Author's Notes: So, here's the next chapter. Sorry it took so long, holidays and house hunting take up a lot more time and energy than what I thought. Good news is though that I am still working on this story! I'm always open to feedback, good, bad, or indifferent. I did have a bit more trouble getting the political stuff feeling right for me. That's what took a lot of my time and I still think there's a lot of room for improvement.
Legal: I don't own Mass Effect or Halo.
Now! Without further Ado, the next chapter.
Update! I believe I put a poll up in my bio in reference to Halo's favorite Spartan. I'm having a bit of trouble figuring that part out BUT! If it did work, let me know what you all think by voting! If this has a good turn out I'll probably use this as a way to get past a few kinks in the story later on as well.
The Batarian Hegemony had been beaten down. The information that had been released from their Department of Information Control had caused widespread panic and rioting. Not only among from their planets and colonies but from the various factions within the Terminus systems. All of the now defunct Hegemony's secrets had been plastered everywhere and the pressure had been too much. There had been riots, violence, and chaos wherever the military hadn't managed to subdue the populations. The remains of the military remained in orbit over an out of the way planet in the Terminus systems. It was unnamed and would remain so, the rally point for those still loyal to the Hegemony was unknown outside of the officers responsible for guiding the ships there.
Fleet Admiral Eposk Kanmorr had managed to avoid direct suspicion due to the widespread chaos during the first days since the information had been released. His mistakes during that first contact had only been scrutinized by a few before being dismissed, there had been many other targets for any who were vindictive. For now, he stood on the bridge of his ship looking out over the remains of the Batarian fleet.
'Those bastards caused all of this, they showed up and refused to see reason! Using underhanded tactics to break our computer systems and smear all of that slander for everyone to see. They may think they have won but I will show them otherwise…' His thoughts wandered to the reports he had gotten recently, that the Citadel had been visited by this new group as well although their secrets weren't plastered everywhere. His thoughts were bitter and colored by his hurt pride. Before he had been comfortable with his place in the galaxy, now he dreamed of bitter revenge.
The Batarian military had begun to feel the pressure and issues caused by the unspoken practice of promoting by who you know instead of the individual's experience. With the overhead and micromanaging usually seen in Batarian operations gone, much of the fleet had disbanded. Taking the ships and resources and leaving. Those loyal to the Hegemony had gathered under the Fleet Admiral.
"Ensign, hail the fleet. I have a plan to get back at the bastards that caused all of this."
The crewmember typed commands into his console, "Fleet-wide channel is open sir."
Kanmorr straightened and began his speech, "To those loyal to the Hegemony that have assembled here today under my command. I have news that will assure our vengeance against those that would attempt to strike us down! The group responsible for the riots among our slaves and lower classes has extended a peace offering to the other weaker races of Citadel space."
The intelligence that the Fleet Admiral had received was not as good or current as what many of the other races had gathered but it had been enough so that Kanmorr had begun to plan his attack on the newcomers.
"They think that they have reduced us to nothing with their cowardly tactics. We will show them that even at our worse, we are more than a match for them. I am gathering our forces as I speak and soon shall have our counter-attack. We shall have our vengeance!"
Across the fleet, crews cheered for the Fleet Admiral. None knew that it had actually been him that had helped cause this turmoil for their race. The same belief that his race was superior had driven events at first contact and now would drive the next series of events for the Batarian people. For now, however, they rejoiced.
New Ark, Admiral Hood's Secure Office
Admiral Hood was reviewing the reports he had received from his operatives. Commander Austra was doing his part for the Assembly so he was out of his reach for now. Commander Takashi was working with the group Cerberus, although it was less working with them as it was simply using them. Admiral Hood had been curious as to what the NSSC engineers could do if they were given free reign with the Citadel's technology. Cerberus had been the perfect clandestine organization for those efforts.
The ship that they were developing for him seemed perfectly obvious to his engineers and yet, the Citadel races (humans included, much to Admiral Hood's disdain) seemed to have only focused on a very narrow train of thought when it came to technology. He wanted to see why while also finding out what the limits of the element zero technology were. The fact that there was a human organization that could be bent to the task had comforted Admiral Hood. He still believed in the Mantle, but not in the sense that other races could take it upon themselves as well. Humans had been meant to bear the Mantle of Responsibility and as long as he was alive, he would work towards those ends.
So far the efforts had already seemed to have humbled the Cerberus engineers who had thought themselves the best. Seeing the ways that the NSSC techs bent their own technology to new and exciting ideas, Hood could see the cause of the embarrassment. The tech reports he had received had been informative but the report he was focusing most on now was the report from the ship in Batarian space.
The Batarians had been thrown into a state of anarchy by the release of the information their government had been withholding. The ship led by Takashi's previous commander had been keeping an eye on Khar'Shan and there were many different reports flooding in. The caste system the Hegemony had enforced was thrown into shambles as the old leadership refused to believe that the information released would change anything. Across most of Batarian space there was violence as a revolution burned.
What concerned Admiral Hood was the ships that were missing. The military forces of the Hegemony had been split into multiple groups, those that wanted power for themselves, those that fought to protect the people (the minority), the inept commanders who did nothing, and there was a not insignificant number of dreadnought and cruisers missing altogether. They numbered in the dozens but he had grown suspicious of any number of ships that went unaccounted for by his agents. Not that they could harm the NSSC ships with any of their weaponry, they still represented an enemy asset that was unaccounted for. He would have to speak to Commander 'Matum about finding a way to track those ships down.
He closed the report on the Batarians, 'It looks like they will be mired in their own civil war for a while, Cerberus will be the main focus for now.'
Destiny Ascention, Council Lounge
Councilor Valern sat reading through the NSSC 'codex' for the sixth time on this trip. He wanted to be sure that he understood and committed as much about this new group to memory as possible. Their propensity for war was very worrying. More so because of the precarious position that they had the Citadel in. He would remain composed but the nagging feeling that they were in the worst position they could be in wouldn't go away. He looked around, noting the other three councilors actions. Tevos appeared to be practicing a form of her meditation, Sparatas was reviewing data as he had been, and Udina periodically paced the room between fits of reading. Valern pulled his mind from the NSSC with some effort to speak to Udina. They all had to be at their best and Udina radiated anger and nervousness, he was currently pacing.
"Councilor Udina, is everything alright? You seem apprehensive." Udina stopped his pacing, folding one arm under the other, his hand rested on his chin in a thoughtful pose.
"I have concerns as to what this new group means for Humanity. We're already seen as grabbing too much too quickly and this new group, even if it is from an entirely different dimension, will be lumped in with us."
Valern could understand the Councilor's worry. He knew there were many that believed that Humanity had expanded too quickly but he thought it was obvious that this new group was not affiliated. If Udina's humans had figured out how to build the ships that the NSSC had, he had no reason to think the Citadel wouldn't have only humans on it by now.
Before Valern could respond, Sparatus spoke up, "That sounds all well and good Councilor but I doubt it will be an issue. The other races of the NSSC seem to be making an appearance more so than the humans in that group. As long as they are the face of the NSSC, I doubt very much that humanity will ever be seen as anything but an associate with them."
Udina had thought much of the same, but being sidelined as an 'associate' race wasn't what he and the Alliance had been fighting for the past three decades.
"We didn't come this far to be seen as a client race to some new group Councilor. We won't accept that and you know it. We've only just stepped into the role as a Council race and I'll be damned if we don't get the respect we're due."
Councilor Valern went to speak, only to be cut off by Sparatus, "Well then Councilor, I think that is something that we need to establish."
Udina and the other Councilors looked at him, Tevos breaking her meditations to join in the discussion.
"The NSSC has had plenty of time, by their own admission, to study us. That puts us at a disadvantage. I propose we stop reacting to them, we need to gain some modicum of control. We're the Citadel Council! Councilor Tevos, you're older than their governing body on your own!"
Tevos looked around, not adding anything quite yet, but noting the truth in what Sparatus had said.
"I propose that we make nice, they do have an unknown military comprised of at least two dozen of those giant ships. Once we know a little more about what they want, we need to show the NSSC that we are not so easily played."
Tevos spoke up, "I admit Sparatus that you make sense. I had been content to wait a bit longer to gauge the NSSC's intentions but looking at it in that light, yes, we need to take some measure of initiative back. I believe that the Matriarchs on Thessia are viewing this in an altogether different light however. If they are present at this meeting, I may have some difficulty."
Valern had been aware of the very important difference in the Asari culture that dictated who held power where. Tevos was the Asari Citadel Councilor but was forced to defer to the authority of the Matriarchs on Thessia. Sparatus, based on his own experience in the Hierarchy, had no such knowledge.
"What difficulty could you possibly have Tevos? Are you not the Councilor among the Asari?" The rhetorical question hung in the air a second.
Tevos decided she didn't want to broach the subject at the moment, deeming it counterproductive to what they were discussing, "You know how matriarchs can be Sparatus, and besides, we still need to decide exactly what we expect from these talks. Cementing the Systems Alliance's position is one goal, I think we need to look at what else we need to establish from these newcomers."
Valern thought to himself that they didn't seem so much like newcomers considering they had made contact with them.
He decided there was one thing that would benefit the Citadel first and foremost, "I think we need to establish borders and procedures for crossing them. We know nothing of their space or where their planets are. If we can establish that I think we will be better off in the long run."
The councilors looked around at each other for a moment, thoughtful of what else they would want from this group. Udina came up with something else.
"I don't know how much good the borders will do if they don't need the relays, they could be in our back yard and still be years away for us, days for them. I think we need to move for a technological exchange. Their propulsion systems alone could add significantly to our strength."
Sparatus was skeptical, "While gaining their technology would be a huge advantage, if their history is any indication, they will take the control of their tech very seriously."
He had been trying to think of something that he could hope to realistically expect to gain from this new faction. The Turians HAD fired on them and he knew that no Turian would give up anything to a faction that fired on them. That they had still invited them to their world for diplomatic talks was something not lost on him however. As he thought about that and tried to reconcile it into a Turian frame of mind, something dawned on him.
"Councilors, I think I may have an idea. If we can move our diplomatic meetings away from their territory to strengthen our position, that would put us on better footing."
Tevos was curious, "What do you mean "away from their territory", we've already established we don't know where that is Sparatus."
"Their main planets and colonies, no, but this Shangri-La we've all been invited to. We've been given the coordinates for that right? We go, meet their leaders and hopefully their more competent diplomats. Although I still think that was a ruse, well played in all actuality, but a ruse nonetheless. Once we have a clearer understanding of what they want, we make our demands."
"Demands? What demands Sparatus?" Udina was intrigued, demanding something when you had no real grounds to do so could be seen as absurd in some political arguments but when used against an unskilled opponent, could be very effective.
"It's simple, we demand that the locations for further negotiations and contact be done on a stage of OUR choosing. We can't let them dictate everything as they are now. They arrived when they wanted to, where they wanted to, and spoke to who they wanted to. We need that sort of initiative back."
Valern could see the advantages inherent in dictating location, "The only thing to be determined then is where we will have the talks continue on then. Hmmm….cannot be a Council world, too many unknowns, would not be able to pull out if location if we are at a Council world."
Tevos had a suggestion, "What about Virmire?"
"What? That's too far from Council space." Sparatus had expected the Citadel to be the logical choice. He felt any sane individual would gravitate to the symbol of the Council's might.
"Exactly Sparatus, if there is a breakdown then we are in a position to simply leave instead of demanding the NSSC vacate a world that has civilians on it. We know they don't react well to being denied. Their actions at the Citadel showed that they are willing to intimidate."
Before they could go any further, a chime sounded in the room they were in and an Asari voice came over the intercom.
"Councilors, forgive the intrusion but we are minutes away from the relay that leads to the specified location."
Tevos recognized the voice of the Matriarch commanding the 'Destiny Ascention'. She thanked her before turning to the others again.
"Very well, we agree on what we wish to accomplish then? Ascertaining the position of the Systems Alliance in relation to the NSSC, finding out exactly what this group wants, and most importantly – gaining the advantage of dictating the location of further talks. Namely on Virmire unless a more appropriate location can be determined."
She looked around briefly, "Does this summarize our goals for now?"
Valern spoke up, "Yes, I think it's the best we can expect without knowing anything beyond that they want 'peace'. I concur."
Sparatus had hoped for more talk of military matters but for now he agreed the groundwork needed to be laid. He still saw with his Turian pragmatism after all.
"I agree Councilor Tevos," Looking at Udina, "Humanity is a new player on the galactic stage that has left an impressive mark on the Citadel, I think resolution of that matter in the public eye will allow for the most stable footing for further actions."
Udina was glad the Council wasn't simply glossing over the issue he had brought up, the other things hadn't occurred to him except in passing but he conceded they were valid points. Having most of what he wanted addressed he voiced his assent.
"I'm glad we will clear things up and you're right Sparatus. Once the Human issue is resolved we can get our footing and show the NSSC that they are dealing with a millennia-old governing body with the experience that entails."
The other councilors had their thoughts on that, humanity was still fairly recent but had done everything to integrate into the Citadel. They would let the small matter slide, they had larger things to deal with.
"Councilors, we have arrived at the relay and are preparing to send the scout ship through. Would you care to join us on the bridge? I assume you will all want a first-hand view of what we encounter."
Tevos answered again, "Yes of course commander, we will be there momentarily." Before they all stepped out of their room, heading for the bridge.
Bridge of the Turian frigate 'Steely Resolve'
"Commander, we are through the relay, scans show the rendezvous point around the planet closest to the relay is occupied by the ships that were indicated in the message."
The Captain of the ship nodded, he had been briefed on the ships the NSSC fielded. He hadn't believed it at first, having been far from any of the worlds or Citadel when the group made their appearance, but had accepted it. The Hierarchy wouldn't mess those numbers up.
"Plot the FTL jump and commence as soon as we are able helm. Tactical, be ready to defend our ship if we need to get out of the area quick. This group may have humans in it but I don't trust them either way." He heard the crew acknowledge and felt the ship move into FTL a moment later.
In truth, the Captain hadn't really put too much thought into humanity, he was wrapped up in his isolated patrols or on worlds that humans weren't very prevalent. If they were a threat, he would deal with them but until then, he would do his job.
"Sir, dropping out of FTL in ten seconds." The crew was tense but it didn't show very much. Just a lack of the usual background comments among the crew, no one expected an attack but they all were ready for one.
As they dropped out of FTL, the gaped for a few moments at what they saw. The three huge ships that were arrayed in front of them had small elements of aesthetic design but the smooth, almost unbroken hull along with the various emplacements along the hull spoke of leashed power. None of the Turians looking at the sight missed the feeling almost thrumming off the ship across the void. Martial Prowess, they recognized it even in this ship supposedly from a different universe.
"Sir, they are hailing us." The Captain broke away from staring at the ships, looking at the crewmember that had reported to him.
Straightening up in his chair he called it to be put onscreen, greeted by the visage of what he had been briefed as a Sangheili. The reptilian eyes reminding him of a Krogan although the rest of the alien's form put to lie any further resemblance. The four mandibles moved as he spoke.
"Greetings Turians, I am Bas 'Lanam. I have been stationed here to ensure any confusion is settled and the Councilors are allowed passage through the slip space portal to Shangri La unharmed."
Drawing from his discipline, the Captain replied, "Bas 'Lanam, we are scouting ahead for the Council, I assume their arrival in a larger ship will not pose a problem? And what 'portal' do you speak of? Is this not the correct location or are we to follow you around half the galaxy?"
"None whatsoever Turian, once the Councilors have arrived we will generate the appropriate portal for transit." With that, the NSSC ship cut the connection.
The Turian Captain thought it was abrupt but didn't say anything about it, could be just the way that species operated. It rankled him some, his mandibles had flared out slightly when the connection was cut, but he would report back. He signaled to return through the relay, hoping this wouldn't all blow up in their faces.
Bridge of 'Destiny Ascension'
The Councilors stared at the view screen in mild disbelief. They had seen the reports of course, they had even seen for a brief moment the massive ship that had extracted the NSSC's bumbling diplomatic party, but actually seeing three of the huge ships was intimidating. The crew on the bridge did a good job of hiding their surprise. The 'Destiny Ascension' was supposed to be the largest ship in existence and yet even with the that had accompanied them they felt outclassed. This group constructed dozens of ships no less than three times as large as their largest with another ship estimated at larger than the Citadel. Things looked bad if military might was to be tested as the Turians had been so eager to do.
One of the crew members turned, "Commander, they are hailing us. Shall I open a channel?"
They were shaken up but they were still centuries-old Asari working on the Citadel fleet's pride and joy. They could keep their discipline.
"Yes, open the channel." The view screen flickered for a moment before settling into the image of a predatory looking alien of the race Sangheili. Matriarch Lidanya thought for a moment that the eyes reminded her of a Krogan but the rest of the image put the idea to rest.
"Greetings, you are the ships escorting the Citadel Council are you not?" The alien's mandibles moved as the speech was translated.
"We are, I am the Commander of the 'Destiny Ascension', Matriarch Lidanya, carrying the four Councilors for the diplomatic meeting we agreed upon with the New SSC."
The alien's head tilted slightly at hearing emphasis put on 'New'. With a small bit of amusement in its voice it responded, "Very well, I have been tasked with ensuring your safe passage to Shangri La. We will create the slip space portal in a moment if there are no objections."
Councilor Tevos walked into the frame so the alien could see her, "I am Councilor Tevos, the Asari Councilor, is the meeting not in this system? What portal are you talking about and just how long will this 'portal' take to get us there?"
Bas 'Lanam blinked at her, "It is not Councilor Tevos, the location of Shangri La has no relay and is further away than is feasibly possible for you ships to travel to. A precaution on our behalf not only for our safety but so no external forces might interrupt any negotiations. The travel time will not be long, moments if anything at all noticeable."
Before any more questions could be asked, the members of the Citadel fleet were startled as a point of light began glowing, centered on the three NSSC ships. Before anyone could think to ask what it was, it suddenly expanded into a blue-tinged black sphere roughly five kilometers across. Wisps of the bluish-black energy floated around the surface of the void presented to them.
The Sangheili on screen, obviously amused by the reaction, began to speak, "You may proceed through the portal."
Matriarch Lidanya didn't know what to say or do as she stared into the hole in their universe. Her first instinct was refuse. She didn't feel she should risk the pride of the Citadel fleet on something so unknown. With a mixture of relief and fear she realized that it would not fall to her to decide.
She turned to the Councilors, "Your orders Councilors?"
Councilor Sparatus spoke up first, stepping into the frame of the video with the other two Councilors doing the same.
"You can't actually expect us to just fly into that do you? We have no idea what that is or if it will destroy our ships instead of transport them!" Before he could start in with more arguments, the alien held his hand up, imploring his silence for a moment. Sparatus found it to be a very human gesture.
"We expected your reluctance, if it will calm your fears Turian, you may send a probe through to confirm that it is indeed safe. Communications work through such a portal and there are representatives of the Volus, Quarian, and Salarians already at Shangri La."
Sparatus' mandibles flared in annoyance, "You will not address me as 'Turian'! I am a Citadel Councilor, furthermore, how did these other races arrive first?" Turning to Valern, "Did you know there was Salarian representatives there already?"
Valern shook his head, "It is immaterial, this has all happened quickly and Sur'Kesh is closer to this relay than the Citadel. Makes sense that a Dalatross would arrive before us."
Bas 'Lanam cut in, "Councilor, I would have addressed you by name and title if you had introduced yourself instead of your outburst."
Councilor Valern leaned towards Sparatus, whispering, "We don't need outbursts like that Sparatus, once we know more we can be aggressive."
Sparatus cooled some but was still angry, turning to Matriarch Lidanya, "Commander, send a fully capable probe through this 'portal' and attempt contact with the Salarian representative."
"At once Councilor." Crew on the bridge began executing the command and seconds later a small orb could be seen jetting from their ship into the portal, a small blue flash of light announced its passage.
"Commander, receiving telemetry. The probe passed successfully through and we have a channel open with Dalatrass Narra."
Valern reflected that the Narra family must have pulled some strings to manage to gain the spot representing the Salarians. That or the other bloodlines were counting on the NSSC killing them.
"Councilors, I'm glad to hear you've arrived. The passage seems to be safe although we have yet to isolate our current location." Dalatrass Narra informed them, Valern understood that this meant they were dependent on the NSSC for transportation when all said and done.
He decided he needed more than a safe passage, "Bas 'Lanam, I need a guarantee that we will be safely transported back regardless of the outcome of these talks. We cannot agree to travel to an unknown location otherwise."
Bas 'Lanam was taken aback for a moment, "You have our – MY - word you will be granted safe passage. You need nothing else."
Tevos decided she had an idea, "We do need something else. The word of a new alien species is not good enough to guarantee the Council's safety. If you were to return to the Citadel with one of our ships, we would see that as a good faith gesture."
'Lanam considered the alien's proposal for a moment. He had been instructed to do his best to accommodate the Council races, they were in a difficult position. 'Anything that you can do to convince them we're not here to attack. We need them at this summit if we are going to bring about any sort of cooperation, anything within reason. We leave what is within reason to your judgement.'
Now he looked at his crew for a moment to decide if he felt becoming their 'guest' was within reason. Knowing what he, and the rest of the NSSC for that matter, knew about the Reapers helped his decision.
"Very well Councilor, I agree."
The next half hour had been boring for Matriarch Lidanya. The Councilors and the alien Bas 'Ladam had hashed out their agreement and now she watched as the agreed upon cruiser left their fleet to return to the Citadel. The crew of that cruiser was nervous, they didn't realize the alien would be almost two meters tall.
With that taken care of, the Councilors ordered the fleet through the strange portal the NSSC had opened for them. The original scout ship went through first and sent the all clear, having contacted the Salarians to confirm. Now the crew of the 'Destiny Ascension' looked at the view screen at the strangeness that the NSSC called 'Slip Space'.
Her view of it was interrupted after a few seconds as they emerged from the dimension. The crew on the bridge of the 'Ascension' was greeted to a view of Shangri La, having arrived near the center of it with various other ships moving around the ring. There probably would have been more action on the bridge if the Migrant Fleet hadn't been there. As it was thought, the crew was stunned, the Quarian fleet put into perspective just how large this construct was.
The fleet of 50,000 ships appeared to be a small gathering near a single section of the ring. The twelve distinct sections seemed designed for each Council race. She could see the blue and purple that resembled Thessia, the bright silver that resembled Palaven, and the lush green of Sur'Kesh. Each of the other races seemed to have their own area as well as two areas that seemed more ordered and less natural areas she could only guess at.
Looking back at the Councilors, she realized that they too were awestruck. Strangely enough, the Turian Councilor was mumbling questions under his breath.
*How did they build that? Did they find it? The Protheans had to have built it. They can't possibly have only been here a century if they built that.*
Those on the bridge only came out of their daze as the comms officer made her announcement.
"Councilors, we are receiving a transmission. Putting it on screen."
They were greeted with the visage of another of the same aliens who Councilor Valern remembered was identified as a Sangheili.
"I am pleased to see you made it here safely. Welcome to Shangri La. I am Thal 'Vadum but you may address me as Arbiter." The aliens mandibles moved with the speech but no one on the 'Ascension' could tell if it was actually in sync with the speech they saw or simply translated.
Councilor Tevos broke from her surprise, mildly ashamed at breaking their intentions to not show surprise this time around.
Putting her surprise aside, she addressed the Arbiter, "I am Councilor Tevos and that is Councilor Valern, Sparatus, and Udina." Motioning to each Councilor respectively.
"We are here to begin talks with the New SSC, you have made quite an impression in our space." Tevos stood in a neutral stance and waited for the Arbiter's response.
"Indeed. We will send directions to the area we have set aside to stage your fleet. Once there, you may disembark and we will receive you with the others already there."
Councilor Tevos saw an opening, "You may send the data but we will wait until the other representatives are present before we join you. We have much we must discuss still before opening talks."
The Arbiter's mandibles flexed a little tighter, he never did enjoy political games and what this Asari had just stated most definitely fell into that category.
"Very well, while you wait you may contact me with any questions you may have. We seek peace here today Councilor."
Councilor Tevos straightened a little more, "We will keep our own counsel for now Arbiter 'Vadum, thank you." She made a small signal and the comms officer cut the connection.
"Hopefully that will keep them off balance for a small time. We may be in their territory but now they will wait on us to arrive before starting." The statement garnered small nods of approval from the other Councilors, although less so from Udina.
On Shangri La, the Arbiter sagged a bit. He knew what was at stake and now he would fight a war of words with these races. He was not looking forward to any of it. He hoped for a quick and easy resolution to this contact with the Citadel but had a feeling that a governing body that had been around as long as the Citadel wouldn't react well to the NSSC.
"Were it so easy…"
Shangri La, Control Radius
Nick looked up over the barrier and saw the weapons trained on him. Ducking back down as rounds zipped through the space he had just occupied, he checked his weapon. It wasn't the one he was used to but it seemed good enough for his purposes. Readying himself for a moment, he waited for a lull in the firing before bursting from his cover.
Activating the new module, time seemed to slow to a crawl as suddenly a HUD sprang to life over his vision, identifying each target and estimated force needed to neutralize it. He could feel his augmentations strain as his body struggled to keep up with what he commanded. He fired, actually seeing the round leave the barrel of his weapon and begin traveling the distance to his target. He managed to get a round off at his second target before the first had impacted.
The next three rounds went much the same and he couldn't have been more satisfied. Andrew congratulated him through his neural link. Seeing the targets were down, he deactivated the module. Real time slammed into him like a freight train as he spun with the momentum he had gathered while whipping from each target to the next. Spinning a time and a half before losing his footing and falling the crew watching laughed.
Shepard couldn't help but let a loud burst of laughter out. It was impressive to be sure, Nick had burst from cover and seemed to just do a pirouette while bulls-eyeing five targets before falling on his face. She hoped he could do that every time, it'd be sure to throw any enemy off with the strange performance.
Slow clapping, Shepard yelled to Nick, "An 'A' for effort but 'C' for execution. You got em but if you end up face down in the dirt each time we're going to have a hell of a time."
Picking himself up, Nick looked at the 'Normandy' crew with a huge grin, "That was awesome! I could actually see the rounds travel to the enemy! I'll have to stop moving before I drop out of that though. Didn't think of that part." He chuckled as he brushed himself off.
Mordin moved quickly over to the training mechs scanning them, "Incredible, perfect pinpoint shots, millisecond precision, sounded like single shot…..possibilities exhilarating."
Shepard had been curious when Nick had told her about the new implant the NSSC had for Nick to field test. They said it was a quantum computing substrate designed around an individual's own brain pattern, mimicking it in effectively real-time. When activated, it pulled the brain activity of the user into the quantum substrate, allowing an organic mind to experience the speed of thought that an AI operated at. Not the same multi-tasking ability but to those not up to speed (so to speak) would be fooled.
The two major drawbacks however was that the device could only safely shunt the brain activity to the substrate for just shy of a second. It would seem much longer for the individual experiencing it but if they went past that point there was strong evidence to suggest that a human mind would fall into rampancy. This was supported by the findings done on AI creation. The actual AI creation process had a large portion of coding to allow an organic brain pattern to think cohesively at that speed. Without that, any thought or memory the organic mind had would expand as a separate wave function in the substrate and eventually destroy the substrate.
There was work being done to ensure the damage was contained to the substrate but unfortunately, if it happened in this first-generation models the second drawback became apparent. The second-long time limit was also in place to ensure that the brain-wave patterns did not become so different that they were incompatible. Any more than a second and the wave patterns ended up just interfering with each other to the point that the user would have a seizure and in all likely-hood, end up brain dead from the two patterns interfering violently in the brain tissue.
That was the reason that Nick had been picked to field test this model, his partner AI, Andrew would be able keep him from going past that time limit. He had the kill switch on the module to ensure a good overwatch.
"Shepard, could your neural lance be fitted with this? Combat effectiveness would increase by a large amount." Mordin was thoroughly intrigued by the possibilities that the neural lance that a few of them had elected to have implanted allowed.
Nick walked up to where Shepard and the crew were standing, "She's about the only one that might be able to handle the stress. You have to have some really strong bones and ligament strength to be able to move while it's active. Otherwise it's just seeing things really slowly and probably wouldn't be able to move quickly enough. I could probably dodge a few bullets while it was active."
Mordin got thoughtful, "Hmm….yes, tearing muscle and ligament structures, not acceptable. Stress on skeletal system open up large inefficiencies. Need alternative for widespread use…possibilities still intriguing."
While Mordin and Nick discussed the new implant, Shepard was lost in thought. She had a neural lance implanted as well. Shepard had figured that if the Systems Alliance could manage the tech to safely install their different implants then the NSSC, with all the advances they had, would be able to manage even better. She had been right.
She had been toying with the ability to interface with the tech around her more seamlessly, her Omni tool was now simply a part of her body. So much so it seemed she had much quicker and intuitive information on her shields, armor, weapons, and environment in general. Other members in the crew had some installed as well, Garrus, Joker, Thane, and Mordin. Tali wasn't with them, Grunt wasn't interested, Samara declined, and Jacob felt he was fine as is.
Joker had been loving it more than anyone. His Vorlik's being cured had made him happy, being able to just move around or bump into something without breaking bones had been amazing for him. Being able to interface with the ship though, that had thrown him into nirvana it seemed. He still made his sarcastic comments but he could also make the 'Normandy' dance like never before. Shepard was pretty sure Joker would do just about anything for Nick and the NSSC now.
Garrus walked up to the edge of the training range next to Shepard, "How're you adjusting to the neural lance? I'm having trouble finding things to do now that I can make all the adjustments just by thinking it. The calibrations on the 'Normandy' are more of a gut feeling now and I've gotten another few percent out of the guns. I'm not sure what to think of it."
Shepard went to reply when column of light erupted near them, pulsing upward for a moment before dissipating. Standing there, frozen in a surprised stance, was Tali. No one said anything as she glanced between Shepard, Garrus, and the rest.
"H-hi, I…How are you doing Shepard?" Her she seemed unsure and nervous for a moment before she relaxed for a moment and began checking herself and her suit with her Omni-tool.
Mumbling to herself, "I hadn't realized what the Arbiter meant when he said he would send me to my friends. I was expecting a shuttle."
"Tali, where'd you come from? And what in the spirits was that light?" Garrus' mandibles were flared in surprise. It wasn't every day that one of your friends just appeared next to you in a beam of light.
"I was speaking with Thel 'Vadum, or the Arbiter as he seems to be called, in the Quarian area." Looking around, she saw the Quarian Radius in the distance, pointing to it for a moment. "He was explaining some of the harder lessons the NSSC had learned. He received a message and then had to send me here, I'd guess they have some sort of teleportation system." She shrugged but was still bewildered at how they had done it
Honestly, after everything she had seen and what the Arbiter had explained, she wasn't as surprised as Garrus at being teleported. Shepard seemed un-phased as well although her head was tilted slightly and she seemed to be focusing on something else at the moment.
"Shepard are you alright? That can't have surprised you that much."
Shaking her head, Shepard brought her focus back to her friends, "No, yhea, I'm fine. I was just using the neural lance the NSSC implanted to find information on the teleportation system. It seems like these "halo" have the system installed on them. To allow for instant travel anywhere on the ring, for those with clearance of course. I don't think any of us have that clearance."
Tali perked up at hearing the words 'neural lance' and 'implanted', "Wait, wait, wait, neural lance? What do you mean, implanted? Shepard, what happened while I was gone?"
Shepard's attention was suddenly pulled from Nick explaining the technology to Tali to a voice from her lance, "Commander Shepard, the last ambassadors have arrived and the Council has disembarked from their ship for the summit. I believe you would be able to contribute to the negotiations. I ask your presence at the Embassies."
She recognized the voice as being the Arbiter, "I'll do what I can but I can't make any promises. Where do you need us?"
"That is all I would ask of you Commander Shepard. I will bring you to my location. Prepare yourself." Before any of them could do anything about it, the same light that had dropped Tali off enveloped them all as they were transported.
Shangri La Embassy Radius, Conference Area
Councilor Sparatus watched the view screen as another of the NSSC ships arrived, escorting the various ambassadors from the races. The Human, Hanar and Drell, and Asari. The Turians had even sent a cruiser.
The pinpoint of light expanding to a disk and the ship sliding out as if nothing happened. He could think of any number of tactical and strategic uses for such a trick. Only it wasn't a trick was it? It was their form of FTL that seemed to completely surpass what any of Palaven's fleets could manage. He had originally been outraged, this group of humans and new aliens had seemingly stepped on every nerve Sparatus had. He had already been planning the suppression fleet to quell them as the original humans had to have learned.
Now he was greatly relieved that he hadn't. Their codex didn't hint at any actual colonies, no home world –in this dimension at least- and they only seemed to have their ships. Now though, seeing this 'Shangri La' place made his mind reel at the implications for Citadel space. The sheer size of the ring was astounding, larger than the diameter of some planets the Turians had colonized. The scale of their industry would be hard to hide if and yet, they had still snuck up on them. Then again, if they weren't dependent on the relays….
He was still musing on all of this when he noticed a different ship that had accompanied the most recent NSSC vessel. Zooming in, he saw what he had feared he saw, a Geth ship. A small part of him jumped into paranoia and disbelief but he found he was able to ignore it. Strangely enough for him, he didn't jump into a rage at the idea of the Geth being there. He thought it odd that he wouldn't feel more anger at the NSSC for including the Geth, instead he felt annoyed that they would bring in that mechanical race. Of course, if they really did have AI integrated into their society then it shouldn't come as a huge surprise they would contact the Geth. He decided either way, the other Councilors needed to be aware of this new information.
"Councilors, come see this for a moment. I do believe it requires our attention." He was still standing on the bridge with his hands clasped behind his back.
Councilor Udina noticed what Sparatus was speaking of first, his reaction was more or less what Sparatus had expected at first.
"What?! They brought GETH to this place? What sort of death wish do these people have?"
Councilor Valern was unphased, having been running situations through his head the entire wait, "Not surprising really. Their use of AI is no secret, which could have been the lynchpin they required for contact with the Geth."
Udina wasn't done though, "The Geth attacked the Citadel no less than two years ago, we're just going to sit back and allow them to bring our avowed enemy to the negotiating table?"
Again, Valern answered the incredulous Councilor, "Udina, one Geth ship is hardly a threat here. I have had an STG team run some simulations, the amount of energy needed to theoretically move one of those ships is such that they can no doubt deal with the Geth should they attack. We have little to worry about besides the NSSC in my opinion."
"I'm not worried about an attack here and now, I don't like having to negotiate with my enemies unless it is on my terms."
Councilor Tevos walked up near the two speaking, "I agree with you Udina, however, this is an unusual circumstance. I will make sure our displeasure is conveyed in respects to the Geth when we arrive. That is not in question, we still need to be civil, at least until we figure out what we want to know. Then they will discover that if they want to play nice, they shouldn't have tried to scare us right away."
Udina crossed his arms and put a hand on his chin in his usual 'thinking' look, "I'll defer to your experience on this Tevos."
Having said his piece, he walked back over and stood away from the rest, looking intently at the ships that had arrived, pausing longer while looking at the Geth ship.
Tevos was about to go speak with the human Councilor when the bridge comms officers spoke up.
"Councilors, the races have arrived and are at the location they marked for the meeting. Shall I acknowledge and inform them you are on your way?"
Tevos sighed, now the real fun began, "Very well, we'll get to the shuttle. Signal them we will begin, I think we've made them wait on us long enough. Much longer and we'll appear indecisive."
Udian and Valern didn't say anything as they left the bridge, following the young ensign that had been tasked with escorting them. Sparatus grunted and left the room, following the other two Councilors while Tevos left last, the door closing behind her.
Matriarch Lidanya sighed and ordered a full systems check and non-critical diagnostics on the ship. The crew would need the distraction instead of just staring at the local sights. Routine would calm the crew's nerves.
Shangri La Conference Center, Embassy Hall
The Councilors had been impressed by the reception they had received. It had been small enough to not have been pretentious, but enough to convey that the NSSC was treating them as honored guests. The rows and columns of the NSSC Soldiers lined up on each side of the walkway had been a mixture of all of the races that the NSSC represented. The two NSSC representatives had even been courteous enough to meet them at the shuttle instead of making them walk the length of between the formations.
Tevos thought to herself that she would have gone with the latter option. Although the NSSC held almost all of the cards in this place so some things could be looked over. She looked around as she exited the shuttle, noticing the construction of the place. While it wasn't the Citadel, the vaulted ceilings and spacious interior certainly was made to impress in a welcoming atmosphere. She could even see the area where the other ambassadors were waiting. They must have been very confident of their security.
At the bottom of the ramp, the Sangheili they had spoken to earlier was waiting with a human. The Sangheili took a step forward to introduce himself.
"Greetings Citadel Council. We had wondered if you might have forgotten our invitation. Next to me is Ambassador Caleb Ryder."
Ambassador Ryder stepped forward, stepping aside and gesturing down the path between the two formations, "Pleased to meet you all, if you would come this way, we can take our places in the Embassy Hall."
Councilor Tevos took the lead with the other Councilors falling in next to her. The Councilors were curious about where they were, each of them had so far composed themselves and hidden any surprise they felt. Councilor Valern decided that he would fill the time walking to the hall with a few questions.
"Ambassadors, this is an impressive construct. It is Prothean in design, yes? The left behind many things although we've not seen anything on this scale."
Ambassador Ryder smirked a bit to himself before falling back to walk beside the Councilors, "Thank you Councilor, it is impressive but no, it is not Prothean. It is our design – we built it ourselves for these diplomatic meetings."
The Councilors masked their surprise although Sparatus was still doubtful. He not convinced that they had not found it and were simply boasting or had taken much longer to build it than their supposed timeline had suggested.
Councilor Valern continued on his line of questions, "The NSSC built this place? You must have been planning these diplomatic meetings for quite some time to have put together such a place."
The Councilors had gone numb to the scope of what they were walking into. Tevos pushed it aside to focus on the summit while Udina decided it would be better to ignore it for now as well. Although he was proud that Humanity had a hand in something like this, even if they weren't necessarily from the same universe. Sparatus was still musing over reasons why the NSSC would lie about this place, not accepting that they could have built this.
The two NSSC ambassadors stepped to each side of the threshold leading into the Embassy Hall, motioning towards the area reserved for the Councilors.
Ambassador Ryder answered their question, "We began construction as soon as we decided to make ourselves known to the Citadel. So roughly three or four of our months."
Councilor Valern registered what the NSSC ambassador had said, stopping next to face the human for a full three seconds as he blinked his confusion at the human.
"Thank you Ambassador, for answering our questions." Ambassador Ryder didn't know it but being able to render a Salarian Councilor mute for any amount of time was a feat. The Councilors moved to the location they had set aside for them.
Ambassador Ryder and the Arbiter followed as the doors closed and they signaled through their neural lance to announce the beginning of the proceedings.
"Attention Diplomats, the first NSSC / Citadel summit will begin. All diplomats are granted immunity from any hostile actions that may occur. Furthermore, each Citadel representative is guaranteed safe passage back to Citadel space."
The room was designed much like the democratic assembly halls of Earth's 21st century. A central stand that allowed the four tiered rows of semi-circle desks to face and address the speaker at any given time without obstruction. The client races were arrayed on the ground floor with the central podium and the Salarian, Asari, and Turians spaced out on the second tier while the third tier was empty. Shepard and her crew were sitting in the back of the fourth tier, more or less out of sight.
As the Councilors took their seats, they looked around at the other representatives, pausing briefly on the Quarian Conclave and Admiralty representatives and again when they saw the Geth with damaged chest armor on the other side of the room. Slightly more surprising was the two Krogan sitting in the group, the thought of an organized Krogan nation brought a small amount of fear to Councilor Tevos.
Once all of the representative had been seated, the Ambassador Ryder and the Arbiter took their places, Ryder next to the podium while the Arbiter stepped up to the podium after the announcement was made.
The Arbiter decided he knew the best way to start this proceedings, "As many of you already know, I am Thel 'Vadum, you may address me as the Arbiter. We requested your presence here to allow for peace between our peoples. In the spirit of that, ask your questions and I shall answer them as well as I am able."
The Citadel representatives paused for a few moments, not used to the bluntness in political dealings. As soon as their surprise wore off however, there was a few moments of uproar as they all vied to get answers for their questions, the Citadel Council finally winning out due to their long-standing position as the galactic leaders.
Councilor Tevos led the questions although not without a small sneer from Sparatus, "Arbiter, we've accepted your invitation after the NSSC's initial attempts at diplomacy. While I cannot speak for the others here, the impression you left the Citadel with was one of a casual bully. Is that the NSSC's normal way of introducing themselves?"
The Arbiter stood a bit straighter, "Indeed, our arrival did not go as well as we had hoped. Neither the NSSC nor the SSC has made contact with any other race not already a part of us for half a millennia. We were unprepared for first contact even after the time spent studying your peoples. We took the path of peace first however. You see, before we united our method of introduction was simple: War and subjugation. We have grown past that now."
Tevos wasn't convinced but they would make their move soon enough. She would add some well-intentioned words first, "We thank you for your restraint then. Your ships are a bit of a curiosity in Citadel space." Her understatement was met with muttering from the racial representatives.
"Your ships are not the topic we would speak to you about however. Our first line of questions would best be asked by Councilor Udina as it effects his race more than the rest of us."
Councilor Udina stood, clearing his throat before beginning, "Thank you Councilor Tevos. Arbiter, I came here today first and foremost to cement Humanity's place in the galaxy. We need to impress upon the NSSC that the humanity you have brought is in no way part of the Systems Alliance. Any claim otherwise will be denied! We have worked hard to gain our place in this galaxy and we don't want a new group of humans to jeopardize our position."
As Tevos had handed the floor over to Councilor Udina, the Arbiter now handed the floor over the Ambassador Ryder who was a little concerned with the Human Councilor's position.
"I assure you Councilor Udina, it was never our intention to usurp the System Alliance's position in this galaxy. We are working towards a united galaxy, not one mired in political and military strife."
Udina pressed the matter, "You speak of peace and unity and yet the NSSC seems only interested in humbling and intimidation through your technology. So far the only meaningful exchange between our peoples has been you showing off! If you are serious about peace then we need to know more about the NSSC."
"Of course Councilor, that is the purpose of these talks. We stand ready to answer any and all questions, within reason of course. If there is a subject or information you would not give out, military or technology secrets, there is a good chance we will avoid that as well though. We only ask you be reasonable."
Sparatus bristled, "You should have been reasonable in the first place! Announce yourselves in a different manner than showing up on our homeworld's doorstep. It may sound cliché but you should have called first Ambassador!"
"Yes, we now see our mistake and we will be more forthcoming with information on any future dealings between our two governments."
Councilor Tevos took the floor again, "That brings up another subject Ambassador, you're a government and yet outside of this station, we have seen only ships. Does your government only have these constructs and ships to live on or are there colonies that the NSSC has established? This information would greatly improve the relations between our people. We do not take very well to vagrant fleets."
Her remark did not go unnoticed by the Quarians although there was no outburst that Tevos had expected. The Quarians present had seen some of what the NSSC could do and they had accepted their hospitality.
The Arbiter and Ambassador Ryder glanced at each other, the Arbiter answered, "That is a more complicated issue. We number in the hundreds of millions and yet, we are bound to neither ship nor planet. We live on the constructs we built. Our home now is the New Ark at a great distance from this place."
The Councilors glanced amongst each other while the other representatives from the Citadel races muttered amongst themselves.
Before another one of the Councilors could continue their line of thought, Wrex stood up. He came here to ensure the cure for the genophage was being worked on, he had already grown tired of the Council's political posturing.
Standing up to get the attention of the two at the podium, Wrex bellowed, "Enough of this! It doesn't matter where they live, they can live in the bottom of Omega for all it matters. The NSSC promised a cure for the genophage and so far all anyone has done has been to try to size each other up. I-"
The Salarian Dalatross present shot to her feet, "A cure for the genophage?! Are you crazy!? We can't let the Krogan have free reign on the galaxy again! If the NSSC is truly planning on curing the genophage then I refuse to deal with them. The Krogan were a blight on the galaxy and the only thing keeping them in check is the genophage."
Wrex's next statement came out more as a growl than words, the threat clear, "Salarian, your kind was the reason we were let loose on the galaxy. You uplifted us as weapons in a war you started and when we didn't sit down and play nice you neutered us."
Tevos cut in before things could get any more heated, "Ambassadors, can we keep this civil? I sincerely hope that the NSSC won't work on a cure for the genophage, are you Ambassador?" She turned to Ambassador Ryder.
"Actually we are." The statement couldn't have cause more of an uproar among those gathered than if he had thrown a grenade among them. Raising his hands and using his lance to project his voice through the sound system, he called for silence.
"Let me finish!" The group went quiet, looking at him expectantly.
"We have studied the Krogan Rebellions and we know why you felt you needed to do what you did. We don't condone it and certainly disagree with your handling of the situation but we do not see this as 'unleashing the Krogan on the galaxy'. We are righting a wrong and before you argue against it, let me remind you that the Citadel races only actually occupy a handful of stars and planets. A small spattering of worlds out of the hundreds of billions in this galaxy that are open to us."
The crowd seemed to pull away from the brink of violence as Ambassador Ryder explained himself. The Dalatrass still fumed but she knew realistically the only thing she could do was pull her support for an agreement with the NSSC so she held her tongue.
"We are not working in the same limitations the Council was back then. There is enough room in this galaxy for all of us, I can promise that much at least. I have called an escort to take you to where the laboratory the genophage is being worked on is." As Wrex was signaled by the escort, Mordin split off from Shepard's crew, explaining his part in the work on the genophage to the escort as they left. Wrex was not happy but tolerated him if only because Shepard saw fit to add him to her crew.
As the trio left the Embassy Hall, Councilor Valern spoke up, "Ambassador, you cannot expect us to agree easily to any sort of peace if you are willing to do things that we would declare war over. You'll have to excuse us for being suspicious of you and the NSSC."
The Arbiter had hoped these representatives would have been more open minded, his job would have been easier.
"Councilor, we do want peace but it will not be on the terms you set. We do not ask permission to do these things. They are not a Council race and as such, nothing we do can be seen as a declaration of war."
Looking around the room as he paused for a moment he continued what he was saying, "The perspective of the Citadel Council is oddly narrow for a galactic society. Your dependence on the relays has cloistered your races within a tiny fraction of the galaxy. We possess a…unique perspective on the galaxy. We believe that the changes we will bring will benefit the Council races even with the sudden changes."
A rendering of Sovereign materialized before the podium in view of every one, "We know this to be true because this is the real foe."
Councilor Sparatus and Tevos both rose to their feet, Sparatus getting the first word in, "If the Geth are the true enemy here, then why is there one right at this meeting?!" Having almost spat the words at the Arbiter, he pointed accusingly at Legion.
Legion was aware of the view of the Council on the Geth, "That is not true Councilor Sparatus, the Geth did not create the Old Machines. Instead, they sought us out as tools."
Sparatus sneered, "I will not be talked down to by a machine."
Legion was not bothered by the outburst, "There was a schism among the Geth, the Heretics left to serve and worship the Old Machines. Shepard Commander defeated them and re-wrote the Heretics. They are now have re-joined with the Geth. We share their memories and they are part of the Consensus."
Again forced to keep the peace among this group, the Arbiter held his hand up and successfully stalled the argument long enough to get a word in, "The Geth are no enemy any longer Councilor. We have the proof you would require to acknowledge the threat of the Reapers."
With a signal from his neural lance, the information was downloaded into each representatives Omni-tool causing each of them to chime. The Hall went quiet as those present began looking over the evidence. Shepard watched intently as they looked through with various looks of concern on each of their faces. Councilor Tevos was unimpressed at first until the data she read through started to align with some of the findings the Council had been presented with. As soon as she got to the section detailing the age of the relays and the Citadel itself she stopped and pointed it out to the other two Councilors.
They were still whispering among themselves about how to proceed when the Arbiter spoke again, "As you can see, we are not the enemy. We hope you would share in our desire to meet this enemy with this galaxy's full strength."
Realizing they had what they came for, Tevos motioned for the floor, "Arbiter, this is all too much too quickly. The Krogan, Geth, Quarians, the NSSC's almost criminal first contact with the Batarians, and now this" motioning to the data on her Omni-tool, "We cannot be expected to make any sort of decision at this time. You have called us here, far from our home systems to a place only your technology can reach."
She shook her head, realizing she was honestly distraught about how much this new group had and would change the galaxy, "We will need time to go over everything and decide how best to proceed. If we decide to meet with you at a later date it will not be at a location of your choosing but rather ours."
Ambassador Ryder was surprised at how quickly the talks had broken down. He knew the NSSC was shaking things up but they were speaking to a group from a different universe. He figured they had them beat for having their world view shaken up. The Arbiter on the other hand expected nothing to have gone well. Having studied these races history he had feared they would have left on a declaration of war. A different location was acceptable.
"Councilors, on the condition that we formally enter a treaty against armed conflict between our two governments, I agree to your terms."
"Very well Arbiter, we choose Virmire for any future diplomatic meetings. It is in Terminus space and as such is outside of both our and your jurisdiction. Between our two groups we can figure out the security."
Councilor Tevos knew she faced a shit storm when she was done here, the Asari Matriarch was already glaring at her. Her word on this was final however, she had that much power as the Councilor.
Ambassador Ryder stepped forward, "Seeing how it seems decided that we will continue this at a later time, do any of you have any further questions?"
Councilor Valern had days' worth of questions but they would wait, "I think it best if we consult with our home worlds before any more questions are answered Ambassador. We will speak for our client races as well when the time comes."
The Quarian Admiral stood up, "Well Councilor, seeing how we do not fall under your jurisdiction either, we will speak for ourselves although we have no reason to do that in front of you."
"No, I expect you wouldn't Admiral." Valern was unconcerned with the Quarians, they were a known variable for him he was more focused on the Krogan that had already left.
That had interested him, the Krogan Battlemaster Wrex. He had reports from the STG that he was in the process of uniting the Krogan, even re-discovering their culture from before they had bombed themselves into a nuclear winter and their subsequent uplifting by his race. Among the Council, he was alone in harboring some small hope for that race, even if he would admit that to no one.
Ambassador Ryder could see that the Council had made up their minds, "We shall conclude this summit in that case. I regret that we could not open a more meaningful dialog with you but if this is the way you wish to move forward, we will not stand in your way. Please, inform us of when you would like to depart."
The representatives bid their farewells and reluctantly left the Embassy Hall, Shepard walked up to the Arbiter, clearly angry.
"How the hell can you let them just leave like that?! We've got the Reapers to fight and the Council throws a fit because we're not playing in their back yard so you give in?"
"Commander, you have found the Council to be stubborn and inflexible. I do not fight them on this issue because I have no doubt that once they feel they are in control, they will listen. In truth, with the discovery we have made of the Citadel being a Reaper construct, the less negotiations that happen there, the better."
Shepard hadn't realized that getting the Council away from the Citadel would help but with the threat of indoctrination hanging over their heads, she could see the benefit in that.
"Well, they did at least seem to take more in stride rather than just dismissing everything. Maybe there is something to what you say. Still, don't give them too much. They're like spoiled children sometimes, I swear. Me being here wasn't really worth the effort was it?"
"I disagree, we had no reason to expect them to act this way. Your presence was helpful if only as a reminder to them. There are still those in this galaxy who would fight."
"We'll see Arbiter, I hope they see reason but for now we still need to prepare."
The Arbiter clasped his fist to his chest, "Your advice will be taken to heart, now, please excuse me."
Shepard watched as the representatives grouped together to discuss what happened as they left, 'At least today was eventful, I'd hate for it to get boring around here.'
The Council ships left, sliding through the Slip space portal bound for the last relay in the chain leading to the original portal. The Assembly watched through their real-time connection with concern. Now they discussed the events that had unfolded. The twelve figures were in conference with each other through the use of their neural lance connections.
"There was not a lot accomplished by this meeting, I feel like the Council had this planned out. They even managed to temper their surprise at the scope of Shangri La. Not an easy task considering the Citadel is the pinnacle of what they know of engineering."
"True, but this time we at least put forth a more amiable attitude. The data concerning the Reapers was even transmitted. With luck they will see the validity in that if nothing else. They need not like us, they only need to believe that the Reapers are the threat they are."
"We shall ensure the continued surveillance of these races. There is much to be concerned about, they have only ever reacted to galactic events once they were far outside their grasp. I would hope they avoid the same folly this time."
"For now, how is the study of the Omega relay proceeding?"
"Well, we have figured out the principals behind their operation, now the process of engineering our own has begun. The AI nation has been invaluable in the endeavor."
"We are proud to help where we can."
"I do believe we have other matters to attend to, shall we?"
"Agreed, there is much to see to."
Unknown System, Surface of Unnamed Planet
Spartan IV Cypher-052 had been slogging through this toxic jungle for half an hour with the Asari who had made the claim in Illium. A once-extinct race hunted to extinction who had been saved by Commander Shepard. The Assembly had been intrigued although they didn't have to go trouncing through a horrible swamp now did they?
The Asari had stopped next to a large hole in a cliff face that he could have sworn hadn't been there moments ago. Then again, he couldn't see more than 5 meters ahead of himself either. When he stepped out of the foliage near her, she held her hand out towards what he could see now was an entrance to a large tunnel.
"She is through here, I can hear her singing. You are very lucky you know, she has had no other visitors besides myself and two other Asari. Her kind would never be welcome in Citadel space but your kind do not come from there do you?"
Cypher could hear the smile in her voice even though she wore no smile, he nodded, "No, undoubtedly you've heard, we're not from around here so we have none of the usual prejudices you'd expect."
Suddenly the Asari seemed to straighten in an odd, stiff manner. He was reminded of a puppet having its strings pulled. Her eyes opened and he could see they were black as if she was in a meld.
"Your….song, we have not heard it before. You would not have us destroyed?" The voice sounded forced and halting. As if it took a lot of effort to form the words.
"No, we cherish life in all its forms. If you are hostile, we would leave your territory. If you pursued we would quarantine your worlds. There would be no reason to exterminate your race." He felt fairly confident that he could get out if he needed to but he had no reason to be hostile. It was up to them to start shooting if anything.
"Your words are most welcome here. We only wish to sing our song into the void once again." Again, he was struck by the strangeness of the speech.
His musings over the voice from the Asari was cut short however when he saw what was coming up from the tunnel. The Asari seemed to relax and her head rolled forward before she stood back up, her eyes once again normal.
"That was the queen of the last remaining Rachni, she sent her worker to guide us to her." He looked from her to the Rachni who was now waiting at the threshold of the tunnel. The Rachni's two strange antennae (tentacles?) moving slowly with its breath.
"What was that? You can speak for this Rachni queen? Your eyes went black and the way you talked changed." He was a moment away from grabbing his weapon although it was more of an internal commitment rather than overt movement. Neither the Asari nor the Rachni would have guessed.
"Yes, she speaks through me occasionally. It is not a harmful experience, it is pleasant even being joined with her. She has an incredible mind and I'm humbled to be part of it."
"Fair enough, what now?" He knew nothing of the poetic picture she described. He was interested in meeting this Rachni queen and seeing if there was anything the NSSC could do to assist them.
"We wait, she is coming up to the surface to meet us. It is a risk but your people seem sincere in your intentions. You are welcome here."
He nodded before noticing more movement in the tunnel, he was curious as to how a conversation with this Rachni queen would go. He wouldn't have to wait long to find out, he could see a larger shape moving towards him from the depth of the tunnel.
That's all folks! For this chapter at least, more build-up, a bit of political maneuvering and the Council trying to re-establish themselves. Let me know if there's anything any of you would like to see happen in the next chapter. I'm a rank amateur when it comes to writing political stuff and this chapter definitely brought that to light for me so if anyone wants to review or PM me with ideas to improve I'd appreciate it.
On that note, hope I'm keeping you all entertained! *raises glass* Cheers!