Chapter 36

Shepard stood behind the Normandy's cockpit, as it approached batarian space. Beyond the blast windows, he could see the Fleets of the Hegemony. Amidst the gleaming starships was a large station, almost the size of a moon. Shepard noticed a shimmer, likely from the atmosphere emitted from giant mass effect generators.

As they drew closer, he could make out bits of green, blue, and reddish brown along the installation...the effects of terraforming. It made sense, he thought, a perfect test for what would eventually help the batarians rebuild Karshaan. Earth was undergoing similar initiatives.

A chime came from the Normandy's sensors, as the security verified the ship's credentials. Shepard felt a nervous tic in his neck. His wasn't the best reputation with the batarians. Once again, Shepard questioned the wisdom of sending him on this particular mission.

The voice on the other end requested Ashrai's security phrase.

"All paths lead to Karshaan," she uttered, followed by a series of numbers.

Shepard laughed, reminded of his first trip to the Quarian Flotilla.

Ashrai glanced at him, quirking an eyebrow.

"There's a very similar phrase in Earth's history," Shepard shrugged, "it pertains to one of our more famous ancient empires...the Romans."

"Ah," the batarian nodded, "yes, it never ceases to amaze me, how societies so far apart can manage to be so alike."

She pondered a moment, before speaking, "I've read a bit of your histories, and found a few correlations to the Ancient Feudal Empires in Japan."

The SPECTRE laughed again, "yes, the asari Justicar, Samara, liked them as well. I suppose a desire for honor and glory translate well enough across cultures."

Ashrai's face sobered, as if she were about to inform Shepard of something unpleasant.

He caught the look, and sighed, "don't tell me I have to make nice with Balak or something."

She shrugged, "you may have to, but that isn't my concern. Regarding our safety, however..."

Shepard knew they were in the Terminus Systems. As such, the Council had little clout. The fear of reprisal was what kept Council Law somewhat relevant. Still, he was a SPECTRE, and represented the Citadel. Moreover, he was in the company of an Ambassador of the Hegemony. Surely, that accorded them some form of protection. Shepard said as much.

"Akesh has no concern for such honor," explained Ashrai, "and you will not be allowed to bring the crew of the Normandy aboard."

In his cockpit, Joker shook his head, "great, so what, Normandy's the only safe ground?"

"This ship represents a sovereign principality of the Council," stated EDI, seated beside him, "so long as we offer no hostility, we will continue to enjoy this status."

"Alright then, I can't bring any crew," said Shepard, "still, I should be allowed to bring one ally, for personal protection, if nothing else."

Ashrai slowly nodded, acknowledging the possibility, "but who could we take?"

She caught a strange look on Shepard's face upon asking the question. It seemed equal parts amusement and fear. The batarian shook her head, at least they were meeting her father first, a small moment to ready themselves, before they were thrown to the wolves...

Shepard waited calmly at a large conference table. The room was dominated with shrubbery and scenic art, which accented the slat walls of the bulkheads. He was seated in a very comfortable chair. It was fashioned from some form of leather, and the cushions positively swallowed him. He reminded himself to order one of these, if he ever got the chance.

The Spectre glanced across the table at his "bodygaurd," the Delegate from Tuchanka. Shepard smirked at Grunt. The young krogan constantly tugged at a formal suit he was clearly unused to wearing. The idea had been Shepard's. He could only take one crewmate, after all.

Most of them couldn't go anyway, whether because of past exploits, or to protect their identities. Even Vash might be targeted by wayward members of the Blood Pack, as many of his vorcha brethren seemed to have allied with the batarian hard-liners, rather than Aria. So, Shepard had needed a politically safe partner, and one that would immediately put assailants on the defensive. The krogan had seemed the obvious choice. He was the leader of Tuchanka's most celebrated military force, and represented the leading clan, Urdnot.

Grunt shook his head, "Jack threatened to neuter me if I didn't protect you Shepard, so you'd better not do anything stupid."

Shepard laughed aloud, "strange times indeed, when you're saying that to me Grunt."

Ashrai smirked, tapping the intercom in her ear, "ah, he's here, my father, Carlan Verrad..."

The three stood up, as the leader of Clan Verrad, Ashrai's father, entered the room. The red-skinned batarian was in formal attire, like the rest of them, clad in a military suit and something resembling a cape. He sported a scar along his cheek, one that ran down to his neck. The old wound traveled across one of Carlan's four eyes. The eye was a prosthetic, blue, rather than brown, like the others.

Shepard inclined his head to the side, and the leader of Clan Verrad mimicked the gesture, before offering his hand. Shepard shook hands with the batarian. Carlan kept a firm grip for a bit more than courtesy demanded.

"It seems I have you to thank for my daughter's return," he commented.

The SPECTRE nodded, "I regret I couldn't do the same for Terric."

"He did his duty," Carlan sighed, shaking his head, "and so did you...we've all lost loved ones, comrades in arms..."

The human could only agree. He caught a glance in Carlan's eye, as the batarian looked to his daughter. She nodded in reply. Shepard glanced askance at the two.

Carlan laughed in return, "I didn't know how...receptive you'd be to our plight, considering your past."

Shepard understood, considering his well-known prior history, "well, let's just say we owe the batarian race a great deal, and Clan Akesh's insular views are not a childish luxury that any can afford."

Carlan arched an eyebrow, "an rather…artful way to state it, but true nonetheless."

"More importantly," added Shepard somberly, "I don't care to remain in Balak's debt..."

Carlan laughed, "well said...and he feels the same. Still, he won't impede you...he can't."

"Oh?" asked Shepard.

Ashrai nodded, "it was my idea. Once Terric deemed you worthy, in his final letter to me, I officially accepted you as honored enemy to Clan Verrad."

Grunt shuffled at this last, ill at ease with the term.

Shepard sniffed, still getting used to the idea, "relax Grunt, it means I'm an honored guest who can't be harmed."

"And I am an honored enemy to Balak, thus he owes you the same hospitality," Carlan continued, "none may legitimately challenge you but I, so long as you remain in my presense and under my auspices."

Ashrai gestured, "which is why you couldn't bring more of your crew."

Shepard nodded once more, "allow me to introduce the krogan ambassador from Clan Urdnot.

"Finally, warriors of note, perhaps these young pups can learn something," quipped Carlan Verrad.

Grunt laughed, "looking forward to the chance to stretch my legs for a bit."

Shepard shook his head, "what the hell did that mess on Omega count for?"

The krogan merely shrugged, as the Captain rolled his eyes in disbelief.

"So, when will the Hegemony convene for the peace treaty?" said Shepard, turning to Carlan.

The leader of Clan Verrad looked uncertainly at him, then to Ashrai.

"Well, about that..." she stated, "they won't..."

The SPECTRE groaned at that last. He'd come all this way for this very reason.

"Has it all been for nothing?" Shepard demanded, "Terric died to give us this chance!"

Carlan raised his hands, "peace Shepard, we must first present you to the Hegemony's leaders."

"As you know," explained Ashrai, "our people place more importance in gestures than words. Seeing your confidence will speak more loudly than any summit."

"We must show that Clan Akesh are fools for disrespecting you," said Carlan, "and, by extension, fools for doubting me."

"This, in turn," finished Ashrai, "will allow us to present the Council's terms for peace."

Shepard shook his head again. This was ridiculous. Karshaan was in shambles, as were many other worlds. Even the Citadel, the heart of Galactic Governance, had only just rebuilt. Only by opening proper trade routes, by working together, could anyone survive.

Still, old grudges died hard, and not everyone learned the right lessons from the Reaper War. The batarians were afraid, afraid of losing what little they had. Clan Verrad had offered a path forward, but it was through uncharted territory, with unproven allies.

Clan Akesh, therefore, played to the fears of the lowest denominator, the established prejudices that the people could slip into like an old blanket. It was intoxicating to cling to the old ways, to forget what had happened.

"Far too easy to dream that time will flow backwards," said Carlan, "that things will simply be as as they were before."

Shepard sighed, recalling Terra Firma's leaders, "yes...many of my people feel the same..."

"Which was why it is important to make a good impression," said Ashrai.

"I am honored to have the krogan grace us as well," Carlan nodded to Grunt, "no one will question the strength of Clan Urdnot."

Grunt, to his credit, nodded back, "the honor is ours...so long as noone crosses my hosts...or my Battlemaster."

Shepard sighed. He hated this...posing at some fancy ball, while the Galaxy was embroiled in a quietly brewing civil war. He considered himelf lucky, adding Grunt to the op had been a better call than he had hoped. Keeping Liara on Normandy allowed the "Shadow Broker" to add her more clandestine skills as well. He still wished more of his friends were here, but his purpose was clear.

"Well then," said Shepard, "we should go..."