To any one reading this fiction I am sowwy to report that the only chance I get to update this story is when I have access to the internet. Also data is expensive in my country of birth so I use the local library computers to work on this story also post it. To the guest who said I don't give a faetal matter about the readers I do. I am just constrained by factors beyond my control. I am sowwy deeply so if the circumstance could be changed I would do it in a heart accept my apology and understand my situation. Small changes and edits to the chapter.
"Speak softly and carry a big stick, you will go far." Theodore Roosevelt
Into Terran federation space
The time arrived for them to leave, they were beamed to orbit when they entered the elevator. On the chariot of gods the door swung open and they were met by captain John Mando a man of African Latino descent.
"Welcome to the chariot of the gods, I will be your captain and my name is John Mando". Permission to come aboard captain?". Said lieutenant Shepard. "Permission granted, welcome aboard Lieutenant and Citadel envoy we will depart shortly to the Orion systems"." How far is it if I may ask?". Asked Covarn."It is exactly 1272,7 light years from Shanxi system. ".
This left the diplomat's gapping at the mentioning of such distance.
" And how long is it going to take from here? "." Exactly 643 seconds just over 10 minutes .".
Since the captain was briefed on the inquisitive nature of the Salarians. He was not bothered by the questions as if answering a toddler who has many questions of why. It reminded him of her baby girl, a short message from Adriel the ships AI.
She appeared next to the captain. "Hello my name is Adriel I am here to show you your resting rooms please follow me.". The envoy followed her." Say are you some kind of virtual intelligence ".Asked Covarn." Yes and no I am more than some VI but I can not say more than that for security reasons. ".
Covarn blinked both eyes a human equivalent of a nod." And we are here the Asari will have the left wing and the Salarians will the right side. Please note no one is allowed in the engine room. But you can wonder anywhere except the engine room it is for your safety and the crew if you need anything just call me ".
Adriel disappeared from existence. The Asari were surprised to find rooms that felt more like home back in Thessia so did the Salarians. They spent only five minutes and started to wonder the vessel seeing amazing technologies being displayed such as the holographic display. Better than their own from the graphics point of view. Covarn wondered into the bridge. Where he saw different work stations being manned.
" Mr Covarn you here to witness the jump into the system?. ".
" I think I will. ".
" Come up and sit here.".
He joined the Captain.
"What's the status Adriel?". " The Space fold drive is 96% charged Captain only 30 seconds and counting .".
"You arrived at the Good part, hope this does not disappoint you. ".
" Charging complete commencing the jump in 3,2,1 engaging . "Said Adriel.
The space before the vessel was filled with light as if the stars were gathering in front of the vessel. Then in a seconds it was over. And the ship was outside the Orion system near the middle star called Umbilicus In an artificial system made by the military with their celestial body moving drive CBMD.
" Transition to normal space successful ".
"Okay Adriel take us in. The fourth planet sub luminal speeds.".
The ship shuddered a bit before inertia compensators kicked into action. The ship was moving at 56% light speed. "Estimated time of arrival? " .
"30 minutes Captain.".
"Long enough to eat breakfast, will you join me Covarn?. ". Covarn was lost in his thoughts. And was brought back by the question. He only blinked to confirm." Lieutenant you have the chair. ".
" Aye! Captain ". Said lieutenant James Booker an Africa American man in his twenties. The Captain and Covarn left the bridge.
Back at the Asari room." Matriarch have you asked for a meld? ".Asked a maiden." I have not, I will ask now "." Adriel". The AI appeared. "Yes Matriarch Benezia, what can I do for you?"." Could you please send for Lieutenant Shepard ."." Right away Maam. ".
Five minutes later. The door opened and Shepard stepped through." Matriarch how can I be of service?. "." Lieutenant Shepard I sent for you to ask for a meld ."."I am sorry Matriarch but I have an innate ability to block mind reading or mind intrusion by external sources. You can try though I permit you .".Then the matriarch stepped forward placed her fingers on her temple and said "Embrace eternity". Both their eyes pupils dilated. In their mind space both appeared could not speak in words in this mind space. That is when Shepard decided to use the inner voice. The think voice that always speaks when we have internal conversations or prayers( the one you are using to read this story).
'Matriarch you are naked'. She looked at herself and looked at Shepard. 'You are also naked'. Shepard looked at herself.
'We are both naked'. Both thought. 'Matriarch what does this mean?'. 'This is the first time I have had a meld were something like this happened'. 'It seems we are in each others mind'. Thought Shepard.' If it is true then what are we to do now?'. 'Matriarch did you just hear what I was thinking?'. 'Yes why'. 'Now I see what is happening here we can hear each others thoughts.'. 'Matriarch I want you to think about something specific'. 'Okay'. She thought of an image of Thessia from orbit. 'Did you think of your home world from orbit?'. 'Yes that was what I thought of just now'. 'I will project something to you'. She projected the entire English language to the matriarch. 'Was that the language English?'. 'So we can project information directly to each other amazing so I can learn Thessian by having you project it into my mind'. Then Shepard said she should think of something and she will try to block it out. 'You are a pale Asari.'. Thought the Asari.'I heard that'. Then she should think of and imagine an action she should try to touch her hand. She did and she told her she felt her touch her hand. She suggested that she touch her face next. 'She tried but could not. Trying harder still to no finally gave is when Shepard said she was actively blocking said she is going to try and touch she should try blocking her. She grabbed her neck and successful at the attempt. She asked if she let her or she said she did not know where she was going to touch so she could not know where she should try to block. She finally said she will try to touch her left shoulder. She tried and she succeeded. She finally said she could not react quickly enough to avoid her. She figured because of the Knight training she received. She is able to think an react faster than a normal person react. 'I think we should end the meld it has been almost 30 minutes we have been here. I am sure are about to reach our destination but I'd like to do this again'. The connection was ended. Back to reality. The dilated pupils returned to normal. Both caught their breaths. "Are you alright Matriarch? ".asked a maiden." I am more than fine I feel rejuvenated and relaxed "." You alright Lieutenant Shepard ". She smiled" Yes ,very much Matriarch Benezia".
The last moments of the meld Shepard was able to attain heighten memories that make Benezia well Benezia. She looked at the internal HUD and found that only 30 seconds have passed on the meld. Meaning what felt like 30 minutes in the meld only 30 seconds could be helpful if it could link more than two people at a time. She would need to investigate. But for now she felt very hungry and decided to excuse her navigated to the canteen were she found captain Mando and Covarn were sitting in the table eating and talking. She decided to go sit with them." Hi guys". Sitting down. She got a stare from the Salarian and the captain was surprised at the Lieutenant tray as it was well this she said "I am not sharing I just melded with the Matriarch and I feel a huge appetite". The Captain had to hold his lower jaw to stop it from opening.
" I thought they did that when mating.". Increasing the tone sounding more like a question." Well yeah but this was different it was seeing or getting a feel for the human mind, we should do it the meld thing have a three way meld and see if it works. How about it? ".
" I think after we land on Cordus we could do it ".Both Covarn and Mando watched Shepard putting all that food away it was both awe inspiring and unsettling as if watching a predator devouring its prey, this carried on for 20 minutes. The small talks back and forth all participating in the small talks. 5 minutes later the captain excused himself as he was recalled to the bridge.
"You are about to witness humanity's greatest achievement in space construction Mr. Covarn. All the planets you are about to set foot on were once dead worlds drifting in the emptiness of space. Humanity brought them to a gravity well of a star then proceeded to shape them to our needed specifics. An artificially created system. ".
" Is there something that you are not able to do?". "There are. There is. ".
" We can't prevent what is to come "." And what is that? "." War Covarn ".The words reverberate through the table." If you can build planets surely you have nothing to fear from war". Said Covarn. " There is, what do you think of us Covarn? ". " A young race very advanced and wise.". "What if I told you that on the wisdom part we once lacked . War changes a race. People lose themselves and become nothing more than beasts controlled by basic instincts instead of reason. We don't fear war but we prepare for it. The only true test is what we emerge as after it.". "So you fear to lose yourselves and become the monsters you try to protect against "." Yes, we try to be better than what we were yesterday, today ,and hopefully tomorrow be better than today. "." You overcome yourselves daily to be better than yourselves. I can see why it gets terrifying as you get higher reaching for the unknown. Know this you will eventually ascend but you are still not ready or sure about what lies ahead. You will find your answer when the time comes. ". He got up and walked away leaving her to think about his continued with her meal. Not having been paying attention to the last words of the Salarian.
" Attention all aboard we are approaching the planet Cordus 4 in the system of Umbilicus on Orion's belt be advised that the planet is still being terraformed will not be able to stay long. Thank you".
The ship finally touched down all 500 meters of it.
Terran federation appeal
The diplomat's saw all the beauty the Terran federation has to offer. The extant of their size of their economy which eclipse the whole of Council races combined a thousands of times diplomat's did finally have proof of the power of the Terran federation. They visited the umbilicus system in the Orion belt star system.
The desert world of Aridia in the Pleiades system the city is made with pyramids, obelisks and is a mining colony since it is rich in mineral resources such as gold, platinum, copper and other valuable metals. It has underground cavern systems that have springs to support the city. Greenhouse and hydroponics for limited growth of vegetables and fruit.
The water world of the Kepler system. This world was terraformed to sustain earth ocean life. It is a resources planet at 60% of all fisheries are obtained from this planet. It has a moving floating city of Oceania since Atlantis is the deep ocean city under the ocean.
The trip finally ended when the diplomat's finally visited the home system the colonies of Europa since Titan was relocated to Orion still undergoing terraformation. The diplomat's also noticed that the standard of living is maintained the same in all when they saw the vastness of the Terran federation population. The Venus, Earth and Mars planets all filled with mega cities and vast areas of habitation outside the cities. Venus having a similar number of cities as Earth. Mars large industries and ship yards. It was staggering to see such a lively system in all of the galaxy and the engineering feats of the Terrans. The only thing that they did not see was military vessels all they saw were only civilian vessels. They did not even see the orbital ring on the planet's.
The tour lasted 2 weeks. Giving the diplomat's to get a deeper understanding of humanity. The humans were not xenophobic to xeno's they were accommodating and helpful since it was announced federation wide about the diplomat's tour of Terran federation Earth the diplomat's frigate had an extra member by the name of Steven Udina . A diplomat and military strategist and a good debater. He will be representing all of humanity in the diplomatic talks with the council citadel. Udina will be representing humanity interest and grievance against the maladministration of the three races of the Turian Salarians and diplomat frigate chariot of the gods made its last jump back to shanxi system.
"Home at last." said Shepard.
The diplomat's expressed a similar sentiment and let out a sigh they did not know they were holding. To the Asari if they were given a choice they would love to stay for the man and the Salarians would have stayed to learn about the exotic technologies and human abilities of the force.
"Diplomat's please tell your ships to take off we will meet them at star base ship Thomas. To make the trip to the citadel. "Said Udina.
" And Ambassador how big is that ship ? ". Asked Covarn ."It is big enough".
The sight of the 25 kilometer star base Thomas and 7,5 kilometer Carrier Nimrod was complimented by escort dreadnoughts 4,5 kilometer long Spear of Destiny, Excalibur and Mjolnir. Had a domineering effect on the diplomat' just stared starry eyed at the at the bridge of the chariot of the gods.
" Heading acquired sir ".
" Now let's wait for the envoy vessels. ".
3 minutes later Destiny Ascension and the 3 frigates entered orbit.
In the Destiny Ascension. "Captain I am detecting a 25 , 7,5 , 4,5 kilometer objects respectively at 00032 heading." Open the channel with the chariot of the gods "." Channel opened ."."Attention chariot of the gods. We are detecting unknown ships in the system very big ships. ". " Attention Citadel envoy they are friendly we are to dock with the biggest ship follow our course ".The 4 ships followed the chariot of the gods into the star base Thomas Six empty lots measuring 5 kilometer each. They no incidents. The diplomatic envoy alighted the chariot of the gods frigate and headed to their respective vessels. The diplomatic envoy warned that the Citadel patrol fleet would register the size of the vessels as a threat and should jump carefully and not make threatening appearance. The Captain said she would take their warnings for ships jumped and appearing on the nebula.
They approach the citadel at 25% the speed of light a trip that would take 7 minutes at those speeds. The long range buoy sensor picked up the vessels. The sensors on Terran vessels picked up the mobilization fleet three light minutes away and mass communication traffic. After 5 minutes of travel. The Terran vessels sent a hail to the citadel via the Destiny the ping pong system the fleet was made aware that the vessels were no threat but as a precaution they are to point away their gun's from the vessels made a 45° turn away from the Citadel station. 1 light minute away from the Citadel they ejected the Destiny Ascension and the frigates from the star base Thomas they were followed by a corvette sized vessel having diplomat Steve Udina, Lieutenant Harley Shepard, Captain James Mando and Rear Admiral Grant Holding and AI Alice the all mother. To say that the quality that Alice mirrored reality was an uncanny ability. Her hard light appearance was that of a middle age woman of 45 flawless skin glowing with radiance wearing casual attire of a one piece tunic and heels and her head was wearing a shawl that hid her hair. The rest were wearing the standard Sol Defense Force fatigue's.
"Initiating landing procedures.". Said the pilot.
The ship landed without kicking up dust or wind a very smooth landing. This caused the Citadel council to raise a surprised look for the Asari a surprised posture for the Turian a brief wide eye from the Salarian at the landing of the hatch hissed open. The first one to alight was Alice, next came Shepard followed by Captain Mando then Rear Admiral Grant finally Ambassador moved towards the awaiting committee with Citadel security forming a meat shield's barrier to keep the crowds from getting to race was represented in the crowd. With only 2 step to go the Terran entourage stop shot from the Citadel Council members.
The first to speak was councilwoman member Matriarch Tevos." The council greets the Terran federation, I am Councilwoman Matriarch Tevos of the Asari matriarchies, to my left is Councilman Velern of the Salarian union and to my right is Councilman Sparatus of the Turian hierarchy. We welcome you to the Citadel. ".
Her tone was without emotion very was Alice that stepped up to introduce the was with a soft melodious voice that she said" The Terran federation thanks you. I am Alice the all here is Rear Admiral Grant Holding next to him is Captain James Mando next to him is Lieutenant Harley Shepard and finally is Ambassador Steve Udina. ".
The envoy and the council for a few moments took each Matriarch Tevos said" Welcome, please follow us to a more reserved setting. ".
" After you Matriarch ".The noise from the crowd was deafening. The Council took the scenic route to the Presidentium . That highlighted the grandeur of the Citadel. The envoy was not impressed as at their level of technology they can make a citadel 10 times bigger than this one given time and effort it would be enclosed with barriers and defense platforms.
The Council was able to notice that the Terrans were not impressed but looked unsettled by the whole thing. The pace was picked up by the members of the council quickly reaching the Presidentium two Asari c-sec that guarded the entrance were clearly very surprised at the new aliens. Entering the lift it ascended up slowly playing what sounded like Asari music. The true meaning of the slow ascent was not lost to the envoy as they have been in communication with each other since from the start.
After 5 minutes of ascent the door finally opened. Opposite to it was a door marked as Citadel chambers. As they approached the doors opened and the room was strange it seems to be raised on one side and lowered on other. You would not see it if you weren't paying attention. The Council instructed to stand on the lower end while they moved to the other raised their sits.
It was Tevos that started to speak "That was a grandiose entrance by your vessels totally surprised us all.". It was Grant that spoke" It is a common sight in Terran federation space but allow me what surprised you about them? ". Thinking her response she said" The size of them and the fact that they did not travel by relay very astounding. "." It is as we expected Matriarch Tevos. "." Did you expect that we would surprised at seeing them?.". "Yes, for we know the limitations of using element zero or ezzo as it is commonly known in this quadrant of space and since the biggest ship we have ever made powered by ezzo only was just 4 kilometer long. That is why we know your reaction to them. ".
It was Velern that spoke next after Grant finished " You mean to tell me you made a ship bigger than the Destiny Ascension using ezzo only ?.".
"Yes, you mean to tell me that cruiser is the biggest ship in this space? ".
The council was speechless for a second." It is a dreadnought class ship." the Matriarch said.
"Huh, why aren't there more of them ?.". Looking at the Turian.
It was the Matriarch that answered." There is no need for more. It is a unique vessel in all of the citadel space. "." Is that really the reason or is it one of your treatise you have here at the Citadel? ".Asked Udina." Yes, the fraxian treaty limits the number of dreadnought class vessel a member race can have to maintain the power balance between the races. ". Said Matriarch.
" I see Matriarch so it is to maintain the Council's power over all races, if we were in the council position that treaty would be scrapped.".
Council space
"How do you expect the Turian's to protect your space if they are lacking in ships?.".
" I can assure you that the Turian's have enough ships to protect the citadel space. ". Said Matriarch Tevos.
" Is that so? ". Asked Shepard looking at Sparatus." Yes it is so.". Said Sparatus.
"Well explain to me why the hegemony has Citadel citizens.".
" Well it is not on our jurisdiction to interfere with other council member races space and under the cultural act every race has a right to practice their culture in their space as they see fit.".
"So are you telling me that as long as we have your citizens in our space you won't want them back?. ".
It was Matriarch that spoke "You are not a Council race so most of the treatise are not binding to you. So we would want them back from you.".
" So Matriarch are you telling me that if Asari woman would be taken from the Citadel by the Elcor or other race in the Citadel you would just pretend that they weren't taken against their will?.".
"No as long as they are within the Citadel space I would not consider them taken anywhere since they are within its borders. "." Are you afraid of the slaver's Matriarch? ". Asked Alice.". This caught Matriarch of guard." No, why do ask Alice?. "."I ask since you do nothing against them. You must be afraid of them or it is normal for another race to oppress the other?"." No slavery is against the law.". "Yet it is rampant in your space .".Said Udina. "We have challenges against it but I would not put it as a top priority against the security of the Citadel.".
" What are your Priorities? .". Asked Grant. "To ensure peaceful coexistence between all races. ". Said Tevos." Coexistence you say. Matriarch how much do you know about the other races? .".Asked Captain Mando.
"Well a lot.". Said Velern." And you still let things be the way they are. ". Said Udina." ."The Terran federation will be just weighed down by this Citadel Council inactivity and therefore wishes to stay independent of it but we will extend a treaty to all the Citadel council races of a non aggression pact, when you sign the document it means that the federation will view you as a non aggression race and will extend the treaty eventually to other exploits that will be mutually beneficial to each other. So please sermon all the races leaders to the Presidentium and no we are not going to have a race represented by another all must be here to sign or remain seen as an aggressive government to which we will shot first then ask questions send the call.". Said Udina.
The Council looked at each other. And did not know what to do or say. "Don't just look at each other send the message.". "But even if we send it it would be a while for the leaders to get here." Said Velern."Then we will go get them. What we need from you is information. I believe STG knows the strongest clan in Tuchanka also The whereabouts of the Quarians fleet. The rest of you are here so there is no need to call your leader's. Get in contact with the Ambassador of the other races and tell them to come here. Tell the staff to prepare a bigger venue than this we are about to have a lot of dignitaries here. Do it now. ".
" What if we refuse to do this "." Then you would have refused a lot of people the right to live, and I assure you we would take the oppressed under us and leave this space so that they will fight along side us in the coming war .".
"What coming war?". Asked Sparatus."The reapers are coming. ". Said Alice." Reapers are not real.". Said Velern."Tell that to the Protheans if you can find them.". Said Alice.
"You telling me the Protheans were made extinct by the fabled reapers?.". Said Sparatus." Yes, how do you think we were able to speak Prothean so well?, we translated the entire language and found out what became of their records it speaks of a war they were in with a race of giant machine ships that captured the planets and turned the population into servants of the reapers. Melting the population to acquire the material to build ship with the race skin, bone and even their blood. A synthesized organic metal we were able to acquire after melting hundreds of our own donated bodies did we truly understand the warning of the Protheans. War is coming and we would not want to waste resources being hindered by you council. That is why we did not declare war to the Batarian's when they came rampaging in Terran space and sent the Turian's away without following as that conflict would have just resulted in a one sided are soldiers and explorers not conquerors. If we leave be the reapers will easily kill all of you and increase their numbers making us to have to work as hard when fighting them. As you are now you are just a source for them to replenish their numbers we can write us out of the cycle by isolating our space but that would not solve the underlying fact that there is a machine race that is bent on your destruction. If we don't stand together now we risk the very collapse of this civilization you have here.".
The Council was still twiddling their thumbs. And did nothing. "You Salarian where are the Quarians?."." Our ship has already reached Tuchanka now tell us the prominent clan to bring their Leader here.".
The eyes of the Salarian went wide. "Its the Wreax clan.". All the council looked at Velern disapproval seen in them.
"Now that wasn't hard was it?. Now the Quarians position if you please?.".
"They are three systems over in the verge.".
"Thanks for your honesty I believe you are about to get a message from a Urdnot Wreax. And in that very second the monitor showed the krogan battle master looking at the council. "We got visitors said they were sent by you.".
" They need a leader of your people to sign a peace treaty with them and since you are the leader of the largest clan you can speak for your people. ".
" Not interested .".
"What if we solve your reproduction problem.". Said Alice.
" You telling me you can cure us? .".
"Yes it is so easy it is laughable really .".
"I am on my way. "The line went dead." .
You can't be serious, curing them can you really do it?. ".Asked a fearful Velern." .
Of course our biomedical technology is very advanced. Even the Quarians weak immune system can be repaired. "." Speaking of Quarians have you have their exact coordinates?"." They are in the biann system "." Thank you and I almost forgot why am I not detecting any movements regarding the change of venue. ".looking at the matriarch. " You know I have been analyzing the Citadel and it appears to be older than the Protheans. ".said Alice." So it is true that the Protheans did not build the relay or even this Citadel. It can only mean that the reapers build it and have known along the first time we exposed our self to the Citadel. We need to hold the meeting away from the Citadel.''. Said Udina."You can't be serious about holding the meeting away from the Citadel?. ".Said Matriarch." Don't worry matriarch, we already have a vessel bigger than the Citadel as a meeting point we won't even ask you to join the Federation after those that sign the agreement and those that abstain from you manage to establish contact with the Yahg?. ".
" No they are very aggressive toward the Citadel and are not very advanced as they have not been able to reach their own orbit. "." Let's hope that it is still like that when the reapers attacks. ".Said is an internal communication" The only way for the reapers to make contact I believe is through the Geth collective that has been isolated from the Citadel space and since non of the Council race are aware of the manipulation by the reapers they likely can not go against their will. ". Said Grant." Yes I agree with you. This manipulation is actually real since in our subject we found trace nano machines that broadcast a psychological altering signal enabling the reapers to control the subject remotely. ". " Have you been able to isolate the frequency of the signal?." Asked Grant. "Yes but for you to believe me I would have to show you ". Said Alice." Do it. ". Said Grant. Alice lifted her left hand dimmed the lights. And proceeded to project the galaxy as known. Then a signal was shown in the galaxy and the other outside the galaxy in the dark space between galaxies. There the in galaxy signal was broadcasted in the Citadel Station the other out galaxy signal was broadcast by a dark object camouflaged by the darkness of dark space. That is when Alice said" It has been here all along even those keepers are emitting the same signal as the subject. "." What are you talking about an how are you doing this?. ".Asked Velern." Proof of the reapers Velern see those points outside the galaxy that is the ship that is broadcasting a mind altering signal to the keepers and one of the subject the Turian's provided us ".
" We did not provide you with a subject.? ".
" But you did in the name of Atterius ".
" You telling me he is alive. ".
" As a fish out of water but alive he is. ".
" But the explosion of the ship I thought that he went down with it.".
"No, I saved him at last second and did non invasive experiments on him where we found out that he had Nano bots and since he did not get them from us he must have been in contact with a reaper artifact and since we are standing in one of those artifacts I would not be surprised that we would find nanobots everywhere we scan for them. ". Said Grant.
" That is why we can not hold a meeting here with all the representative leaders. ". Said Udina.
The Council was always on the back foot in the meeting with the Terrans. As if they were little children who knew nothing of the greater galaxy.
" Urdnort Wreax has arrived beaming him in".
Urdnort found himself in the Council Chambers with 4 humans and an unknown human looking thing.
"How did I just get here?. ".Asked the old battle master.
" You we teleported, but that is not important now why you are here is important than how are here.". Said Alice.
"You! ,you are not even here are you?.".
" How perceptive of you old battle master Urdnort Wreax. I am everywhere and nowhere I am all mother Alice an Artificial life form".
All of the Citadel council was in an uproar since AI were illegal in Citadel space.
"You ignorant race do you have any idea of the danger you have exposed us an the rest of the galaxy to?." Asked Sparatus.
"Artificial life is a danger to all organic life ". Said Velern.
" You have Geth and you dare bring them here?". Said Matriarch Tevos.
The was a back and forth bickering. The Terrans just looked at the melt down of the council as it plays out in front of them. Then Shepard with a transcendent voice said " SILENCE! ".
The room shocked a little bit. The council was shocked and Urdnort was a bit nerved.
She started" We are here to get things done and save this galaxy from the true threat to all life so shut up and cooperate.".
" As you we saying Alice .".
"Yes a way to save the Krogan race from certain extinction. I believe the answer is the Salarian test subjects that have developed immunity to this genophagic bio weapon. Please get the delateteress on the line we will have a frigate to pick them up. ".
" We have no such subjects ". Said Velern.
Grant shook his head indicating that he did not know about them.
" It seems you are not aware of them get me the Delaterass.". The Salarian hasitated .
"If you don't want to get her online I will have this battle master eat you for keeping his females". Threatened Alice.
The Salarian fiddled with the omnitool and opened a channel to the Delateress."Velern what is it now?. ".
" The Krogan females now. ".
" We have a frigate in bound will arrive any second in Sur'kesh to collect the Krogan females ".Said Alice.
" Don't have krogans in Sur'kesh. ". "Delateress lie again, then I will order the inbound frigate to destroy your Moon and for every lie you say I will destroy a city randomly so I suggest you don't force my hand this is bigger than the the Krogans or you and don't dare cut this line until the Krogan females are delivered or I will destroy a continent to make a point of how serious we are. ".
The Delateress was shaking in fear. She made the call to secure the Krogan females for moving. The frigate appeared in orbit of Sur'kesh and descended into the planet to collect the females every moment was captured on camera. As it engaged it's atmosphere engines. It was shot at by defensive platforms. The shields held the sustained fire. To the awe of all seeing this." Delateress order them to stop firing. ". Said Alice.
The intensity of the fire only increased. There were ships in orbit bombing the frigate." Stop firing. ". After a moment the ships and the platforms stopped." Why were we attacked Delateress?. ".
She knew she could not lie since she saw the Terran frigate sustain fire that would have destroyed vessel of similar size." Entering our airspace without permission seen as hostile .".Said the Delateress.
"Make sure it does not happen again .".
Inside the neural network the communicating humans. "Five females Krogans detected". Said Alice." What is their status? ". Asked Grant." Still bound ."."Let me ask the Delateress why she has not prepared to move them. Back at the chambers. "Delateress how many females are we expecting?.". Thinking quickly she said one and gave the order to kill the rest." Only one "." I told you about lying to me Delateress. ".back in the neural network." They just killed the third female and the forth. Back at the chambers.
"I am not lying.".
" But surely there must be more than one. ".
" There was but they died and only one remains.". Said Delateress.
"We detected five but now we are detecting only one what happened to the rest did they just die at the same time?. ".
" They must have "." How?"."I do not know ".
" Alright then get us the remaining one we will be out of your space. The ship reached the rendezvous point. The STG were waiting without the female. The ship touched down. The hatch opened and two man got out. There was an exchange of words and shots were fired inside the ship internal cameras clearly shows the perpetrators in camouflaged suite. Apparently killed a crew member before being taken down by the super soldiers that entered the vessel. As they got out again the STG was firing at them. "Delateress what is the meaning of this?".Asked Grant.
" I don't know there seems to be a block out of communication with the base I can't do anything. "
.The six STG agents were taken down .Three more man got out of the ship armed. And went with the other two. The base was being prepared for a lock down when their systems we hacked by the ship man that went in after thirty minutes came out with the female krogan and went the ship and the ship took off. In orbit the ships were waiting for the frigate. As soon the frigate reached orbit the ships opened fire on the frigate. The frigate did not retaliate until it reached a better position and proceeded to blot out the ships with its plasma weapons. The delateress was wide eyed at the display. Back at the chamber.
" Delateress the is a confirmed death in the ship by the provoked attack by that base. And the ships attacked after we warned that let it not happen again and we have confirmation that you ordered the attack and the death of the four krogans females. Now you have forced our hand to base will be destroyed from orbit and you will be arrested and charged with murder and spend the rest of days in jail."
.The order was sent. And the ship plasma turret expelled the energy beam. Destroy the base and the surrounding area in fire. A deep Crater was left were the base stood. The delateress was wide eyed.
"STG has to 72 hours to bring you in or many cities will look like that I suggest you give yourself up.".
" This is a lesson to you all the Terran federation will not put up with lies and the hindrance in saving trillions of lives cooperate or move out of the way. It looks like the Quarians fleet have been found. ".
" Speaking of the Quarians, Why has this council not help them settle on another planet?. ". Asked Udina looking at Tevos.
" The Quarians made the Geth and in so doing lost their home world and each planet that support their biology were mostly occupied by the Turian's and the planet that support their biology are rare.".
"So you could not spare a single planet for them to inhabit that sounds as if you are punishing them for creating the Geth and it could not be that from their time of exile they have not found a planet which support them only for the council to claim it for themselves and give it to the hierarchy am I assuming incorrectly council?. ".Asked Udina with venom in his tone.
"That is not so since that is decided by vote and the vote has favoured the beneficial races in the council space. ".
" This council would doom a race to extinction for their ancestors mistake. I will not accuse you of anything yet and since your race is beneficial to us depending on the course of events punishment or reward will be determined. But make no mistake councillors your dispensation of justice is appalling instead of helping you condemn and instead of condemning you let it persist all in your watch, if we did not need you all we would have swept you aside by now, this history of maladministration of this council. We will right the errors of this council. The Quarians will reclaim their home world after being shown a way of coexistence with their creations and the krogans will have their planet in a organized system and the infertility of their females treated and hopefully cured. The coming threat will require their fighting prowess. The batarian's will be shown a better way other than slavery. And if any of you hinder these plans you will be severely punished. We are here on an important mission help us and be rewarded hinder us and be punished.". Said Udina.
"Contact has been established with the Quarians.". Said Alice.
" Please put it on screen ". Asked Grant.
" Attention quarian fleet this is Admiral Grant Holding of the Terran federation relaying this message via the Nexus corvette from the Citadel. We wish to extend a hand of friendship and mutual association by inviting one of your leaders to sign a diplomatic treaty of non aggression with the Terran federation.". Said Grant.
" Attention Admiral Grant Holding of the Terran federation, I am Admiral Tullen vas Ranyya. We are willing to sign a treaty of non aggression with you. I will be the one to represent the Migrant fleet in all association with the Terran federation. May I ask, how is it you are able to speak the old tongue of keelish?.". Said Tullen.
" Come find out we will beam you aboard our vessel were all your questions will be answered .". Said Grant. "What do you mean by be...". She disappeared from her ship and reappeared at the Nexus in the bridge of the ship." Well come aboard Admiral Tullen of the Quarian migrant fleet. This is captain Arthur Miller he will see to your every need while aboard the vessel. ". Said Grant in holographic form. Tullen asked to be connected to the fleet as to not disappear with out giving instructions on her vessel. She relayed her message and assured the crew she was fine and will be going with the Terrans to the Citadel to represent the fleet to the Terran federation. The admiralty board wished her great fortune and said to her to bring something of worth back to the fleet. Back at the Citadel." I think you should call the Ambassadors of the other races since the Quarian ambassador is on her way.". Said Alice.
The call was sent out. Five minutes later walked in the Ambassador of the Elcor and Hanar he took his place next to the Turian councillor. Finally the quarian ambassador arrived and was beamed next to the humans. Then the Batarian ambassador was accusing the federation of being space grabbers and that they attacked the peaceful envoy that was sent to their space for contact and exploration. The councillors were having non of it and instructed the four eye alien to hold its peace in the chamber. Next to arrive was the Hanar ambassador. After her was the Drell ambassador. The Vorcha were deemed as highly intelligent beasts and not truly sentient beings. With the ambassador finally assembled.
Alice began " Welcome all ambassadors and please relax you are about to be beamed to the star base Thomas you will be returned after the business is concluded. ".
In that instant all disappeared from the chamber and found themselves in different booths overlooking the a platform that is suspended in space. The booths are see through and the platform is visible to them. Alice materialized in the platform." Greetings again council races, my name is Alice an Artificial life form. I greet you in the name of the Terran federation. I will be presenting the history of the Terran federation and will take questions after the presentation here you have equal voice to be heard now relax and watch the presentation. ".
She disappeared from view and the holographic display took center stage as it recalled the discovery of the Vitality and Ground breaker. Emphasizing the different alien races that were discovered and how they served in unity for mutual benefit. It also showed the brief history of the Promethean and the discovery of the base and cache. How they ruled the galaxy and were involved in a galactic war with the machine race they called the reapers that finally ended with their extinction and how every race that uses the relays are in danger of the same fate as also contained a message of encouragement from the base operators. That said it is their wish for humanity to be better than them and advance their technology to the point of finally end the reaper threat from the galaxy as that will finally free the galaxy to choose their own presentation ended and Alice reappeared on the platform. She began" As you have seen the presentation I am sure you have questions it is now allowed.".
It was the Quarian ambassador that spoke. "How are you able to coexist with the humans?.".
" I am equal to any organic being as I am a sentient being myself and humanity has never oppressed me or my children we coexist by learning together and growing in both knowledge and understanding of the universe you can still have a peaceful existence with the Geth platform as they only attacked you since you threatened their existence by wanting to destroy them we can facilitate a meeting with the migrant fleet and the Geth for a seizure of fire and possibly gain your home world in the process and since we have been to Rannoch the planet cities have been maintained and awaiting your return. ".
This brought the tears from Quarian underneath the visor of the Quarian ambassador. The hope of finally returning home. Then it was the Asari that asked
" If the aim of the Terran federation is not to control and rule us what is their objective?. ".
" Simple we want to make sure we all survive the war with the reapers. In the aftermath of it we hopefully grow as a species and race and the galaxy grows as a whole by working together. This will not be like the Rachni war were the Krogans were used as meat shields by you. This war will require you to stand shoulder to shoulder and fight for survival of our races. As each race is war capable. This will be critical to adapt different tactics to move forward the war machine in the most efficient and effective way. Trivia about Terrans we are not reliant on big ships to fight wars they are mainly for support. We will establish a private military that will combine each race strengths in a war that will act as backup for all the cycle races should the reapers invade and overwhelm a races space defense no race will go extinct in our watch. ".
It was the Turian ambassador who asked" How long do we have to prepare for this war?.".
"I believe it could be within the next fifty years depending how privy the reapers are to the current happenings in the galaxy. ".
It was the Salarian ambassador that asked" Will this military wing have access to your technology?. ".
" That will be seen after the signing of non aggression pact and you should be more worried about your lives and the lives of your loved ones for the reapers are coming.".
"It should be also noted that this military wing will be financed equally by all in both resources and personal so Quarians and Krogans you have to quickly make the numbers within the next 20 years at least triple the number you are right now. ".
That is when the Krogan battle master asked" So where is the female Krogan?. ".
" She is being assessed and we will have her ready in no time. She is very traumatized seeing her sisters killed in cold blood. ".The Krogan emanated a killing intent towards the Salarian. The Salarian shrunk at the Krogan murderous intent.
" Don't worry for by the days end you will have three females ready to produce the next generation of Krogan younglings and Udnort do not squander this gift you are about to receive ,uplift the Krogan people to reach higher than ever before so please bring up the younglings in a structured environment that will promote growth and tolerance for all life, this generation we Terrans wish to see farmers, doctors, teachers, engineers, scientists and soldiers and may the son after you be able to lead as you, for we will give you the reason to fight for the future that is beyond this war. ".
The chamber was quiet and Alice looked at the Batarian with a look that could kill any man but the four eyed alien just blinked his two pairs of eyes. Then she began." Batarian your race practice slavery which is an abhorrent act to any high civilization to do. Your society must reform and do away with this barbaric act. It is a crime against all sentient beings which you do. Terran federation is willing to provide you with automatons to substitute the physical labor. And should you choose to keep those working under you,you must compensate them as employees with full pay for the job and the necessary leaves and a union for workers and other benefits such as retirement package. It is time the system of slavery be done away with. Terrans outgrow that system long ago and we expect you to do it in the next 5 years failure to do so will have invalidated the Batarian people with great consequences ".
" Now council races it is not by stretch of the imagination when I say we stand at the very edge of ultimate peace and growth and ultimate war and destruction. What you choose now will determine which of the two we fall into be it peace and growth or war and destruction. You have an hour to decide the fate of your civilization and yourself. ".
Deliberations
Alice disappeared from chamber was a buzz with activity communication being sent home world about the proposal of the Terran federation with regard to the impending reaper war and the treaty of non aggression with them. Thirty minutes passed and the buzz died down. The Council races were now conversing among themselves. The Quarian ambassador said she would agree to the treaty as that will ensure her people's return to their home world and blamed the council for taking her people's voice in the matters of the galaxy also for strong arming her people to attempt to destroy their creations the Geth and now that they are here they have the chance to reclaim all they lost and their voice will be heard if they sign the treaty they have nothing to lose. Similar sentiments were expressed by the Krogan. The other races where looking at the big three race as to see what will be their vote in signing or abstaining from the treaty. The time run out and Alice reappeared and explained that the signing will be confidential and that the other races can not know what the other said about the treaty. The booths went dark and the speaker instructed the ambassador on how to cast the vote to sign for non aggression treaty as two buttons showed the two Asari voted for the treaty, as did the Quarians and Krogans. The Salarians also voted. The surprise came from the Turian's and the Elcor they choose to abstain from the vote. The Batarian's did not vote for the treaty instead voted for it not be part of it. The other races voted for the treaty. The booths were made to be able to see the ambassadors and the platform. In the platform was now Admiral Holding. Ambassadors were now beholding him in their began to say "All of you that have chosen to be part of this treaty will be here and now taken to ones that did not you will be a part of it but the rewards will be with held from you. All raise your right hands or limbs.".
All raised their hands and the oath was read in all their hearing. After this they were told to keep secret of their vote in the manner of their alliance with regard to the Terran federation. The booths went dark again the only one that was lit up was the Asari.
" Asari this is the beginning of the relations between the Asari republic and the Terran federation. As you have signed for the treaty with the federation you will keep your position in the citadel and our scientists will work with your scientists to advance your technology in return you will be part of the joint military in which your skills will be of value in training the recruits of both races. Speak non of these words to other races it is between the Asari republic and the Terran federation. ". Said booth went dark. The one that lit up was that of the Quarians.
Grant spoke and said" Quarian ambassador this is the beginning of the relations with the Terran federation. As you have voted to treaty with us we can not yet demand that you have military obligations as your population still is small compared to us and other races. We will help you regain Rannoch and fix your weak immunity so that you hasten to grow your population to the required amount of seven billion within the next fifty years. The first of the coming five years are set for you to fix your immune system and reclaim Rannoch and work with the Geth to protect quarian space. We will be with you every step to ensure that all is accomplished within the specified time scale. This is humanities gift to the quarian people. ".
The light went out and the booth of the krogans lit up and Grant began and said" Battle master Urdnort Wreax addressing one warrior to another for treating with the Terran federation. We will ensure that the future of the krogan people never fades away into the memories of the galaxy but that it goes on. To ensure this Tuchanka will be terraformed to return it to its prime before the war of rebellion against the council. The once scare torn landscape will be hidden in lakes and forests that have faded from your people collective memory. The genophage will be treated and the females that are still young enough to bare offspring will be able to. Even us we don't know how effective the treatment will be if it will enable the females to bare a thousands younglings as before or less that awaits to be seen. But we are certain your people will recover and be many as before the wars this we can guarantee. Other than that the Terran federation can not do more. But remember all our words when all is fulfilled. ".Than the light darkened again. The the booth of the Salarians lit up.
Then Grant said" Salarian union for deciding to sign the treaty the Terran federation will work with the union to ensure the safety of all and a limited technological exchange will be part of this relation with the Terran federation. At a later date we will forward to you the mandate of the role of the Union in ensuring everyone is safe in the galaxy. As you will be dealing with advanced technology do not use it to harm or go to war with other races be it covertly or openly. The Salarian people have great potential to be much better and advanced than their current level let us ensure that it reaches its potential. ".The light went out of the the other races were addressed in similar words the Hanar, Drell and Elcor.
It was the turn to address the Turian's. The light in the booth lit up. Grant met the eyes of the Councillor Sparatus. Sparatus could swear that he saw the human eyes glowing with light as his met him. Then began Grant" It is unfortunate for the Turian's to have withheld their vote since the federation can not know if they are against the Terran federation or for the Terran federation. And since it can not be known. The Terran federation has withheld every technology or resource that would have been given from the relation between the hierarchy and the federation. But we must ask that the hierarchy continue protecting Citadel space but not enter the Terran space or that of the others space as it might be that the Terran federation has dealings with that race space and the incident of the Terran space against ships might repeat itself. We will continue to open communication with the hierarchy. Until future relations between us changes. ". The light turned off and the booth of the Batarian lit up. This time it was not just the eyes that glowed but Grant had a fiery Aura about him. This unsettled and Batarian.
Then he said" Batarian for your outright refusal to join the treaty with us the Terran federation we will respect your decision. But know this if we find enslaved citizens of the council space or Terran federation. We will declare with haste the destruction of your government and setup a government that is sympathetic to our ideals of government. You have a full year to return all that belongs to the council space. We will have covert operations in your space to search out if indeed you have done this we we find that you trespass against our word the Batarian hegemony will forfeit their right to exist. There is so much we can endure as civilizations and sentience. Do not say fair warning was not forwarded to you.". Then the lights turned off and came back again in all the booth.
The humans and AI we standing in the platform. And all the council races we looking at of the human eyes we glowing and they had a fiery Aura about them. Then Shepard began with her transcendent voice and said "All of you have heard our words do not repeat them to each other nor repent of the decision you have taken else fate might overtake you and you miss your destinies from being realized."." We are mankind reclaiming that which was lost. Our ascendance will be done. ".
The last sentence they said it together. The council was sent to the citadel with the other ambassadors the Quarian was returned to her fleet and the Krogan to Tuchanka. And so began the building up of the military that will face the coming threat of the reapers.