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Espacole and Spork

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While the Geth stood at the top of the stairs, mechanically straight-backed and comfortable, the Quarian and Commander took a seat together on top of an ancient, inactive machine of some kind and Pyrrha leaned against the ancient, rugged railing overlooking the lower area of the room. Miranda, though, left them, heading down into that lower area and looking around at the old Quarian machines and architecture with a detached, ambivalent sort of interest. While she did, the Quarian Marine, Reegar, trailed along behind her, watching her every step like a hawk, ready to come down on her at the slightest deviance.

Which seemed to amuse the woman - which made Pyrrha wonder if that might have been the point of it. One less Quarian to argue with…

"So." Pyrrha started, ignoring the pessimistic paranoia and clapping her hands together to draw all eyes to her. "Who would like to begin, then?"

"As we are the ones who have been aggressed upon, would it not be logical for us to start?"

"Oh, Keelah, you really think you're the victims here, don't you?"

"We are the owners of this planet." Goliath stated simply, "You invaded. Is this not aggression?"

"We-"

"Goliath, the Quarians believe this to be a part of their homeland." Pyrrha stepped in, pushing off the railing and waving off the Quarian who deflated when Shepard laid a hand on her forearm. Which seemed enough to calm her down and quiet her, for the moment at least, and Pyrrha was more than grateful for the Commander's help. "So, from their point of view, you are the aggressor in all of this."

"But that is not…" Goliath's flanges flicked, and it nodded, slowly. Then, after another moment, "Very well. We apologize for our phrasing. However, even in contested regions, they would have been the ones aggressing by CItadel law. We believe the term to be 'line infiltration'. Which is classified by treaties to which the Migrant Fleet has signed as 'aggressive militant maneuvering'."

"Just…" Shepard squeezed the Quarian's hand and she sighed, running her fingers over her mask and eventually waving the machine on with a flippant gesture. "Fine. You start. It doesn't really matter, I suppose."

"Very well." Goliath said, "In the interest of cooperation and understand, we would ask to know what your objective on Haestrom was."

"And if I can't say?"

"Then we will move on." Goliath answered, "However, your answer could alter our perspective. If, for instance, you wished to recover cultural items of note which you found out were present on Haestrom, we may be willing to facilitate this."

"Wait, you'd…" Tali looked up, suddenly, eyeing the machine for a long moment and then murmuring. "You'd let us take what we want?"

"To an extent, yes." Goliath nodded, turning and pacing over to an ancient terminal beside Pyrrha, who leaned back to make space. Gesturing to it, the machine explained, "For instance, there are four hundred thousand eight hundred and twenty two of these ancient Quarian data-generators. If you desired samples of these, there would be no loose even if they were damaged or destroyed in transport."

"But you'd be against something rarer?" Shepard asked, "Because of its… Archeological value?"

"Indeed." Goliath answered, turning back to the two of them and, after a second of hesitation, backing up a step, closer to the wall, and angling to face Pyrrha more comfortably as well. "Rarer items risk destruction in extraction, transport and final delivery. Our objective is preservation. This would run counter to such preservation."

"We…" Pyrrha could see the Quarian think for a long moment, balling and unballing her fist, then tugging at the cloth around her mask and eyeing the two Geth anxiously. Finally, she said, "We… Came for samples of Geth construction. For study. That and a study of the sun."

"You came to study our construction, and collect units for experimentation, then." Goliath rumbled lowly, "You were preparing to wage war on us?"

"That, if it came to it, yes. But also…" Tali shrugged, "Also, the Civilian Fleet Admiral hoped we could find some insight into colonization techniques. That, and Geth technology can sell quite well, so if it wasn't useful it could support the Fleet financially."

"Acknowledged. Processing." Goliath rumbled, falling silent for a long moment before it said. "We will compile data on Geth architectural techniques. We will also provide examples of Geth 'civilian' implements, such as cutting tools and plating-applicators."

"Wait, really?" Tali blinked, luminous eyes flashing a few times, "Why?"

"We have been informed that, contrary to our logic, the Migrant Fleet, in fact, considers itself at war with us." Goliath answered, "It is our hope that this will go some length to facilitating a more… Neutral position, in future."

"I… See." Tali murmured, shooting Shepard a look that Pyrrha took to be disbelieving. Turning back, she said, "I can't speak for the Admiralty Board."

"We acknowledge this." Goliath rumbled, "Consider it a 'show of good faith'. And reparations, for your casualties here."

"I… Appreciate that."

"Acknowledged." Goliath rumbled, "Now, you mentioned that you were ordered to collect solar data?"

"Yes." Tali nodded, "My father asked me to gather data on it. Only a century ago, this radiation wasn't a problem. And we can't see any reason for a sun to get so… Sick, I suppose."

"The anomaly began approximately sixty-two years ago, and coincided with an experimental Geth prototype's destruction in the system." Goliath explained simply, moving back across the room and to the console the two women were sitting on.

Working at a terminal at the end, just beside the anxious Quarian whose hand had fallen to her gun, the Geth projected information onto the wall of screens. On it was an image of a large ship, surrounded by dozens of smaller ones. It was bulky and sturdy looking, with engines as big as what Pyrrha realized were corvettes, and fitted with a…

"Is that a Relay-spinner?" Miranda asked quietly, finally drawing the Cerberus operative back up the ramp to eye the ship curiously. "Fitted onto some kind of… Dreadnought?"

"It was dreadnought sized, but not a warship." Goliath explained, bringing up a long list of its features, overlaid over the design and highlighting its sections. "As you can see, it was meant as a factory-ship and a server-farm. A mobile platform, to maintain and collect as many Geth as possible in direct unity. It would also have made it possible for us to transition from a terrestially locked race to a mobile, space-borne one, relying on planets only for as much raw resource as could not be sourced from planetary bodies - which is a small list, we are certain you are aware."

"Now wait just a damn minute." Reegar, of all people, suddenly barked as he stepped into the room, pushing past Legion and drawing Goliath's gaze back around to focus on him. Pointing a long finger at the machine, he snapped, "You took our homeworld, all our worlds, and now you want to just… Move out? Like it's nothin'?"

"We fought for our survival." Goliath argued, "Not to occupy planetary bodies. This mode of existence would have been more convenient for us, and so-"

"Convenient?!" Reegar snapped, hands tightening on his rifle. "You think this is convenient?"

"Indeed." Goliath murmured, flanges flicking in confusion. "We fought for our existence, not occupation, Creator Reegar. This would be a natural advancement of that existence. That is all."

"Just a damn coincidence, then." Reegar growled, "And I suppose you spittin' in our faces is, too?"

"We meant no offence." Goliath argued quietly, confusedly cocking its head to the side. "Why are you irate, Marine-Creator Kal'Reegar?"

"Why am I irate?!" He shouted, "You fucking tin-plated-"

"Commander Reegar!" Tali shouted, suddenly surging forward and grasping the man by the front of his suit, shoving her visor into his with an audible 'click'. He heaved for breath but held her gaze until she shoved him away and growled, "You need air, Marine."

"I… But, Ma'am, the Geth-"

"Are still outnumbered." She snapped, turning away from him, "Catch your breath and come back when you've cooled off."

"...Yes, Ma'am." He nodded, backing away when she let him go. He flicked each of them a look, lingering on Pyrrha long enough for her to realize she'd drawn her sword, and then turned on a heel and stormed out of the room while Miranda watched him, eyes narrow and curious.

"We do not understand his sudden agitation." Goliath murmured as the Quarian leaned against the railing, as far away from Legion, who had come closer to Pyrrha when the Quarian started shouting, and letting the Commander come to join her. "Why was he so aggressive?"

"Keelah, these machines…"

"I know, Tali." Shepard sighed, "Just take a breath."

When it was clear Miranda wouldn't offer any help, Pyrrha sighed and returned her sword to her waist. Turning, she explained, "The Quarians have… Not had as good a time, being purely space-based. Whether it was intended or not, your ancestors- Or, well, um, you, I suppose, actually, you put them in that situation. And now, to hear you want to replicate it for yourselves?"

"It's… Upsetting." Tali offered, "Insulting."

"We apologize."

"Just…" Tali sighed, leaning against Shepard's side. "Just go on. What were you saying?"

"Our prototype Relay-Capable-Ship was destroyed when an anomalous energy reading within the code super-structure caused a systemic error, resulting in an overload and the implosion of the vessel." Goliath said, "We are unaware of the cause of the issue - we copied the data directly from Rannoch's Relay. Regardless, the anomalous behavior of Haestrom's solar body began shortly afterwards."

"The Reapers built and programmed the Relays." Shepard offered, "It's possible that they installed some kind of… Fail-safe, to prevent exactly what you did."

"This is a logical assumption." Goliath nodded, flanges flicking. "At the time, we, as others had done, had assumed that the Protheans created them. Your point is a good one, Shepard-Commander."

"Uh, thanks?"

"You are most welcome." Goliath answered, "And we thank you in turn - little processing power had been directed to the incident itself in recent decades, instead focusing on the solar anomalies it seemingly caused."

"Sometimes, you just need another set of eyes on a problem." Pyrrha offered, smiling, "Geth do not age, so if you need fresh eyes…"

"A Human idiom." Goliath murmured, "And an accurate one, Friend Pyrrha."

"Friend Pyrrha…?"

"Observations and processing of Legion's data have demonstrated that another, non-Geth, synthetic in your company addresses you as such." It offered, "Do you dislike this adjustment?"

"No, not, it was just…" She shrugged, flicking the Quarian a look as she turned to her, watching her closely. "Took me off guard. Think nothing of it."

"Acknowledged."

"Regardless," Shepard pressed on, "Tali's superiors could take a look at that data, too. See if they can find something that you may have overlooked, or not thought to look into."

"It would serve as a good exercise in cooperation." Pyrrha offered hopefully, "And open communications between the Migrant Fleet and the Consensus. And go towards opposing the Reapers, as well, which is a thing of import to all of us."

"Agreed - the Old Machines are a threat to all life, synthetic or otherwise." Legion said, addressing Goliath with a simple. "We will allow this exchange of data."

"We are reaching consensus."

"Consensus should be a simple matter." Legion countered, "This exchange of data is a necessary step to reconciliation, if it is possible, with the Creators. And perhaps beyond. The potentiality is too great to possibly refrain from attempting this experiment."

"Without peace," Pyrrha offered, "there can only be war. And when the Reapers come, we will all be stacked, head to foot, within the same graves. The same pyre-ash, washed away in the same waves."

"More poetry?" Miranda scoffed, "Now?"

"It's point is valid." She said, "If we all keep fighting, we gain nothing, and risk everything, against a force that will kill us all regardless of whether we shoot at each other or not. Please, Geth. You have to do this, all of you, or… Or you will all be destroyed, soon enough."

"We… Accept this rationale, and its conclusion." Goliath answered, finally, gesturing to the other Geth with a hand and then to the Quarian. "Your logic is undeniable. And, as such, we will grant access to this data. As well as provide communication codes and rendezvous coordinates for ships to study Haestrom, if your Admirals so wish."

"Oh, Xen will love that…" Tali sighed.

"Tali, Xen will probably be the only Admiral you don't need to argue into this." Shepard pointed out, chuckling quietly, "And her people?"

"Will be allowed to leave, unharmed, with their dead." Goliath answered, "It will take some time, however, before their ship is repaired."

"What happened to my ship?!"

"A plasma-infused mass accelerator round through the primary engine, which disabled the vessel." Goliath answered simply, "There were no casualties. And we will repair and replace the damaged components to enable transport."

"Great, wonderful…" Tali sighed, "The Fleet will adore that."

"Tali…"

"Fine, fine, fine." Tali sighed, batting away the Commander's hand and turning to the Geth. "How long will that take?"

"Five hours." It answered quietly, "We expect you will wish to depart quickly. As such, we are bringing down a Geth transport whose engines we will repurpose and install. It is an older model, utilising basic ionic engines which largely match what your craft already possessed."

"That… Would be appreciated." Tali nodded, turning to the Commander and asking, "Are you alright to wait? I need to send word, and I want to at least see my team off."

"The Board will okay you coming with me?"

"Ideally…"

"We will make you a designated representative to the Consensus." Legion offered quickly, "We will act as a representative from it. As such, we must be together in order to facilitate the exchange of information and dialogue. As we are accompanying Shepard-Commander on her mission against the Collectors, they will be required to accept your absence."

"That… Should work, actually." The Quarian hummed, "I'm technically on assignment under Xen. She'd green-light my assignment without hesitation to get this to work."

"Then arrangements will be made." Goliath rumbled, "As quickly as is possible."

"Alright."

"That is very clever, Legion." Pyrrha smiled, "Excellent work."

"Thank you, Pyrrha." Legion answered, bobbing their head smoothly. "We are happy to have been of service."

Pyrrha smiled and watched the two Geth turn, communicating to each other silently while Shepard and Tali stepped away into a more private corner. When the Commander's hand came towards the Quarian's throat, she turned away, flushing a bit.

"Managing this was rather impressive, you know." She turned as Miranda came to join her, leaning against the railing and stretching back in a way that sent heat creeping up Pyrrha's neck even more before she looked away and chuckled awkwardly.

"I-Is it?"

"You've managed to put the longest war for centuries on a path to peace, Nikos." She chuckled, coking her head to the side and smirking knowingly. She flicked a look up and down her, smile widening, and went on, "Of course it's impressive. And it's not the only thing about you that's… Impressive."

"O-Oh?"

"Mhm." Miranda smiled, turning and stalking away, "We'll talk later."

Pyrrha watched her go, cotton-mouthed and confused. Before she could think about it, though, Shepard called out, "Nikos, we're heading back. Coming?"

"Yes, Commander." She nodded, turning to follow behind them all as Miranda took the lead.

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"And how did it go?"

"Well, Sir." Miranda reported, sitting at her desk with her arms crossed and her ankle resting on her knee. "The Quarians are acting as icy as is to be expected, but the Geth are being… Patient, with them. More so than anyone, even you, anticipated."

"Nikos and Polendina's influence on the platform you collected, no doubt." The Illusive Man answered, voice muted through her terminal speakers. "Regardless, having them working together and preparing for the Reaper threat can only be advantageous. The best engineers in the galaxy working alongside the only truly tireless workforce in the galaxy? When push comes, they'll out-produce every single one of the Citadel races. And most others, too."

"Agreed." She said, if only because she expected he wanted her to say something.

"Mhm." The man hummed, "And your other idea?"

"Nikos' interests are hard to read." She said, "But she seems easy to fluster. Shepard's relationship displays ruffled her feathers, so I played a few of my less direct cards. Which also seemed to affect her."

"She can be swayed, then?"

"I would think so." Miranda nodded, "But she seems the more conservative type, in those departments. If I push too hard, too fast, she'll either be putty in my hands, or a brick wall that won't ever come down. For short term infiltration, that's a gamble worth taking. But with her…"

"Slow and steady, then." He answered, "And only if you're as certain as possible it will work. Having her on side is the most important thing, more than having her genetic code broken down. Or any of our other pipeline ideas."

"Understood, Sir." She nodded, "Will that be all?"

"Almost." He answered, "Tell me more about the Quarian and the Commander's relationship. I had understood she hadn't been with anyone, prior to now…"

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The Right Price :

He directly states at one point that she had been modified to be powered by food, iirc. This was a measure to circumvent the power issue of a Dust powered person suddenly not having access to any - and a more convenient way than 'now you have a charging cable'.

Burning White Rose :

Thanks!

Dusel :

This was mentioned, which is why that scene exists - I'm reworking a few other chapters to add more, later on. For now, they're kind of focused on the Collectors tho, lol. BUt, as implied by other things, this fic is planned to last long.

Sebine :

Indeed!

Helljumper :

Before or after Xen's tech-induced orgasm comes down? Lol.

Chimp Thrown Out a Plane :

That is either rather unfortunate, or fortunate, depending on perspective.

Rosey Nomad :

Yeah it's unfortunate. Regardless, dedicated basically all of this chapter to her dealing with the Geth. She will make more and more appearances going forward for… Likely obvious reasons, lol.