Chapter 21
Revolution of a Millennium
The Council Chambers was the epitome of Galactic Power.
A place where history was created, rewritten and destroyed. It had witnessed the rise and fall of several races, individuals, groups, and much more. But today was going to be a different day...
It was Resurrection Day.
The entire chamber was one of the finest arts of creation. Right from the grand dais on which the Council presided, to the surrounding chambers that were full of important members of the government. There was a long pathway at the end of which lay a small pit beneath which a garden like structure existed.
Today, there was double the security and several Turians, Salarians, and Asari C-Sec members were out in the open, in the shadows, on the rooftops of the buildings. But no humans...
It was but natural that the Council wouldn't trust humanity a bit after what the Alliance had did to save its skin. Hopefully it would change with the events unfolding this day.
Raval lay securely in one of the dark rooftops of the buildings near the Council. A hypnotized Turian C-Sec officer was concealed further in the shadows, courtesy of the genjutsu which Raval was proud to say most technology couldn't detect easily. It was subtle manipulation of the mind at its best.
Through the scope of his sniper rifle, he had his aim set on the three Councilors comfortably sitting in their seats. On a moment's notice, he could execute any or all of them and start a galactic war. Just that much power he held in this moment, yet it didn't scare him.
For he believed in what he was doing. For he had regained his fate and had something to fight for again.
For Raval there were only two kind of people in the world.
The ones who tolerated everything and were comfortable in the way things were, even if they were unjust, evil or cruel...
And the other who refuse to accept injustice. The people who try to bring change by taking responsibility, no matter the odds against them or the consequences that awaited them in the end.
He had already decided as to who he wanted to be from those two types. For most people he and his comrades would always be Terrorists, Anarchists, Criminals and he was fine with it. Because the enemy approaching at their doorstep was much worse and had to be stopped at any cost.
"Jash, you in position?" asked Tali, over their private channel secured from the prying eyes of C-Sec.
It had taken hours of preparation to get rid of all the bugs, scanning devices, trigger alarms, and sensors placed in his area of operation. His Alliance Special Forces Training helped, that alongwith Tali's expertise in electronics and hacking. The Quarians would make a worthy ally in the coming war.
"Affirmative. I have them in my sight..." replied Raval, his tone calm and collected.
"I am ready on my end as well. Thanks for helping me out..." said Tali quickly, and then the connection went dark.
It had taken quite some time and effort to manipulate a high ranking C-Sec officer through genjutsu. But the effort was worth it, when the subdued Salarian helped load the Memory feed that their team had extracted from the Prothean beacon. The Galaxy had to know the truth before it was too late, and now Tali was securely monitoring C-Sec communications and operations inside the Council Chambers with the Salarian Officer's help.
He adjusted his Volkov, the best Rosenkov Industries had on the market. Capable of piercing armored vehicles with just one bullet, this deadly weapon when combined with Inferno and Explosive Ammunition combo was enough to take out an entire squad of soldiers easily.
With what he currently wielded it would be enough to tear through the kinetic shields protecting the Council members, taking down the Turian would be easy even if he had some extra shields in his clothing this weapon would kill him. The Asari would be a little difficult considering she could use biotics, but it had been centuries since Tevos had been a Commando, but it was the Salarian that worried him. The lizard like Councilor could have more personal powerful shields and kinetic barriers on him.
Raval knew he only had one chance. And one chance only to make this work.
The fate of the galaxy was depending on what happened today. He grit his teeth controlling his anger when the large hologram of an arrogant Saren Arterius appeared beside the Council who greeted him respectfully.
And then he saw all the sneers and jibes start when the prisoner, Kushina Uzumaki was brought in alongside the Human Ambassador, Udina.
Naruto was seated in the audience, his hawk like eyes observing each and everything. Just for a moment, he glanced in Raval's direction which made the man smile.
They would succeed, no matter what!
Sitting in the audience section, Naruto couldn't help but anticipate the things about to come. A hidden smile crept up on his face as he saw the dozen C-Sec officers he had subdued with his sharingan. They were loyal to him to the core, willing to do anything he wanted.
Yet he only needed them for creating distraction, instead of reacting like the protector force of the Council they were trained to be.
Since the past two days, he had been working his way through the Citadel. Subduing dozens of people of importance that would be helpful in the coming war against the Reapers. Starting from Shadow Broker Agents, Custom Agents, C-Sec officers, government officials and bureaucrats. He also had several arms dealers and a considerable gang leaders under his pocket.
He might be one of the few people in the galaxy who could instigate a full blown revolt across the Citadel Station. He now understood why the Illusive Man valued him so much, his powers were just growing and he was able to accomplish so many things.
He knew by using so many people for his own mission he was destroying their lives, taking away their freedom and there would be a price to pay one day. But in order to protect the galaxy from another extinction, he had to do these small sins.
It did make him feel guilty, but never stopped him from doing what was right.
Seeing his ancestors and the Protheans die so miserably had changed something in him. He had even seen Raval and Tali more willing to take severe steps to protect their races and the galaxy as a whole.
The reason the three of them were here was a part of that.
Tali and the dozen C-Sec agents on his side would keep things contained when the fireworks started. Raval would do his part if ordered to do so, and Naruto had made enough preparations to let himself and his team walk away from the station after the successful completion of their mission.
Whatever happened today was certainly going to please the Illusive Man.
Despite severing ties, Naruto couldn't help but feel that he needed that human on his side alongwith the army of resources he possessed. But the Illusive Man would never concede to the ideology Naruto followed, believing in simple human supremacy which would lead this galaxy to its doom.
He would have to do something about Cerberus, because sooner or later they were going to get in his way.
Naruto couldn't help but feel his anger rise on seeing his shackled mother be presented before the disgusting Council. To her credit, Kushina Uzumaki stood tall and proud. It drew many surprised looks from the hordes of aliens, because in their eyes she was a disgraced officer who had betrayed the galaxy. Yet the woman never had a shred of guilt or fear in her defiant eyes. Her fiery red hair only made her look more intimidating.
Ambassdor Udina stood by his mother's side, alongwith a middle aged human female advocate that would be defending his mother. He had made sure the lawyer who had been previously ready to sacrifice his mother on the Alliance's order was now going to do everything in her power to save Kushina. It was certainly possible with the proof he had suppiled against the smirking alien that was Saren Arterius.
Captain Anderson was also sitting in the audience. The man seemed collected and calm, but Naruto didn't miss the worry in the dark skinned man's eyes as he watched his protege surrounded by these monsters.
The rise of the Councilors marked the start of one of the most widely anticipated trials in the past few decades, even the past century. The audience rose as well and only took their seats when the Councilors gave them the permission.
Naturally, it was Tevos who stepped forward...
"We are gathered here to witness the trial of Commander Kushina Uzumaki, System Alliance Navy. The charges against her include treason, supporting terrorism, espionage and theft of critical Prothean Technology. What do you have to say against these accusations, Commander?" asked Tevos seriously,
"Not guilty..." replied Kushina defiantly,
There were several boos and other nasty remarks showered on his mother, but that didn't affect the woman a bit. Her lawyer cleared her throat, and Tevos glanced at the audience which was enough to shut them up.
"Nadezhda, the Council requests you to first explain the charges you have leveled against our Spectre. Saren Arterius, you have placed all the crimes on his head instead of our client..." said Sparatas, the Turian Councilor with every ounce of aggressiveness he could muster.
"What more can you expect from humans? They are like children who don't know their place in the galaxy and blame everyone else for their mistakes..." said Saren bluntly,
Surprisingly, Udina remained silent. But if the glare he was showering on Kushina was any sign, then it was clear the Councilor also believed Kushina to be the traitor here. Naruto smirked when Nadezhda, her mother's lawyer glared at the Turian quite fiercely. Enough to make the Councilors surprised.
"You will do well to not insult our race, Spectre. You may enjoy Council immunity, but at this moment the entire human race is watching this trial. Any undesired provocation on your part will result in severe repercussions on Turian-Human relations..." warned the dark raven Russian, in her heavy accent.
Sparatas was about to return with some nasty remark, when Nadezhda pressed her omni tool and glanced at the audience. Naruto hid a smile, the woman had some fire although the next words coming out of her mouth would be his own...
"Great civilizations across the galaxy, today I Nadezhda, a representative of humanity lay before you the hypocrisy of the Citadel Council. For centuries the Council has bullied other races with their power, turned a blind eye to their plight and tyranny their own agents have caused across the galaxy. And here is the proof..." declared Nadezhda fiercely,
The Council looked livid. Udina had already started dashing forward to stop what was the most disastrous action any human had ever dared to commit against the galaxy, but alas he was not fast enough as the audio recording played right on time.
"The humans found an active Prothean Beacon on Eden Prime. We must seize it, this might be the key that will help us in initiating the return of the Reapers..."
There were gasps across the entire chamber as Saren's voice was heard in the recording. The security systems had already kicked in, and had clearly verified that this voice did belong to the Spectre indeed. Udina stopped, Sparatas glanced at Saren with a betrayed look in his eyes...
Tevos felt Nadezhda and Kushina's angry gaze land on her, but the voice that came next took away every last color from the Asari Councilor's face.
"And how do you propose we do that?"
"We go to Eden Prime with the Geth. I will personally get that beacon, and destroy the colony with nukes in order to erase any evidence of our involvement in the incident. The destruction of the colony would spell the doom for the Alliance Colonization Program, and the Council would wreck their wrath on humanity..."
"Are such brutal measures really necessary? You don't have to kill the humans..."
"They are a pest. We should have restrained them right after the First Contact War, they are a threat to everyone in the Galaxy. I will make sure that they don't become a threat to my plan..."
When the recording came to an end, pin drop silence was present in the entire Chamber. Saren's hologram had long since vanished, the exposed Spectre no longer feeling it necessary to defend himself when the proof was out in the open.
There were a series of mixed reactions on the Alien's faces. There was clear shock, embarrassment specially for the Turians, many of them didn't want to believe it but it was the C-Sec Security Systems that had verified that the proof was legit.
Humans looked just about ready to rip the Council to bloody shreds...
Udina got a cunning smile on his face and restarted his march to do just that.
"The female voice was identified to belonging to Matriarch Benezia, a high ranking Asari Government member. On one hand the Council claims to maintain peace to the galaxy, yet two of its dominant races conspire to destroy humanity. And then they have the audacity to place the entire blame on my client by blackmailing the Alliance. What do you have to say for this, Councilors?" asked Nadezhda darkly,
As if on cue, the C-Sec verification program conceded the claim of the other voice belonging to Benezia T'Soni, Asari Matriarch.
Tevos looked ready to faint, Sparatas's mandibles were twitching and surprisingly it was Valern who stepped forward for damage control as Udina pounced.
"We...apologize for the inconvenience caused to Commander Uzumaki. Rest assured, Spectre Saren is being stripped of his rank and will be hunted down and brought to justice. We will also conduct an investigation into the allegations against Matriarch Benezia, we pledge to bring justice..." said Valern diplomatically, and Udina exploded.
"That's it? Your agent attacked and destroyed our colony? Killed hundreds of my people, and risked millions others. They stole what was rightfully ours, the Council blindly blamed our faithful officer for all of this. You destroyed Kushina's chances of becoming a Spectre, disgraced humanity in front of the galaxy. The Asari Government conducted an act of war breaking every Council treaty. I demand justice, or there will be war..."
Udina's words were like the hammer of heavens falling down from the sky. The entire Chamber full of people went into shock, including the C-Sec personnel. It was the first time in history after the Krogans that a race had challenged the might of the Citadel Council.
Even Naruto was surprised. This was unexpected, Udina had made a statement that could either shape or destroy the galaxy before the Reapers even arrived. He grit his teeth in frustration, in this position he couldn't do anything to stop the human Councilor or risk exposing himself. And his allies...
Humanity might be young, but it was a powerful civilization. It had one of the largest fleets in the galaxy, one of the most devastating ground forces and political connections with several client races of the Council like the Volus, Elcor, Hanar and several others. Those races had always demanded more rights from the Council, only to be refused for centuries. Courtesy of the powerful triad of Turian might, Asari diplomacy, and Salarian Espionage as well as Sabotage.
But now they had a powerful race ready to rebel against the Council. With some effort, it was possible to indulge large sections of the Batarian and Krogan society on humanity's side into this conflict. The pirates and mercenaries would all be too happy to tear apart any side for profit.
A true Galactic War.
Naruto waited just like the billions of people across the galaxy as the next few moments would determine all their fates.
The nervous Councilors had realized all of what could happen if there was War, and their anxiety was visible clearly for Naruto to see. They were now willing to do anything to end this nightmare before it became even more worse.
When nods were received from the other two Councilors, Tevos stepped forward with a truly apologetic look on her face. But Naruto knew she was only doing what was necessary to save her own ass. And that of her two faced bigoted race!
"The Council truly apologizes for its actions and the damage it has caused to humanity. We also recognize the injustice we have done towards an admirable Alliance Commander. We had plans to make Kushina the first Human Spectre after seeing her splendid career. She is a model soldier, with true strength and courage. It is with great pride and respect, that we invite Commander Kushina Uzumaki to join the Spectres. If she chooses to accept, she will be one of the agents sent to hunt down war criminal Saren Arterius..." declared Tevos,
Sparatas didn't let the whispering affect him and stepped forward beside his Asari Councilor. There was true regret and shame visible in his eyes...
"The Council has observed humanity for the past few decades. Their valor and strength were aptly displayed during the First Contact War, they have made all possible efforts to adjust to the Galactic Laws and have been respectful towards every race. We also see in humanity a drive to succeed, a drive to fight for justice and maintain peace across the galaxy. Humans are not afraid to fight for the truth, no matter the odds against them. A fact that they have shown to us today, and it is with this reason that the Council cordially invites humanity to become its sovereign ally by offering a Seat alongside us..."
The Chamber exploded.
Naruto was in a daze just like every human present in the Chamber. Each and every person in the chamber were discussing this historic move openly and loudly. Pandemonium was clear across the entire chamber, his gaze connected with his mother's who was asking him a question through her eyes.
Without hesitation, he gave her a proud nod alongwith a small salute which brought tears in her eyes.
It took nearly fifteen minutes for the Council and C-Sec to silence the wild audience, and Naruto was sure the same situation prevailed across the entire galaxy which was watching this event live.
Udina was ready to jump through the ceiling with a rocket strapped on his ass, his gleam and excitement shone through his eyes. The man had marked his place in history, and as loathe Naruto was to admit he couldn't deny the fact that Udina's threat of war had done the trick for humanity.
Naruto had also heard Tali and Raval's gasps on the communication channel. And he instantly signaled both of them from executing the rest of the plan as it would only destroy the golden opportunity humanity and the galaxy as a whole had gained.
Relief shone on the Councilor's faces when Kushina nodded, and Valern stepped forward.
"Before Councilor Udina states his decision regarding Humanity joining the Council. We would also like to state that humanity and every other race has our full support in this hunt against Saren Arterius. The Council would do everything in its power to stop any future geth incursions, and as far as the damage to Eden Prime is concerned. The Council will be paying for the reconstruction of the entire colony and funding the medical expenses of all injured and providing compensations to the deceased for the cruel actions of our agent..." declared Valern,
Udian quickly stepped forward with more grace than Naruto could ever muster naturally. There was a serene smile on his face as he nodded to the Councilors.
"Humanity respectfully accepts all your offers in the hopes that such a tragedy does not happen again. I, Donnell Udina, as Ambassador of Humanity pledge to the galaxy that our race shall strive to maintain peace across the galaxy. Humanity shall protect the galaxy from all threats, provide aid to any and all races whenever necessary and be the supporting pillar for all Galaxy..." pledged Udina,
The chamber exploded with applauds and cheers, humans were of course cheering this great achievement. But what was surprising was that there were several aliens who were also applauding the move.
Naruto quickly gave the order to abort mission to his comrades, they had achieved more than what they had initially aimed for. Not only was his mother spared and made Spectre, but humanity now had true power through the Seat on the Council. Saren was exposed, and the Galaxy was slowly gearing up for war...
He had came here with worst expectations of his mother being convicted, only to be surprised. He was thankful that he didn't have to assassinate the Council, they were fools yes, but not stupid. Although he doubted the Councilors were going to survive this nightmare, their Political Career was definitely finished.
He decided to find some other way to spread the message of the Protheans, as revealing it now would only create further chaos. And the Galaxy had enough heart attacks for a day. Any further revelations would only destroy what was achieved...
The Beacon's warning would reach the galaxy, just not in the violent way Naruto had initially planned. Possibly through his mother, a plan actually started arriving in his mind.
Saren and his allies were completely exposed and out for the galaxy to hunt, but the real enemy still lurked in the shadows. The Reapers were more powerful than the might of the entire galaxy combined, and he would have to find a way to break the cycle of extinction.
Today he finally realized why his father wanted him to take this role, why Raval believed in him, for Naruto Namikaze had the eyes, power and cunning that had brought forth a...
Revolution.
He couldn't help but smile proudly as his mother swore the oaths and became the First Human Spectre, opening another chapter of human and Galactic history. His eyes glanced towards the vast space, as he made a promise.
"I won't fail you, Father..."