In Infinitum: First Contact

Chapter twelve

Widow System, 2145, 22:00 Cycles. Citadel Calendar.
HWS Spirits Abroad. En route to Citadel Station. Sparatus.
The Frigate's translight engines thrummed as they propelled the Spirits Abroad closer to the citadel. It was a noble ship to be sure, it had seen more than a dozen deployments against pirates in the Traverse and come under attack now less than three times by more bold pirates looking for a big haul in the form of a Turian frigate. She had survived all that and now it was serving as Sparatus' transport to the Citadel where he would be appointed to Councillor Sparatus within three cycles and be brokering peace talks to the unknowns in four. To say today would be interesting would be understating it immensely.

As he sat in well lit cabin, typing away at a console his eyes skimmed over various reports sent back from the captured fleet, nothing seemed out of place. The enemy was apparently not jamming communications and their only order was "do not move or we shoot", so, stationary and in a kill ground they had to comply.

An envoy would be here on a frigate in four cycles and it would be Valern, Tevos' and himself trying to bargain with them to get their fleet back and colony of Falcus. Tensions in the upper echelons of the military for all three species were high. And it was being noticed, scattered patrol reports indicated a twenty percent increase in activity from the terminus borders. Even the Terminus systems were getting twitchy, likely expecting an invasion… if only they knew.

Even their allies were now taking military notice. Elcor were nervous, fleets were being prepared and Volus banking was stockpiling funds for a possible war to break out. The Hanar, well, they were preaching peace and likely wouldn't do much sides offers blessings of the Enkindlers and send funding, maybe hand them a Drell assassin or two for private operations.

But if Spirits permit there wouldn't be a war, not yet at least. As it stood, Sparatus knew their foe would crush them if they went to war now. The enemy was a lot of unknowns and they had friends, powerful friends if the reports were right and the Turian in him admired the sheer boldness of the threat they displayed without even saying a word. The enemy knew they had them by the gullet and weren't about to let go until some agreement could be reached.

And to think, all this over an attacked patrol. How the Spirits sense of humor eluded him.

"Commander, we're docking with the citadel now, shall we inform Councillor Tevos' you've arrived?" The Captain's voice rang through his Omni-Tool.

"She already knows I'm here, no doubt," Sparatus replied, standing and making his way over to the doors. "And cancel my security detail. I'm quite capable of defending myself, Captain Haratus."

"Of course, Commander." the com went out.

Haratus was a good man, obeyed the order without hesitation. Sparatus would have put the man forward for a full promotion, but, he knew Haratus preferred his posting where he was, so he wouldn't rob his fellow Turian of the comfortable position… but if things turned ugly with recent developments they'd need Captain's like Haratus at the helm of battle groups commanding more then just their own ships.

Sparatus left the cabin and proceeded along the halls towards the airlock. The few crew members who he passed gave salutes, then continued along with their work despite the rather stiff posture in which they saluted, they were all aware of his position and power so they acted as they should, intimidated and curt while being all levels of respectful.

Once he reached the airlock, he quickly stepped into the decomtamination chamber, which then passed the usual scans since he was in a bit of a rush, the doors clicked and opened for him so he could step out onto the Citadel Security's private docking hanger for VIPs of political and military personnel. From here he would take an elevator down into the main offices of C-Sec where transport would be waiting to take him directly to the Citadel Tower where he, Tevos and Valern would become the new council and begin the massive task of fixing this fiasco.

He was greeted by four members of the C-Sec's Special Response Teams. Their top of the line Heavy Agent armor and Mark X Savior Assault Rifles. Saviors were the mainline weapon across the Citadel Security forces, ruggedly dependable and possessing enough fire power to match even the Turian's own Pheaston, it's firing speed was less than said Turian weapon, but otherwise its combat stats were nearly identical.

It was however more customizable. Able to be fitted, even in the heat of battle, with barrels, grips, add-ons from aftermarket and "other" sources. As long as they improved combat ability, however, Sparatus was sure the higher ups at C-Sec allowed such purchases. It was a good practice that Sparatus could appreciate since he himself throughout his career had used black market sources to attain gear that would otherwise be more troublesome to attain in his work as a Black Watch soldier.

"Commander Sparatus," one of the SRT member, another Turian, greeted him cordially, just a hint of awe-ing respect in his tone. This was a Turian who didn't try to seem so excited or nervous about meeting the Commander of the Black Watch. "We've been told to escort you to your transport outside of C-Sec, if you'll follow us, sir?"

"Of course," Sparatus nodded graciously. "Let us go, I've some important matters that need my attention."

"At once, Commander." The Turian nodded to the others and together, the four turned and with Sparatus at the center of their formation proceeded towards the elevator, which opened for them and allowed them. Once closing behind them it began to descend into the depths of the C-Sec Academy.

The ride wasn't overly long and it was quiet. When the doors parted again, that all changed when Sparatus' vision was clouded by at least seven hover cams and a small crowd of news reporters. Salarians, Turian, Asari, Elcor and even a Volus moved forward, shooting questions at him in a flurry he could only liken to gunfire.

"Is it is true that the fleet assembled by the council was captured at Falcus?"

"Genuine Inquiry; Is this a prelude to war?"

"Are the rumors about the previous Salarian and Turian councillors resigning not hours ago true?"

"Are you to be the next councillor?"

"Is there any information you wish to divulge about the events at Falcus?"

Sparatus heard one of the Salarian SRT members curse about what fool let it leak that Sparatus would arriving at this time. And the Commander secretly agreed, though he remained stone faced as the SRT members moved forward, to which Sparatus raised a hand, stopping them. "Stand down." he commanded. They did so and Sparatus walked forward.

"All of you," he spoke firmly, and the question ceased at the tone he used to command veteran soldiers and even cow lesser ranked officers into line. And to a civilian like these reporters, the tone was one of utter dominance. "Now is not the time for these questions. All will be answered in time by the council and I'm sure the public will be made aware of any details. But right now, I am in the dark as you are. Which is why I've been brought here, to find out the details about what is happening at Falcus." he paused, "I will allow one question, only… from…"

He raised a talon, and pointed to the Asari. Asari were more level headed and intelligent, unlike the other reporters, she had held her tongue and merely awaited her chance to speak. Which showed him she was patient, so her question would likely be something invasive, but nothing damning like these Shathas looking for a scapetrow.

The Asari blinked in surprise, and the other reporters outright glared, but none spoke out. She stepped forward, clearing her throat. "Thank you, Commander." she said, tone cordial. "I'm Kela S'tori with the Galactic Asari News network." she bowed her head with practiced grace while ignoring the glares.

Sparatus bowed his in turn. "Commander Sparatus with the Turian Hierarch Special Divisions." he lifted his head, raising a brow plate. "Now, your question?"

"Yes, of course." Kela cleared her throat. "With this rare opportunity, I'd like to ask… should the public be worried about the events at Falcus?"

Sparatus stared at her, eyes focused and posture relaxed. "No," Sparatus replied shortly, everyone gave him a look of disbelief. He went on, unphased. "Because the council has never failed to bring about peaceful resolution before, not since the Rachni and Krogan Rebellions. I am confident that the council will pacify these events as well and our routines will return to normal before long."

He paused, then said. "I must go, I've other matters to attend to with the council. Good day to all of you." he bowed his head, and stepped through the throng of people as they parted for him, the SRT members following after him when they made it to the elevator exit. He closed his eyes, shaking his head. "The news is a military force in itself, I would almost grant each reporter a rank…" he chuckled to himself.

"Sir, I think you handled it very well, considering we Turians aren't big on speeches," The Turian SRT member added, to which Sparatus gave a humming agreement. "But… did you mean what you said? Not to be worried?"

"Of course not, but we're soldiers and should be used to receiving news that doesn't bode well for our fate," Sparatus replied, eyes forward and steps still light as if walking in a park and not in the heart of the Citadel. "The public, however… are not as experienced in such things, one panics, says something stupid and the person beside them reacts, soon they all begin to feel the creeping fear. Running along the crowds, It will spread and cause panic, the net will run with posts of fear, speculations and soon, the choices of the military and political figures will be called into question." Sparatus frowned.

The SRT members themselves paid rapt attention.

"And when that happens, the politicians will try their hand at using military forces to make their own agendas happen, trying to take power under pressure of losing their stations and soon even the military will be bogged down in red tape, operations pushed back and intelligence overlooked in haste., Mistake after mistake will be made and before any real battle could be fought…" His eyes narrowed and shook his head. "We'll have already lost. All because the public panicked."

There was silence as the five of them moved across the Presidium to an air car port. From there, another vehicle awaited them. More SRT members stood by it, awaiting them. "So, you see? The Public is a variable of war that cannot be relied upon, yet must be taken into all accounts for it is they who can give all the support, or delays, needed to win or lose." Sparatus stopped, then looked at the Turian, raising a brow plate. "What is your name, soldier?"

The SRT member paused, then replied. "Garrus, Commander. Garrus Vakarian." the Turian replied, raising a hand scratch at the helmet of his uniform in what Sparatus called an embarrassed gesture.

"Well, Sergeant, I have a good feeling about you. So I'll be sure to keep my eye on you," Sparatus turned, giving the Sergeant a brief salute. "Until next time we meet, Sergeant Vakarian, Do take care until then," dropping the salute and getting into the air car. Which lifted off, then moved towards the Citadel tower with haste.

That left the SRT teams standing there, and one Garrus Vakarian stunned at what Sparatus had done and said to him. A good… feeling? Garrus wasn't sure how to take that, he was on the Special Response Team, a Sergeant, leading this small team and even then he was given smaller assignments. Because of his "loose cannon" style during his time in the investigation corps. Which he had been promoted to not a year ago and it had cost Garrus twice as much work as it had because of his up and downs in his career.

Ups being his long list of small successes since his first enlistment in C-Sec and downs being his almost-as-long list of 'rash and loose cannon decisions' throughout his career in the Investigation corps, mostly his… attitude towards authority. He disobeyed orders here and there, made a few "bad calls" that were belayed by his superiors and mouthed off to more than a few superiors due to their orders and his conflicting ideas of proper conduct on the job.

This had followed him into the Special Response Teams, since his acceptance into them he had been given nothing but low level out-of-the-way assignments, small level raids, guard duty and training drills with new recruits to the SRT. He busted his gizzard off trying to rise in ranks from Private to Sergeant. Where he was in charge of a small four man team now.

And now, Commander Sparatus of the Black Watch had just shown interest in him, a good feeling as he had put it. And now… something in Garrus' gut was telling him this was a turning point in his life that would begin to make the Spirits will for him more known. Hopefully, it would finally break his stigma… then again, his stigma was born of his ideals and attitude clashing with standard procedures so it likely wouldn't end, never so long as he was bogged down in "standard procedure" like a grunt.

If… if he were a Spectre, he could do what he wanted, how he wanted. At the end of the day his methods would get results and in doing so his ideals would be satisfied and he would still be serving the council to the very best of his abilities, no restrictions sides his own moral grounds and those set by the council itself. Little to no red tape, almost unlimited access.

Garrus wanted that authority. He admitted it wasn't very Turian of him. Perhaps Sparatus could give him that? If so, Garrus would be forever indebted to the Commander. But, he was getting ahead of himself, no… he'd wait and serve for now. And prey his time came when he could break those restrictions that always got in his way of achieving justice.

"Let's return to base," Garrus said, snapping from his thoughts. "And drinks are on me tonight, I think those reporters made sure we all need one."

His team didn't verbally acknowledge it, but he could feel their agreement in the way their shoulders sagged in relaxation. Good… he wasn't alone in his need for a strong drink. They turned, and proceeded back towards C-Sec academy.

Citadel Tower, Council Chambers. 22:00 Cycles.
Tevos was scrolling over the various reports she had just received from the captured fleet. Nothing had so far changed in their situation. They were still surrounded, severely outgunned and were still being treated fairly enough that conditions weren't unbearable, but some of the commanders and captains were getting antsy with the inaction of just sitting there, waiting for the order that would release or destroy them. Tevos could understand that, as a former Commando she had been taken prisoner once before… and the feeling of knowing an enemy had her life completely in their hands was something she hated to be reminded of.

She took a breathe. Thankfully, this UNSC and Sangheili fleet were holding true to their words of non-violence so long as their conditions were obeyed. She had quickly ordered all traffic to the Falcus colony forbidden under military order by Thessia itself. Of course, any civilian and military ships were allowed to leave the system, but they were to be thoroughly searched before being let on their way back into Citadel Space. No ships, military or otherwise, were beyond this order.

Still, essentially running the galaxy all by herself was tiring, and it had only been a few hours since Tala and Quinterus had abandoned her, so when the door hissed open and she looked up, spotting a familiar black and red uniform, the plated face and commanding eyes. She sat straighter, staring back at Sparatus who cocked a brow plate at her as if expecting her to do something… and he always did that in their most intimate moments together.

She didn't dare blush, but those eyes almost made her give a coy response, but instead she merely offered him a smile. "Sparatus," she said, relief in her voice. "It's good to see you made good time."

The Turian stepped forward with a lethal grace that would make even the most trained Asari Commandos stand at attention. She however had seen that stride before, and it made her tingle with a pang of desire. He approached and stood before her, she lowered her datapad and stared right back up at him.

"Tevos." His flanged voice was deep, light hearted in greeting. But it still held the firmness his position demanded of him. "You look well, but that's to be expected." his mandibles twitched slightly in what she could tell was teasingly amused. "How long has it been?"

Tevos felt her lips twitch upwards. "Seven years. A passing week to an Asari… but, to you, It's probably been…" she smirked. "Lonely."

He stared, then he chuckled and sat beside her, getting comfortable in the comfortable couch of the council private chambers. He leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling, eyes focused until he spoke. "Not overly. But before we continue on this interesting path of conversation, we should perhaps wait until we're alone." he rolled his neck, resulting in a loud pop. "Valern, you can reveal yourself now."

Tevos blinked when at the corner of the room nearest to the door shifted, then appeared Valern, his cloaking field powered down. He was wearing his standard STG white-red armor, a Tac visor over his right eye. It scrolled with data that Valern couldn't read, both in speed and smaller font at the distance they were. But to a Salarian with such speed? It was likely moving in relatively slow speed.

"Still as observational as ever, Sparatus," Valern raised his hands and clapped them together thrice. "You've not lost your edge as a soldier. You brute."

Sparatus chuckled again, offering an amused look at the Salarian. "And you're still such a skulker."

Despite the insulting terms for soldier and stealth, Tevos could tell there was no hostility behind the words. It was just as she had seen seven years ago when she and they had worked together to resolve a hostage situation with Anti-Council extremists. It had been interesting evening to say the least and had ended with not only the local security forces coming upon the three of them surrounding by two dozen dead hostiles, wounded, but victorious. She smiled fondly at the memory.

"How long were you there, Valern?" Tevos asked, looking at her Salarian counterpart.

"Not long, I slipped in behind Sparatus when he opened the door, I'm surprised you didn't notice me as well… but, again you've been giving orders behind a desk and while you're still sharp mentally as a politician, your skills as a soldier have likely suffered… most naturally, your ability to sense that which cannot be seen." Valern paused in his speech, then added. "Something we'll probably have to work on if we all are to embark on our future course, no?"

"True," Sparatus agreed, closing his eyes. "Now, before we start reminiscing, lets get the details out of the way, Tevos… explain the latest reports." he said, assuming his leadership position among the council… and since this was a military like situation, Tevos would allow him to take the lead on this.

"Very well," she raised her datapad and typed a few commands.

The main screen scrolled some reports along with visual captures of the enemy fleets, single ships and formations along with dozens of speculative notes from various officers across the Citadel fleet. Sparatus and Valern read them as they came, their eyes flickering to the provided images and with the calculative eyes of the career soldiers they were continued to read.

When all the data was finished and began to repeat. Sparatus waved for it to stop, and she did so. He looked rather troubled, then again he was handling the facts of the situation droves better than Quinterus had, and Valern was taking the situation in stride just as Tala had, except without the resigning part.

"So, we're sure of the following," Valern began. "This United Nation Space Command and Sangheili forces have significant technological advances, far above our own in terms of weapons and tactics. They use no Element Zero, have functional laser weaponry, and high powered, super velocity ship grade cannons. Along with smaller point defense cannons of these magnetic accelerators. Even more troubling is the ability to open portals and travel across space unseen and appear in another part of the galaxy." he paused, "Of course, I speculate that last bit. I'd need more data. However…"

He focused on the capital ship. The ship that had been identified by the enemy Admiral as UNSC Daedalus. "This ship of itself possesses some of the most amazing technology we've seen thus far. It operates in atmosphere despite its size, has multiple point-blank defensive accelerator cannons and while primitive, it can deploy a massive of amount of ground and space forces from within its hangers. Along with its special weaponry. It's forward energy cannons. The data collected shows it was able to destroy two dreadnaughts in a single shot?"

"Two dreadnaughts and a frigate. The first target being a dreadnaught was utterly destroyed, it's reactor didn't even have time to breach and go critical." Sparatus corrected the Salarian. "The other dreadnaught was skimmed, but the resulting heat and damage made its reactor burn up and go critical, the frigate was cut in half due to the width of the beam." He continued, sighing softly.

"Not even the Destiny Ascension can match that sort of destructive power." He frowned. "In short, in a war, we're outgunned, pure and simple."

"And in a less than straight fight?" Tevos asked.

"Unsure," Valern replied for Sparatus. "Enemy intelligence network levels unconfirmed. But considering their tactics in space and on ground operations. I agree with Sparatus, fighting with them now would be unwise. Their ships would crush ours. We don't even know if this is their full fleet strength. Not to mention how many other allies they possess outside of these…Sangheili."

Tevos agreed with a sigh. "Yes, so, we're to rely on diplomacy then. At least they themselves appear diplomatic, if the fact our fleets aren't gone now is any sign."

"Because they know they have us," Sparatus muttered thoughtfully. "What worries me is the terms these Humans and Sangheili will have for a cease fire. Our own bargaining position is at best weak, at worse, nonexistent." He looked at Tevos, tilting his head. "So, assuming they ask us what our terms for a cease fire are. What will we attempt to bargain for?"

"Nothing would be better than some technological samples," Valern said, taking his own seat opposite of Sparatus' side of Tevos. "But to hope they'd allow such would be foolish at best, so, outside of that. We could possibly bargain to allow us a few tours of one of their own colonies, perhaps? As a sign of good faith between our governments?"

"And in doing so we attempt to discreetly get some samples of their technology, or any intelligence we can." Sparatus grossed, which he received a nod from Valern. The Turian shook his head, "That wouldn't work either, no, so close after our defeat? Any military minds inside the enemy forces would see it coming a parsec away. They'd have our tourists under such scrutiny they'd probably be able to tell how many times their noses twitched let alone gather any worthwhile tactical or technological data."

"Point conceded," Valern nodded with a sigh. "Any other ideas then?"

"We play it safe for now," Tevos replied firmly. "We play the part of the beaten empire, peace loving and forgiving. We say our apologies and repay our debts to our foe. And while we do, we push more funding to military and ship-grade weapons research." she stated. "In our own systems. We'll also need to fill another seat on the council. Another member race will further increase our military power due to the looser restrictions for ship production and military infantry size."

When she was sure she had their attention to her plan. She went on. "And we'll also need more soldiers ourselves. Our forces aren't enough as is, we'll need more troops as well as ships," she frowned. Not liking where she herself was going with this little plan of hers. "I think its time we brought back some outcast races back into our fold, albeit carefully."

Sparatus frowned. "The Krogan…" he whispered.

"And the Quarians." Valern added, just as dubious.

Tevos nodded. "Let's face facts. If things go badly, we'll need the Krogan for their sheer brutality and combat prowess, their brutal efficiency during the Rebellions is proof enough of their ability to fight against all odds against a superior foe. Especially if we cure the Genophage and offer them their old territories back to them. Along with a few select planets." she closed her eyes. "And technologically speaking the Quarians are geniuses. They've survived their exile aboard the largest fleet in Citadel space, repairing and refining old ships to their purposes with minimal resources. They are literally at home out in the black of space. With the promise of using our power to take back their home system from the Geth. I'm sure they'll rejoin us as well as the Krogan." she gave them each a look. "One thing at a time, we must ensure the cease fire talks end without our enemy making the first shots."

Sparatus and Valern glanced at each other, then back to their Asari counterpart. "Correct," Valern agreed while Sparatus nodded. Her plans made sense and while a few details had to be ironed out, they could still work in advantage of the council. Afterall, when a combined fleet of all three major races is taken hostage you couldn't ignore the chance for a new ally in your local area.

"So, possible bad choices for the future aside. What else can we do about the current situation?" Sparatus asked.

"Not without waiting for their diplomatic envoy getting here and stating their won terms for a cease fire. So, now we wait…" Tevos sighed, raising a hand to her face and massaging her temples. "And prey the Goddess grants us no small amount of luck to make sure this ends even somewhat in our favor."

Sparatus nodded, crossing his arms. "So, about me and Valern's coronation. Shall we get on with this? I'd rather not wait until the last second before we announce our appointment to Councillors. Less shock for the public that way." he stood, dusting himself uniform off. "I trust my change of clothing has been brought in?" when she nodded, he hummed in appreciation. "Good, I'll go get changed. You should as well, Valern. I want this coronation over with so we can begin putting things into motion."

"Of course," Valern nodded in agreement. "I'll go do so, I'll see you both shortly." he turned and moved towards the exit of the chamber. "Until then, do try to keep your previous intimate relationship platonic for the time being. I'd rather not have my compatriots mating while my back is turned."

He ignored Tevos' blush and Sparatus' shoulders stiffening as the Salarian exited. Sparatus gave one last bow of his head to Tevos before he turned away and moved after Valern. When she was finally alone, Tevos relaxed into the chair with a sigh.

"Finally…" She breathed to the ceiling and Goddess above. "People I can trust." she smiled.

January 14, 2582. Military Calendar.
UNSC Infinity-Class Command Ship Daedalus, Unknown system. 0800 Hours.
"My dear Admiral," purred Lilith as she observed Lasky drying himself off from his shower, even as aged as he was, his body still had the well made sculpture of a soldier he had been. He bore his scars without shame to her eyes, of course, he knew she meant nothing by it, she was an AI. "So old, yet still such a marvellous body, even touched by age as it is." she teased.

Lasky chuckled, shaking his head and glancing over at the AI pad from where Lilith was watching him. "You know, Lilith, it's rude to stare," he teased her. Receiving a sultry wink in reply.

"I can't help it, afterall, you're the talk of the fleet, the great Admiral Lasky, who took an entirely fleet hostage without firing even a single shot." The AI said, chuckling as she raised a hand and run her fingers through her holographic locks. "I'm a lucky woman who gets to visit you any time and anywhere." she smirked.

Lasky sighed, both in appreciation and in resignation. In his younger days he would have loved for a woman such as Lilith to approach him and be so… flirtatious, but now as he was aged as he was, he found his attraction to either sex had been drowned away by focus of his duties as an Admiral to the UNSC. Still, his little interactions with Lilith were as close to dates as he would allow himself during these days.

"I'm the one who's lucky," Lasky smiled fondly. "Having such a lovely, nubile woman waiting for me after my showers." he wrapped a towel around his waist and moved out of the bathroom into his private cabin. Yawning softly as he stared out the window, the blackness of space greeted him and again he felt as if he was the tiniest thing in existence… but with it was brought a sense of freedom that only staring out into space could bring. "I'm very lucky." he mumbled.

"Feeling your age, Admiral?" Lilith appeared on the pad beside the window, arms crossed under chest, pushing her assets upwards and drawing attention to them. In the time he'd worked aboard the Daedalus he'd seen all of Lilith's postures and the one she was using was meant to distract him. And had he been younger, he might have been. But now? He merely looked at her face. "Y'know, if you ever get too old, you can always have your brain turned into an AI matrix, I'm sure a man of your skill, determination and creativity would make an excellent AI." she paused, then winked. "And who knows? Perhaps if I'm still service if you do, we can do some work together. Run a few…simulations."

Lasky stared at her, and despite his rather asexual attitude in his growing age he found himself blushing. "Lilith! Sheesh… even for you that's inappropriate." he shook his head and banished his blush, chuckling softly in embarrassment. "What brought this all on? You've never spoken about anything like this before." he raised an eyebrow.

Lilith actually paused, looking surprised at the Admiral's question, she blinked… glancing to the side and her body flickered with coding before she looked back at him. "No real reason, Admiral. Just teasing you." she offered a smirk, winking. "And sorry, Admiral, but seeing you finally blush at my teasing. I can say it will be firmly saved in my memory from here until I am done living." she chuckled.

Lasky frowned, sensing a slight hesitation in her otherwise sure and coy voice. He was about to press her for answers when she flickered and frowned, "What?"

"Our illustrious Imperial Admiral wishes to speak with you." She pouted, holding her arms tighter around herself. "Looks like our alone time is over, I'll go attend to my duties and leave you two to chat." she winked, "Chat later, Admiral." she winked out.

And then a miniature hologram of Sangheili Imperial Admiral Rtas 'Ter Vadum appeared, standing in full armor, tall and powerful as his position deemed. He was the single Imperial Admiral and held the position both out of his competence as a Fleet master and master tactician in both space and ground operations. He was instrumental in defeating the loyalists and the Covenant remnants years ago.

"Admiral Lasky," Rtas brought a fist to his chest and bowed his head in greeting. "It has been long since we've fought together, let alone spoken." he raised his gaze, observing Lasky in nothing but a towel, chuckling. "It seems I've caught you in a vulnerable time."

Vulnerable, Lasky chuckled. Sangheili called it such when anyone in the military was without their armor. "Just a bit, my old friend. How are things on your end?"

"My warriors grow restless in this inaction, they wish to stain their blades with the blood of a foe of Humanity!" Rtas replied, amused with a shake of his head. "Do not worry, I keep their arms steady and their heads focused. Their will be no accidents on our end, this will go as your Fleet Admiral has planned. I am more worried about you and your growing age. Shouldn't an aged veteran such as you be teaching the next generation?"

Lasky laughed aloud at that question. "The next Generation, Imperial Admiral? I am no Captain Keyes, I don't have the patience for classrooms and students. I'm content to stand in Command until my senility catches up with me." he replied, shaking his head. "As a soldier I clawed my way through the ranks. As a Captain I lead operation after operation, I ignored orders and counter mended others. I've sent people to their deaths and saved dozens more. I am old only in body." the Admiral paused, then sighed softly. "But I cannot lie, my years and duties do catch up with me at times."

Rtas hummed in agreement. "I know the feeling, old friend. It seems as our time drags on we only stay in command because we are so mentally sound." The Sangheili chuckled with an almost bitterly amused tone. "Such is the fate of those born destined for glory."

"Amen to that," Lasky agreed. "Retirement… best and worst time of our lives it seems."

"Mmm." Rtas agreed.

And so, the two Admirals stood in silence, gazing at the floors of their ships in silent reverence of the double edged sword that was their natural skills that had kept them both in service for so long despite their aging bodies for a few minutes before the silence was broken by Lilith's voice.

"Admiral Lasky, word from CENTCOM, the envoy has been chosen. The UNSC Far Away has been chosen to represent humanity in the negotiations." She informed him, appearing beside Rtas, who blinked when his hologram was sharing space with the alluring AI. "Rtas, my word you look so dominating when you're on my level." She purred at him, offering a coy smile.

The Sangheili blinked again, shaking his head. "Your words bring me both flattery and uncertainty, Construct. I shall accept the compliment, but never make it again." he deadpanned. Not being as used to Lilith's eccentricity as Lasky was.

The AI purred again. "Oh, commanding too… You Sangheili are just too much sometimes." she paused, "Then again, I do so adore older men."

"Lilith, quit teasing the foreign Admiral who's fleet is parked in perfect firing angles," Lasky ordered with a roll of his eyes.

"You're no fun," Lilith pouted. "Any way, the envoy will be prepared and then sent on their way with the Citadel Council's and we can begin the first steps to bringing this whole mess to an end."

"Good." Lasky nodded. "Inform me when the ship ready, I'll relay this information the enemy General," he turned to Rtas. "I must go to my duties. Until next we speak, Imperial Admiral." Lasky smiled.

"Until then," Rtas nodded. And then his image faded, leaving Lasky and Lilith alone. However, seeing Lasky frown, she too frowned.

"Something wrong, Admiral?"

"I've a bad feeling," Lasky replied, grabbing his uniform from a nearby rack when he turned away from the window. "A very bad feeling."

Lasky didn't know how bad the event would follow said feeling.

End of chapter twelve

There it is, chapter twelve! And as you can see this was more situated towards the Citadel's side of the story, particularly the newly forming Council. A few things to clarify! Yes, Garrus is not a detective, now he's a SRT member, DEAL WITH IT! Ahem… and yes, I've given major hints that Valern, Sparatus and Tevos have all had military backgrounds and have worked together before. Along with all that, I felt the final scenes with Lasky and Lilith were just a bit of a fan service, if not just to explore the depths of Lasky's relationship with his eccentric AI partner and his friendship with Rtas.

Also! To all those who've reviewed, I am overjoyed that this story has reached 400+ in just so few chapters, already more than the previous with not even half the number of chapters! Then again, with how badly written the other was, I shouldn't be so surprised. Now, special thanks to Dragolord for the helpful spell and grammar checking provided for the previous chapter who solved my overly laziness with correcting myself. Thanks, Drago!

Now, keep those lovely, lovely reviews coming and I shall do my best to keep posting! Now, I'mma go watch Code Geass some more. DRAKE AWAY! -zooms off to watch Anime and eat hot wings-