territory as…payment for the privilege." Seraya said, sounding hopeful at the points. The Aslan female sat in silence, running over the proposal and examining the region space on her data pad. It was a large tract, distanced from Alliance holdings, but not by a large amount…and the potential resources there would be immense…
"I accept Matriarch." Jiv-nar said finally, and misunderstood just why the Matriarch smiled so broadly at her acceptance.
"That is wonderful news Ambassador. I feel that the needs of the Citadel Council and it's species are justly represented in this agreement. Do you feel that the Systems Alliance can accept this treaty?" Matriarch Seraya said, the smile on her face making Jiv-nar worry, but knowing that the Alliance had gotten everything that it had wished for…and much more than they had hoped. Recognition from the Council, reparations, normalization of borders and territorial claims…things like trade and commerce would be handled by other negotiators. The Alliance had the borders that it wanted, the political victory it craved…and the military security that it desired. They had gotten everything that they'd wanted…but Jiv-nar worried. She knew that the Parliament would accept it without hesitation…
All they had to do was keep quiet about the more vicious Turian methods undertaken during their invasion of Shanxi. No military limits, no condemnations or tariffs out of hand. No demands for territory or information at the moment. The Alliance simply had to remain silent and give back three worlds they couldn't use.
But something didn't feel right…at all…the way that Matriarch had smiled…
"For the Systems Alliance, I accept this treaty. I hope that the future will hold more peaceful and prosperous relations for our civilizations." Jiv-nar said with a smile as false as her hope. The Aslan stood and reached out a hand, sealing the agreement between the two diplomats with a handshake.
Arcturus Station, December 24th 2157
It was a political move. Signing the peace accord on Christmas Eve. The holiday was widespread throughout the Systems Alliance, the Christian roots of the holiday observed by the devoutly religious, the consumerist roots of it observed by everyone. But the carols and prayers always called for 'Peace on Earth'. Of course, that was a bit of a stretch these days, but like a lot of things, saying Terra or Muan Gwi, or Lair or Kuzu was usually synonymous with the Alliance as a whole…so peace for the Systems Alliance would be signed into agreement on Christmas Eve. The press conference and treaty signing had been undertaken on Arcturus Station, despite the extremely fierce arguments made by the Citadel Council. However, the final draw card that Ambassador Jiv-nar had possessed had been the disclosure of the Turian Nuclear weapon.
The Council had agreed quickly to a journey to Arcturus.
So in the main assembly chamber, before the seated delegates and representatives of the Systems Alliance, the Citadel Council approached with all the regal baring they could muster. It was not hard for them to maintain their sense of pride, even with the eyes of hundreds of sentients watching them walking down the main aisle. Matriarch Tevos walked down the gently sloping walk first. Her head held high as she walked in her long gown, flanked by the deadly bodyguard of Commandos who seemed nervous at their own disarmament. Behind her followed Councilor Anotus, his walk was just as confident and self assured, his own bodyguards nervous even for STG soldiers. At the rear of the procession was Councilor Valern, his walk was confident, but his head was down slightly, feeling the glares of the representatives. Human, Vegan, Aslan and Vargr eyes bore in on the Turian and his guards. While the war had been short and by comparison to most conflicts the Systems Alliance races had known, relatively bloodless, the Turians would forever hold a place of suspicion and distaste in the collective minds of the Alliance. As the trio of representatives walked to the presentation podium of the chamber, they all looked up, the massive figure of the captured Turian Dreadnought Borsta glided slowly overhead. The form was plainly visible, although instead of Turian script proclaiming it to be the Borsta, the letters had been buffed off and replaced by the lettering SSV Shanxi.
The trio of Citadel Councilors walked up to the elegant table that rested at the front of the chamber. Standing behind it was President Trindle, four copies of the peace treaty resting on it's surface. The Councilors approached the table and bowed to the Systems Alliance President, and the woman smiled and returned the gesture. In unison, each of the beings standing at the table signed their own copy and slid it to the next. It took four separate shifts for the signatures to be affixed to each of the flimsheet documents. With those pen strokes, the war between the Citadel Council and the Systems Alliance was officially ended. Ushering in an age of peace…
…or at least, not so overt warfare.
A/N:
No worries, this isn't the end. There's much more to be had, but I hope I got all your gray matter going at what might be next!