First Contact

Garrus Vakarian looked out the window. So that was their goal. This blue planet. So much water. Liara had assured him, however, that their target area would be very dry. The young Asari next to him was very nervous. Not exactly a good sign if the leader was nervous. But Liara was not a fighter. She was a researcher. He had read everything she could give him about this people. They erected gigantic buildings with the simplest means. They waged wars and worshipped strange gods. They had the heads of the occurring fauna. However, this was advantageous for their mission. He always had to use a cloaking device, but if they found traces of him, it was not the end of the world. Again he looked out. He and Liara would land on Earth alone. The other researchers would stay on board and analyze the data. Liara did not want to attract too much attention. Shortly he nodded to the Asari and checked his weapons once more. Preparation was always good, but when another life depended on him, he preferred to double and triple check everything. After only a short time he went back and boarded the shuttle with the woman. The shuttle also had a camouflage device and would serve as a base for them. They landed in the middle of the desert. It was hot and dry. The river was two hours away. A little annoying, but it was better this way. They spent the first day adjusting. The shuttle was divided into several areas. Asari could be so uptight, what was there when you slept in one room? But good, if she wanted it that way. He had provisions with him for a month, Liara wanted to use the food of the people, even if they had emergency rations with them of course. At night it got damn cold in this area. He stayed in the shuttle the whole time. His people hated low temperatures. Early the next morning they marched to the next settlement. Liara had provided them with long capes with hoods. So she could move among the people unharmed. He didn't really trust this disguise.

He personally found this people interesting, but not very promising. Liara, on the other hand, was enthusiastic about this culture. She felt that equality was unique. The belief system was also very interesting and not to forget her craftsmanship and her knowledge of the surrounding nature. For him, all this was only secondary. In his opinion they were wrong here. They should stick to the leading classes. But researchers were different. Garrus was just annoyed. She should have taken a salarian with her. His military skills were not in demand here. But that's what they were supposed to find out. Again they walked along the shore and watched the boats.

"What's going on, Garrus?"

"Why do you need me here, Liara? I am absolutely superfluous here. If we looked at their army, or a battle, I could support you. But in your current investigations, I'm as helpful as a Turian in painting."

"We must know everything, Garrus. The more we know, the better."

"Maybe, but what good is it if we know what they believe in or how they feed themselves?"

"You are simply too much a soldier. Even if I were to explain it to you, I could hardly change your mind."

"So, what am I doing here?"

"We'll take care of their military soon. But first I have to understand this people better before we work our way up the hierarchy. We shouldn't be noticed in the palace."

"We can camouflage ourselves."

"But I must understand them in order to be able to judge them. I can't do that only through observation."

Garrus just shook his head and went on. Suddenly he saw an excited crowd on the shore. One of the boats was attacked by one of these big animals. Hippo, that was their name. His hand twitched to his rifle. There were children on board. Why didn't anyone do anything? They were frozen with fear. The children would not survive that. Liara grabbed his hand. He was not allowed to intervene. Not so publicly. Suddenly some excited male voices could be heard. They descended from other animals and fought their way through the crowd. He did not understand what they were shouting. He had never heard that word before. What was clear to him, however, was that they panicked. They tried to catch up with a young woman. She was wearing a long, curved object at her waist. That had to be a weapon. The men were also armed. Soldiers? The woman jumped on one of the boats. She did something on the sail and the small vehicle flew over the water. He followed the action spellbound. She steered her boat into the middle of the action and rammed the big animal. The small boat rocked dangerously. With her spear, which she had carried on her back, she aimed into the water. That was madness. She had courage, but no chance. Against this being the weapon seemed ridiculous. Nevertheless she seemed completely calm. As soon as she rippled the water, she stabbed him. The children used the chance to escape. The young woman's boat capsized. A terrified scream escaped some people. Again and again he looked at Liara. But Liara did nothing at all. The water turned red. He did not know this woman, yet he was angry. Especially to the Asari. They could have done something. Help them, but... the woman's head broke through the surface of the water. She swam back to the shore with strong swimming strokes. There were other animals in this water. The lizards... crocodiles. His heart was beating faster and faster. The spirits should watch over her. Finally he couldn't stand it any longer and went into the water. It reached up to his hip. As soon as she came into his reach, he reached for her arm. She still held the spear in her hand. He quickly lifted her up and ran out of the water with her. No breath after he had dry ground under his feet again, several spearheads pointed at his throat. The young woman gave an order and directly the men lowered their weapons. She seemed to be their leader. A female commander, perhaps? Carefully he let her down. She was so light, so soft and so fragile. But her musculature revealed something else. She was strong, for a human being. Confused, the Turian looked around. All the others had thrown themselves into the dust. Liara had imitated them. Quickly he wanted to sink to his knees, but she grabbed his arm and shook her head only slightly. With one gesture she asked the others to get up again. She briefly looked at him again. Quickly he lowered his head. She was not allowed to look under this hood. Damn it! He had not thought of it. As if nothing had happened, she got back on her horse. She waited briefly for the guards and rode off. The crowd dissolved slowly. Liara came towards him. She was angry, but so was he.

"Are you stupid, Garrus? You have endangered my research!"

"I was about to ask you that! Is your research worth more than the lives of children?"

"We must not betray ourselves!"

"You could have done something with your Biotic. They would have thought it was a sign from their gods."

"And then what, Garrus? Do you know what that would have meant for these children?"

"No..."

"That's why we need information. Perhaps I would have condemned the children to pure agony. We return to the camp. We have to go to another area."

Silently he followed her. Garrus knew that he had made a mistake. Nevertheless... it had been right. No one was left behind. No soldier who held anything to himself did. They broke up their camp. Liara studied the map. The Turian breathed deeply. Finally he had discovered something here with which he could do something. He hadn't seen the actual fight, but she was still alive. That was amazing. The opponent was only an animal, but compared to her stature he had opponents a superior power on his side. She had won anyway. Sighing, he looked at the Asari. The woman seemed to have been important. Maybe they should just follow her with the shuttle. Whereby... the area was large and they probably wouldn't find her anyway. He let his eyes wander. This area was unreal. Apparently the Asari had chosen her new target area. So he silently boarded the shuttle and followed the instructions of the woman. They flew over a gigantic building. More like an entire building complex. As before, she landed further inland. Nobody would discover them here so quickly. Again they set up their camp. The next morning they left for the building. This time they were both camouflaged. Liara entered one of the buildings. It seemed to be a temple. She sent him out. She knew that there was nothing he could do here. So Garrus wandered around, always taking care to keep enough distance between him and the people. Finally he reached a kind of arena. It was a flat sandy area. Some soldiers seemed to train there. The young woman from yesterday was also there again. She was surrounded by the men. Her spear seemed to be a living being. It seemed as if she was dancing. Not for a second did she stand still. Garrus took a seat on a bench and looked at her training. Humans could fight. Her weapons were primitive. But she could really handle it. He would like to see her with a universal blade. Finally she had disarmed the others. Instead of resting she went aside and picked up another weapon. She was bent and a rope connected the two ends. A bow. Again and again she fired at the targets. The distance became bigger and bigger. Now he would really like to see her with a rifle. She even shot from the horse's back. The whole time he watched her. She really took the training seriously. A true soldier. Liara suddenly sat down next to him. They were both silent. Even if nobody saw them, one could hear them. After standing in the sun, she had been training for hours. But finally the woman stopped and left the place. Now he was alone with the Asari.

"And, Garrus? What did you find out?"

"This was just a training for a small group. This group can fight. At least in this frame. If they can stand their ground in a real battle, if they have tactical skills, or how fightable they really are, I can't say."

"But you like what you saw?"

"It's promising."

"I watched the priests. They seem to be playing an important role in the administration of the country."

"The priests?"

"Not everyone seems to have access to the same education."

"Something that you would change."

"Of course. As with you."

"What do you think you are about humans now?"

"We've only been here two weeks, but I think they're amazing. With the simplest means they change their environment. They adapt and change the natural conditions."

"They have potential."

"Yes. Let's go back and write our reports so the rest of the team can work."

So they returned to the camp and spent the rest of the day writing down their observations. Liara, of course, wrote much more than he did. He was not a scientist. Soldiers only needed short reports. In addition, the Salarians certainly couldn't do much with it anyway. He had to see a real battle in order to evaluate the people. The next days he searched again and again for this woman. She had to be a general or something similar. In any case she took care of the training of the men. Her daily routine always seemed to be the same. Every morning she came to the square early and trained. She only interrupted her activities to have something to eat and drink. They were now already two weeks in this city. Liara had once flown back to the ship to get new food for him. Excited the young Asari came to him and pulled him with her. In a quiet corner of the complex she finally began to speak.

"The pharaoh comes to Memphis!"

"The ruler comes here?"

"Yes."

"They go to war."

"What?"

"Believe me, Liara. They go to war. That explains all the preparations and the constant training of the elite soldiers."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes.

At that moment the woman came by again. She must have washed herself. She wore expensive jewellery and her hair was different. People's hair was strange. They had to be very pain resistant when he saw what the women were doing with this part of the body. Instinctively he followed the woman. Liara grumbled quietly, but followed his example. The main street was lined with people. They cheered and screamed. Even when he stood behind, he could see everything. A palanquin made of gold was carried along the street. Flowers flew through the air and many armed people followed the sedan chair. The young woman stood in front of a large building and waited. He quickly grabbed Liara's hand and pulled her with him. He wanted to get as close to her as possible. The procession stopped right in front of her. While the other people threw themselves to the ground, the general only lowered her head. The man who got out of the palanquin was very tall for this people. Only next to the woman he did not seem so. Without this elaborate headdress he seemed to be only a little bigger. As soon as the two people went inside, they followed them again. They were on their way up. Apparently he wanted to go to a balcony.

"How's my army, daughter?"

"The men and horses are ready, Father."

She was a princess? The children of his leaders had no special positions in the army. On the other hand, she seemed to be right for this position. They had reached the balcony and the Pharaoh showed himself to his people. So he was right, there would be a war. Finally he had the opportunity to see the humans in a real fight. He listened to their explanations about the troop strength and their assessments. It was factual and direct. Finally the man and his guards went down. She stopped for a moment and looked in their direction. For a moment she closed her eyes and seemed to be listening. Both he and Liara held their breath. Shaking her head she turned away and left. Liara of course wanted to go directly to the pharaoh. This time he agreed with the scientist. The pharaoh was alone with his daughter.

"When does my brother appear?"

"He stays in Thebes."

"As your heir he should..."

"Meritamen, we both know he's not a warrior."

"And yet he should be."

"He is too important."

"The soldiers do not accept him. The folk don't accept him."

"They will."

"Father..."

"Meritamen, you will go to battle with me. And now go. Before we leave, you should spend some time in the temple."

The young woman's hands clenched to fists, but she remained silent. Angrily she stormed out of the room. Liara wanted to keep watching the pharaoh, so they stayed. This time even the whole night. Only shortly before sunrise did they return to their camp. He had barely slept an hour when he heard something outside. At some distance he saw a cloud of dust. Quickly he ran to the small water hole. There sat the princess. Completely alone and staring at the water. He had thought she would follow her father's orders, but apparently people were different from his people. For several hours she just sat there and didn't move. His legs had already begun to tremble, shallowly, but this people had such strange knees. Finally she grabbed her spear and began to train. He scrutinized her movements closely. She was strong and fast. She seemed very elegant in everything she did. And finally he saw her fight with her sword. Here her style was completely different. But not less effective. She trained the whole day. Only now and then she drank a sip of water. She did not eat food. Was that wise? You shouldn't weaken your body before a fight. At night she wrapped a cloth around her and lay down in the sand after lighting a fire. As she slept he returned to Liara.

"Where were you, Garrus?"

"With the princess. She's all alone in the desert training."

"That bothers you?"

"Yes... she should prepare her troops."

"They are not their troops. They belong to their father."

"Maybe he has the supreme command, but these are her men, Liara. In battle you stick to your officer. If my superior says that I should secure the left flank, then I will secure it. Even if the general ordered us to go right."

"You think his daughter is one of his leaders?"

"Until now I had the impression. I'd like to take my own shuttle and accompany the campaign."

"There would be some who would be against it, but I agree. I get Mordin from the ship. He can help me with my research here."

Garrus was grateful to the young Asari. The princess spent a week alone in the desert before returning to the city. He took the chance to fly back to the ship with the Asari and pack everything together for his own expedition. He had missed the army's departure, but that wasn't tragic for him. He wasn't interested in something like that. He wanted to see them fight. The first smaller battle was not very impressive. But the word battle was already wrong. They met a little resistance. The Pharaoh's daughter was always at the head of the army. Perhaps he had misinterpreted it so far. If she were an army commander, she would have lost nothing in the front row. Finally they set up camp. He had great difficulty getting into the big tent, but he absolutely wanted to experience this council of war. The troop strength of the enemy was considerable. The enemies were equal. Now the advisors argued about the route. The Pharaoh listened patiently to every single one. He could not deny him leadership qualities. His daughter looked at the map the whole time.

"Meritamen, what do you say?"

"My Pharaoh, if we cross the eastern road, the enemy will see us long before we are ready to fight. We have no chance to recover from the march. If we came from the one over Tanaach we would run into their arms. So I say we should take the direct path. We go over Aruna. The pass is narrow and dangerous, but they won't expect it."

"My daughter speaks wisely."

But the advisors saw things differently. The army would be forced to march through the pass in goose march. But the pharaoh smashed her thoughts away. He gave them the choice of following him or not. A clever move to point them to his divine lineage and what the external effect would be if they did not follow him. Gradually the advisers left the tent.

"What is it, my daughter?"

"I'll run ahead with some men. If we meet any scouts, I'll kill them. If we get ambushed, we'll buy you time. With a few soldiers we can hold the pass long enough until you've withdrawn and formed."

"Good. I just wish you had asked for Amun's blessing, as I told you."

"I asked for Seth's blessing and for Montus, Father."

"The blessing of the god of war, I understand. But why the chaos?"

"War is chaos".

So she left the tent and the Turian also returned to his shuttle. Finally he had something that was really worth a report. People had tactical skills. They could plan battles. For a long time his heart hadn't hammered so hard in his chest. He felt as if he was going into battle himself. This princess was a very good shooter. Every scout she met was struck down by her arrows. They came through the mountains without any problems and set up camp. Again Meritamen was in charge of the planning. She split up the army to prevent the enemy from retreating. He closely observed the preparations for the battle. Early the next morning the Egyptians attacked. The daughter of the Pharaoh drove with her chariot at the head of her unit. Garrus watched the battle from above. It was difficult for him not to observe her all the time. The battles were brutal and were fought without consideration. Some soldiers found their end not by a weapon, but by the wheels of the chariots. The sand turned red from the blood. If their weapons were not so primitive, the battle would be much cleaner. Shaking his head, he looked at what was happening. The Egyptians gave away their victory. Meritamen tried to cut off the escaping enemy with their unit, but most of the army was busy robbing the corpses. Now the adversary could entrench himself in the fortress. He quickly searched for a good location and tried to get to the camp quickly. Unfortunately he had missed a large part of the consultation.

"We starve them to death. The city is not to be conquered. We need a fortress for the pharaoh and a siege ring. I will secure the hinterland with my men."

Again she was clever. He would have done the same. The next weeks passed slowly. The princess really managed to maintain the siege. There was not a single puncture. Every attempt at a breakthrough was put down by the Egyptians. To this day, the Turian was in a small town in the hinterland of the besieged city. He simply needed a break. The whole time to sneak through the army camp was exhausting. And even if he didn't believe it, this coat was a really good camouflage. Only his size was noticeable, of course, but something about him seemed to unsettle most people, so they didn't take a second look at him. Suddenly people panicked. Plunderers. This was probably with every people and they made him sick. These people here could not fight. They were often slaughtered. Some women and children ran past him. He was not allowed to interfere. But Liara was not there. So she would never know. As long as he did not draw a weapon... two people rushed towards him. Before the first one reached him, he stumbled and fell to the ground. A spear was sticking out of his back. Meritamen's spear. He quickly grabbed it and turned it against the next opponent. Without any problems he drove the weapon once through his chest. The young woman had drawn her sword and rode the plunderers down. When there was no plunderer left she got off the horse and came towards him.

"Impressive."

"You didn't expect me to resist."

"These cowards rarely do."

He quickly handed her the weapon back. She smiled at him. With a short hand movement she sent her guards away. It was not good that she was so close to him.

"Don't I know you?"

"I'm just a traveller..."

"You carried me out of the water."

"I..."

"A man your size stands out."

"Right."

"What are you doing here?"

"My escort is interested in your culture."

"You don't."

"I take care of her."

"You should visit the Opet Festival in Karnak."

"Thank you for the hint."

She nodded to him briefly and returned to her horse. Garrus breathed a sigh of relief. On the fastest way he made himself on the way back. He had to become much more careful. If he told Liara here about it, she would have a heart attack. He was really supposed to stay with his shuttle. The siege was finally successful. The enemy capitulated. The Turin traveled back. Liara was still in her base camp.

"And Garrus?"

"The humans can fight. They know how to wage war. I've written some reports. If we gave them the right equipment... Liara, they're really good."

"Militarily they would be a gain?"

"Definitely. It would be better if I could see more, but this war, or this campaign, was very promising."

"So you act like Turians?"

"No. They don't have the weapons. But they know how to use their resources properly. I'd like to give them guns and see what they do with them."

"You're really excited about people, Garrus."

"What did you find out?"

"How they administer their empire, their educational system, their religion, and more."

"What do you think of them?"

"For what they have, they are far developed. They research, even if they naturally lack the understanding for many things. They start attempts at explanation and continue on the trail of puzzles. They are curious and strive for more. But this could also be dangerous. You want to expand. They seem constantly driven. They could wage war against the other peoples."

"These concerns were also with the Turians."

"That's true, though."

"I return to the ship. I ran out of food."

"Couldn't you get away from the fighting?"

"The siege was boring, but I really wanted to know how they dealt with the defeated."

"And?"

"They know mercy, but they are also unscrupulous. It depends on the individual."

"The Princess?"

"Whoever submits to her is under her protection."

"You like her."

"I don't even know her. She would be a good officer. You know how my people tick there."

"All right."

"I'll be back tomorrow."

"We'll meet in Karnak."

"Good."

The celebration was incredible. There were flowers everywhere. Liara almost overturned with enthusiasm. He looked at the barques with shrines, priests and finally the royal family. They were even carried over land by the people. There was only one thing he did not understand. The princess stood on the barque so far back. The top was of course the pharaoh, behind him his wife and then his sons. Didn't military skill have any influence in the family? Different than with his people. She didn't seem to be satisfied with her position either. He had no ear for the songs and prayers. It was all very impressive, but more interested in the security of the festival. But there were apparently only isolated soldiers. Very careless. Finally the procession stopped in front of a temple and of the royal family only the Pharaoh and his wife entered the temple. Apparently they would not come out today, because they distributed people. There seemed to be many demonstrations and food was distributed. Liara ran excitedly through the area. The royal family was well guarded and taken to another building. Meritamen, however, soon came out again. She moved through the crowd. She went to various priests and seemed to control the delivery of food. Quickly he kneeled down a little as she hurried past him.

"Is the shepard any god, Liara?"

"No. That's what the common people call Meritamen. She is very popular with them. She takes care of them and so they compare the princess to a shepherd."

"Shepherd... that sounds good."

"Simpler than her name? Oh! Look at that."

Shaking his head he followed her. He had rarely seen her so excited. He stayed close to her the whole time. There were also always criminals in large groups. The Asari would hardly notice it if a thief approached her. Whenever someone approached the young woman too close, he pushed himself in between. His size alone was more than deterrent. Liara didn't notice much of all this. She was too bound by what was happening around her. Around evening it became calmer. Many visitors lit fires and just lay down on the square to rest. The Asari simply sat down with a group and talked to them. The darkness made them much more courageous. Even in the night and with this hooded cape he attracted attention. So he moved away from them and scurried behind one of the temples. He needed a break from all the hustle and bustle. But apparently he was not alone. Two of the king's children were also there. Carefully he tried to get within earshot.

"You are too close to the people. Our father is a god".

"And that is his people. We have a duty to care."

"That is why we administer them."

"You should get out of your temples one day, brother. How will you rule if you don't know them."

"There are officials and priests for that."

"Oh yes and they know everything."

"What do you mean by that?

"We would never have lost so much territory if everything in their writings had been true. We always had the largest army. Nevertheless, we were overrun. A farmer with a spear does not win a battle. Soldiers win battles. Men who dedicate their lives to fighting. They train and know what they are doing. After the priests, our people are doing well. We have enough food for everyone. Nevertheless, there are regions where our people are starving. You won't know if you just stick your nose into the scriptures."

"The priests..."

"Don't know everything."

"You are too close to the people."

"No, brother. You're not close enough to them."

"You do not have the right..."

"Yes! I have the right. You are not yet Pharaoh. And even if you are, you will need me and our brother."

"What are you trying to say?"

"You will never become like our father. You will never lead an army. Everyone knows that. You need us. And now go in. If you fall ill again on the feast of Amun, the priests will see it as an evil omen."

The young man really went inside. She had won.

"Enough to hear, stranger?"

"Forgive me. You were hardly to be overheard."

"You could have gone, too."

"I would have. Your brother's an idiot."

"And yet he will one day be the pharaoh."

"Bad choice..."

"He's the oldest. So it's different with you?"

"With us it will be the best."

"And who decides that?"

"His deeds."

"Interesting. But what deeds?"

"What do you mean that?"

"Is he the best who wins many battles, or the one who cares for the people?"

"Perhaps the third. The one who takes care of the people and has experience of fighting."

"So can also the one who is nowhere the best win?"

"Seen in this light, yes."

"Then it's not the best who wins, but the one who is thought to be the best."

"You've seen through our politics shockingly fast."

"It seems complicated to me."

"But effective. We're still here."

"I can't say anything about that now."

"I guess not... isn't it dangerous to be alone out here?"

"I can defend myself."

"I saw that."

"What is your real name?"

"Garrus."

"Your name sounds funny."

"Yours too. Shepard is easier."

"Shepard?"

"The people call you that. Didn't you know that?"

"None of them would dare to speak to me."

"Too bad. They like you. Very even."

"Don't let my brother hear that."

"Why not?"

"He doesn't like competition."

"He would kill you?"

"He would have me killed. Fratricide is almost a tradition in high families."

"Outch."

"Your friend is looking for you."

She disappeared into the building and he could only look after her. During the whole party he couldn't talk to her any more. He saw her again, at the end, when her father and his wife left the temple with great cheers. Sighing, he returned with Liara to the shuttle. Her mission was finished. She had enough information for now. Garrus really hoped that the Asari would see how valuable the people could be.