Calculating atmospheric entry for a new planet is never easy; forget to carry a one or misplace a decimal point and the whole ship gets slagged. Shields prevent micro-meteor impacts and ionization. Nano patterned hulls channel and disperse heat. Inertial dampeners keep most shaking to a minimum. Turvess was a large world with nearly twice the galactic average gravity and thus a doubly thick atmosphere. The safest way down was a slow orbital descent to bleed off speed. Three inward spirals let everyone get a good look at the world via external monitors. A navy ocean merged into teal and turquoise seas leading to a rich brown shoreline and lush green jungles.
Shepard looked back to check on her precious cargo, and the passengers. Erane watched the monitors with glee; eyes as wide as her smile. Research assistant Senok helped Armelsta with adjusting the Hanar's grav-belt for high-G. Quarian Rep Zun'Zoll vas Nadir and Evast raun discussed price versus practicality of high end tactile sensors. Both Krogan and Turian groups double checked their weapons. Iroth calmed his horde of space gremlins. Miranda reiterated the importance of 'look, don't touch' rules with her Officers. Matriarch Phaeldra D'aris helped the lone Elcor remain at ease in the cramped space.
"Final orbit complete Commander. Requesting permission to land." The Turian shuttle pilot asked.
"Granted."
The Ursa Major drifted down through the sparse cloud cover above the landing site. What lay below was a confusing mismatch of new and old construction methods. Eighty story stone and steel towers shot up from the ground; each one covered in vines, moss and even a few trees. Dirt walkways leading under the tracks of a coal burning monorail to a farmers market with neon signs. A number of eight hundred foot wooden cargo sailboats drifting down the mile wide canal spitting the enormous peaks of the mountain range. Every large building held a similar design. Curved structures made of smooth stone and overlapping metal plates inlaid with sharp angles. Shepard could never forget this type of architecture; it had been seared into her brain.
"Holy fuck this is a Prothean city." The Spectre felt her tension start to build. She and tech from the long dead race didn't go well together.
Nardar Julon stepped into the cockpit. "Are you certain?"
"Absolutely, it's just like Feros." Shepard complained as the Alliance soldier 'Mezner' took a spot next to the Salarian.
"As in the Feros that got attacked by Geth then plant zombies before you gassed the whole damn place?"
"Yep."
"Should we turn around Commander?" Asked the pilot.
"Oh come on. What are the chances of that happening again?"
"Slightly lower than their happening the first time unfortunately." Nardar stated with a slight frown. "My team would have loved to study either."
"..." The scientist met the N7's annoyed gaze for a moment before returning to his seat.
"Orders Commander?"
"Put us down at the LZ. If shit hits the fan we'll just shoot it in the face, like always."
Down below a large ring of fire ignited atop the high walls of a Colosseum like open air structure. Five different colors of flame burned at five points, each point located in relation to the nearest clan country.
"Interesting display. Also useful for determining abundance of required coloration compounds" Nardar mentioned listing off the combinations. "Potassium-chloride/violet/Vukoma, copper-sulphate/Green/Jebuk, nitromethane/white/Yadan, sodium-chloride/yellow/Dwara, lithium-chloride/red/Ragnal."
"Thanks for the lesson Doc. At least when they burn the Asari for witchcraft it'll look nice." Surcus droned from his spot between the other two Turians.
Shepard made her way back into the cabin and re-fitted her hardsuit's chestplate. "The worrywort's got a point ladies; no magic shows until we explain biotics."
A small puff of light-tan dust billowed out from beneath the shuttle as it touched down. Blue and white doors slid open to an empty arena of chiseled stone. Groups walked off the ship one by one as a handful of individuals headed towards them. Shepard made her way to the front, matte black armor shining in the dual sunlight. A moment later she heard the distinct sound of a child in distress.
"This one requires aid!"
Turning around Shep saw what could only be described as a young girl trying desperately not to let go of an overinflated jellyfish balloon. As the Drell herself started to leave the ground, Ravanor Hirk grabbed the Hanar's remaining tentacles. Nardar quickly re-adjusts Armelsta's grav-belt.
"Nice try welp."
The Salarian typed away like mad on his omnitool. "Strange. Gravity is far less than expected. 0.8 standard, that is not possible for a planet the size and composition of Turvess."
"Save it for later Doc. We have introductions to make."
Strolling up to the odd ensemble was a dozen feathery people all of whom measured between four and seven feet. Each were clothed in a bright and decorated combination of leathers and silks. The deep purples and blues for light material and textured earthy tones for the treated animal hides. The smallest of the group had a feathered cloak attached to it's jerkin. This Raloi stopped just a yard from Shepard while others set up bulky mechanical gear at multiple positions. A quartet of levers were pulled and each piece powered on with a low hum.
The prehistoric looking avian stood on a set of digitigrade with star shaped feet. The leathery underbelly and face were colored like thick pieces of amber. A long fuzzy tail that swayed to and fro ended in a large spade of feathers. The beak Shepard was expecting apparently replaced the teeth inside it's short lizard like muzzle. However this all took a backseat to the creatures cold iridescent plumage.
The lead Raloi chattered a line of dialogue to the one instructing the others and received a bow. They pulled out a headset and attached the device snugly to its head. It took a few deep breaths and puffed up a regal looking headcrest.
"Welcome Starlings to planet Turvess. My name is Orian Alitroth of the Vukoma clan. I have been given the privilege of escorting you through the industrial, market and cultural wards before making way to Cloudreach Castle. There you are to be given an audience with the Queen, after which a feast shall be held to commemorate this momentous day. Will these events be satisfactory?"
Commander Shepard briefly noted her tongue could not move. This meeting was not only an important for those of Citadel space, but the utter most significant day in this civilization's history. Worst yet, her words were being captured, recorded and transmitted to the entire world. Possibly even the Milky Way as a whole. She wondered what Admiral Hackett may have said in her place if this was how Humanity met the Turains.
"I am Shepard, Systems Alliance Commander and Citadel Spectre. It would be an honor to tour your city." She could see joy light up in the little bird folk's big eyes. "As you requested by way of the probe's communications array we have brought a representative from each galactic race." Shepard gestured to the line of aliens behind her, allowing each group's leader introduced themselves.