Chapter 5: Breaking the Silence
May 1st 2180: Averescu's 1st Heavy Recon Fleet returns to Reach after further mapping solar systems in the Attican Traverse. The expedition is deemed a resounding success and plans are made to establish mining outposts in the most noteworthy systems with metals and Eezo. Passive intelligence gathered on the Council is forwarded to Intelligence Command. Scientific finds give the scientists a field day. The SSV Normandy docks and undergoes further tweaks and improvements based on her maiden voyage run's results and observations; the crew is given shore leave after they are done working on the Normandy. Further antipiracy acts were undertaken by Averescu in the Traverse, mostly against the Batarian pirates; these ship wrecks would later on be found by Council and STG ships.
May 7th 2180: Garrus Vakarian leaves the hospital at Arcturus after being thoroughly treated for the injury sustained. His father wasn't able to uncover anything directly incriminating Pallin and Sparatus during his investigation. While officially on a vacation, Flavian privately investigated his son's claims but had no conclusive leads. He returns to Palaven and hopes for his son's return. Nevertheless, he intends to reveal what he learned so far to some of his trustworthy friends and Palaven Command. Garrus stays on Arcturus for the foreseeable future and learns about the Systems Alliance.
May 10th 2180: The Quarian Heavy Fleet left dry docks after a generous refit at the Heavy Shipyards in the orbit of Reach. Admiral Han'Gerrel reassumes command. The engineer exchange program between the Alliance and the Quarians goes very well.
May 15th 2180: After much consideration, the Migrant Fleet is reorganized into the Quarian Republic with the capital at New Rannoch. Their leadership is reformed into one similar to the Human Systems Alliance, with an elected official representative (president equivalent), a reorganized Conclave acting as a parliament and government. Some Quarians go to Shanxi to assist in building the Alliance colony there as part of the experience exchange program. Shanxi soon grows to accommodate 30,000 colonists. Early military installations are being built.
May 20th 2180: The Citadel Council pulls back most forces from the search operation. Further reports from STG based on the discovery of multiple pirate ships bearing the same MO like the one that appeared in the Widow System prove that somebody is operating in said area, and the implication of artificial intelligence is raised due to the perfect hacking and venting of the ships' air. SPECTRE Tela Vasir is tasked with conducting an investigation into the possibility of a new race or shadow faction responsible for the pirate situation after the attack on Frigate-07. An STG team is assigned to her command.
May 25th 2180: Quarian mining and prospector ships equipped with a hyperspace FTL drive set out in search for resources in regions of the Attican Traverse. New Rannoch receives its first batch of MAC ODPs.
May 30th 2180: The Shanxi Colonial Defense Force is established. It is comprised of 30 corvettes and 3 light frigates as a start. A small unit of Quarian Marines are stationed on Shanxi with Kal'Reegar as the CO. Two Quarian frigates, the QRBV Xuwal and QRBV Vayya, are sent as well to bolster the defense of the colony until the Alliance Navy assembles a small fleet for Shanxi.
June 4th 2180: A Prometheus packer of the Alliance Navy deploys the Shanxi Anchorage in orbit of Shanxi. It acts as a small orbital dock for small ships and as a refuel and resupply post. Meanwhile, with the winter nearing rapidly in Shanxi's northern hemisphere, haste is made to get everything set up before the snowstorms hit.
June 6th 2180: Two Quarian prospector ships refitted with early versions of the hyperspace FTL drive arrive at Shanxi; their purpose is to locate metal and Eezo deposits to mine since the demand on New Rannoch hits an all time high.
Arcturus Station, Quarian Embassy
Rael'Zorah
Following the settling of the Quarians on New Rannoch, the different admirals took up different duties. Zaal'Koris is the de facto leader and voice of the civilian population and a good diplomat. He is the most peaceful of the leaders of his people, but not stupidly pacifist. It was of little expectation to Rael that Koris was elected Representative of the Quarian Republic.
Han'Gerrel is the commanding officer of the Heavy Fleet, the mainstay military arm in space of the former Migrant Fleet and now the newly formed Quarian Republic. He is the Quarian equivalent of Fleet Admiral Steven Hackett. A cunning, somewhat aggressive and intelligent military leader, Gerrel isn't somebody an admiral from Council space would fancy his chances against without multiple assurances in the form of a well fitted and powerful war fleet. Gerrel's freshly refitted Heavy Fleet's duty is to defend New Rannoch. With the additions made by the Alliance at the Reach Heavy Shipyards in the form of Titanium-B battleplate, new electronics and major overhauls, the Heavy Fleet is a force to be reckoned.
Shala'Raan retained her post as Admiral of the Patrol Fleet, the collective of vessels tasked with scouting for different resources and taking mostly policing duties.
Daro'Xen took Rael'Zorah's place as the commander of the Special Projects division when Rael became the ambassador of the Quarians to the Alliance on Arcturus Station.
Rael'Zorah found himself reflecting on the changes in the past months. From the fugitives damned to a slow death among the stars, to a race proudly standing again on its feet with the help of the Systems Alliance. The contact with Rear Admiral Averescu's expedition really proved the salvation of his people. Now his dear daughter Tali could live a better life than the one she would have on the Fleet. But he was concerned about what the future would bring. Rael, like so many other Quarians, wanted to settle on Rannoch and build her child a house there. But now they were pretty far from Rannoch. Even if your homeworld wasn't yours for nearly 300 years, you still loved it.
"What you thinking about?" he heard a familiar voice that startled him for a moment. He took his eyes from the window and the battleship SSV Crimson Spirit that was just passing by, the name of the ship written in white letter over the blue paint of the vessel and the logo of the Systems Alliance just on the left side of the name. He turned to see President Kevin Montgomery slowly walking up to him.
"President Kevin, I was taking in the view of my new… office," Rael said. "And, quite frankly, thinking of what the future will bring…"
"Anything in particular?"
"We won't be able to hide forever. Or we might… I'd be right if I'd presume that you will want to introduce yourselves to the Citadel Council, right?"
"Yes, so we intend. We aren't looking to join them in their current way of thinking if that is what you fear. No… This Council doesn't strike me or my colleagues as serious and… benevolent, your people's previous predicament testimony to that. We will consider joining the Citadel only after the Council actually gets things done the right way, not the 'spoiled child'-ish way. Are you afraid we'd kick you out or something, Ambassador Zorah?" Kevin asked.
"It would be one of the very first… let us say 'laws' that would be forced upon you if you joined the Citadel."
"We are not backstabbing bastards, Rael. We wouldn't go to this length of helping your people just to evict you later on 'cause a triumvirate dictates so. If we join, we join as equals, not as servants. What are the Quarian people planning for the future with New Rannoch now fully colonized?"
"We're looking for further income sources in the form of mineable resources. Our Patrol Fleet and other more specialized vessels are scouting for such deposits. We are also prospecting New Rannoch for them. With many ships fully decommissioned and disassembled for better use, we want to build an orbital shipyard to maintain our fleets on our own. You've already done for us more than we could have ever asked for, President Kevin. We want to become fully independent on the industrial part as well," Rael said.
"You've taught us many things since we met, didn't you? Now we have a better understanding of the Mass Effect technology and of the galaxy at large. Not to mention the new ships you guys are helping build and the projects Daro'Xen and our researchers are concocting together…"
"Well, I would guess you'd like to discuss something more, don't you?"
"You've got me there. The Alliance was thinking of establishing the Arcturus Federation," said Kevin. "It will be mostly a military and political alliance between us, a thing we've already covered in the Arcturus Treaty shortly after first contact. Every party that signs it stands on equal terms. No bullshitting like the Council likes to do. Kind of like NATO of 20th and 21st century, if you've read our history."
"I have. I don't see why we wouldn't formalize our initial treaty into a… Federation as you've put it. To my understanding so far, the parameters haven't changed," Rael answered.
Kevin took in a sharp breath. "The thing is that we'd like the Krogan to join us if possible. Many people in the leadership of the Alliance have expressed their outrage at the treatment they are getting and want to help them."
"What!? President, the Krogan are vicious when it comes to expanding. While I disagree with the current genophage, it is the only thing that stopped them from overrunning the galaxy. If not for it then every planet so far would be in a nuclear winter since they aren't shy of using nuclear weapons on garden worlds," Rael protested.
Kevin gave him a cold glare. "Neither are we, friend. We wouldn't hesitate to bomb a garden world into a nuclear wasteland if the situation calls for it," Kevin said much to the shock of Rael. "But you have to look at this in a different light. Since the… Rebellions, the Council did nothing more than sterilize them. Unless you purposefully didn't mention it to us, no effort was made to change the way of the Krogan to become more civilized and ameliorate their decaying population issue."
Rael had to admit that the Human made a very good point.
"We understand this might be a very long process, but necessary nonetheless, least we be witness to a thousand year old ongoing genocide. We want to make contact with the Krogans of Tuchanka and do our best to aid them. If they really are hopeless… then at least we know we tried our best. We lose nothing if we try and we lose a species if we do nothing. We've gone to long extents to preserve non sentient species on our homeworld. We could try it for a sentient species too."
"You make a good argument. But curing the genophage will bring you much animosity from every Citadel race. Your possible trade treaty with the Elcor could be forfeit and you made it very clear that you want the metals the Elcor are willing to sell," Rael countered with two of the most obvious possible downsides.
"The Citadel can go and stuff their bigoted opinions up their collective butts. The Elcor seem more than a reasonable people, plus they can't afford to deny an agreement that would get their major sector going again. The Hanar and Drell are minding their own business so we have nothing to lose with them, for we won't engage in anything interesting with them. I expect the Volus to make a ruckus at this Hierarchy's behest with the Asari and Salarians. The Batarians …now they are a wildcard. The Alliance has decided: we will try to help the Krogan and gain their loyalty. They make formidable soldiers according to your own words. And in face of a possibly hostile Citadel Council we could use every friend we can make. Because make no mistake, buddy, the Council doesn't strike me as the understanding one yet again. When we will refuse to join them and tell them we helped you they will do their best to isolate us and steal what we have when we aren't looking. This is how I and my colleagues see them – kids on a playground bullying others. And if we are wrong, it is because of you for we rely on intel you provide us."
After pondering a couple moments, Rael extended his hand to President Kevin in acceptance. "I understand your arguments, President. And I agree with the Alliance on this one – we need friends and powerful ones. I will get in touch with my people and present them the Alliance's opinion on the matter. I see little opposition to the formation of the Arcturus Federation with Humans, Quarians and possibly Krogans under its banner."
Reach, Intelligence Command HQ
Director Harper's Office
Director Jack "Illusive Man" Harper was a busy man since he got the post as the head of Alliance Intelligence. His predecessor did good work but he worked with humans only. Harper now has to work and deal with aliens. Harper began as a businessman and still is one, although doing his stuff in the economic branch from the sidelines with the help of loyal managers for his companies.
His life as a big entrepreneur tangled up with some operations of Alliance Intelligence to the point where he joined the organization out of a feeling of patriotism according to his own words. He used his companies to rout out domestic threats to the Alliance and Humanity. From possible insurgents in the colonies, to pirates and their associates, to political figures. He was also responsible for shutting down possible competition to his companies and then integrating the rivals into his own.
Now, with the alliance and good relations that came from the first contact with the Quarian people, there came the need for some changes that needed be made in the intelligence branch. The most notable change was the creation of the Cerberus Division that would be exclusively dedicated to safeguard Humanity from alien threats. And since knowledge is power, and power leads to the prevention or creation of threats, Harper knew that the Alliance would need to keep its cards close to itself and not give up the small advantage it had over the Quarian Republic and the Citadel that was so far unaware of the Alliance's existence.
The door to his office opened and in came Miranda Lawson, one of the top operatives of Alliance Intelligence. A woman very versed in the art of killing and obtaining information.
"Lawson," Harper greeted her from his comfy leather chair.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" Miranda asked in a professional tone. Her black and dark grey uniform with the logo of AIC, a star as the background and globe under the protection of a pair of wings, fitting her well and contrasting with the black hair and white skin.
"Yes, quite so. Please have a seat," he gestured toward a chair similar to his in front of the table. Miranda sat down and relaxed herself. "Miranda Lawson, you've been in the AIC for a good time now, haven't you?"
"Yes. If I remember well, we've worked together on a few operations before your promotion as Director. ASHLAND and MINOTAUR are two names we both know too well," she said with a smile.
Harper smiled in turn at the two names. "Yes. Couldn't have thought of a better name than MINOTAUR for that. We were just like the beast hunting its prey in that crowded city on the colony of Azure. But we're not here to share memories, Lawson. You're here because I've got a job for you," he told her.
"Oh? Something big cooking up for the ET or some idiots playing again with nukes?" Miranda asked.
Jack reached for a drawer mounted in his table and took a sigil in his hand. He handed it to Miranda who studied it but found no correlation to it. It was an orange hexagon with something like two arms flanking it, all in sharp angles and lines.
"This, Operative Lawson, is your new office badge," Jack said.
"What new operation is this?"
"I guess you're familiar with Cerberus and what it stands for in the Greek mythology," Harper said and got a nod. "Good. I'm putting up together a new branch of the AIC, Cerberus Division. And I'm putting you in charge of it. And you'll report directly and only to me."
Miranda kept eyeing the logo and smiled. "Good name. Will make sure it won't disappoint."
"I am not expecting anything less. You're the best one I've got for this, Miranda. Humanity may look for a peaceful and nice coexistence with other life forms that don't originate from Earth, but the truth is that there isn't such thing as peace when it comes to the secret services and intelligence agencies. We're constantly fighting a war in the shadows, always looking to get the upper hand and gather as much on the enemy as possible while safeguarding our own. This is a lesson we've learned all too well when Humanity was split in countries fighting for influence and resources. And I believe that the same principles will apply here.
Cerberus' job will be solely dedicated to combatting foreign covert ops. We know the Salarians have the Special Tasks Group, or STG. The Turians have the Hierarchy Intelligence and the Asari have their Asari Military Intelligence. The most specialized is the STG. Your job will be to keep them out of our yard and keep tabs on other possible threats."
"I understand, sir. What resources do I have?"
"I'm giving you some of the best people I know. You have any resources you ask for, as long as it isn't something stupid or outside my reach. Our small fleet of spy ships will grow a bit as well. You'll get some new shiny toys as soon as they come out of dry dock. But that isn't all of it," Harper said.
"What else have you got on your mind, sir?"
Harper brought out a dossier, old school paper stuff. That meant that it was something the Alliance would never want to get associated with. Information laid on paper in the late 22nd century intelligence agency was like that information didn't exist. Paper can't be hacked and it can be well hidden or destroyed quickly.
"I'm using my own companies to fund a paramilitary group. This stuff is big hush-hush. Not even the President, Hackett, Casiade or Singh know about this. This thing's done through proxies, everything's thought out in such way that the proxy will be a dead end in case someone's onto us."
Miranda's eyebrow jerked up at that. This wasn't something the AIC did on a regular basis.
"On paper, they're private military contractors and freelancers. In reality, they are our muscles in the field when we need to bust shit down. They'll be yours to use when needed. They are the Corsairs," Harper told her. "The way I want to put them in the field is as mercenaries who will fight the rivals on the market. They'll be under an independent captain and an independent ship. One or more ships. Depends on how many I'll get to join in."
"This could have many applications. I like the idea," Miranda said. She was already concocting ideas on how to use them.
"You will need a real soldier with experience on this one. I was thinking of somebody from the 501st Special Marine Regiment, one Zaeed Massani. Veteran of the Insurrection and great soldier. Would make the perfect leader for the Corsairs. But he is unreachable for now, deployed on Shanxi. Try to get him to join and I'll provide you troopers. There's also Kai Leng, vicious one that man."
"Are you sure this is something we can keep under wraps for long? It won't be long until the Alliance picks up on it, smell something isn't right and they could end up causing an incident," Miranda remarked.
"For now we'll keep it under wraps. I'll bring it to the attention of the big boys when the time's right or if necessary. The fewer people know, the better. If the Alliance has no idea what they truly are then it will be easier to deny any involvement with them.
Don't get me wrong here, Lawson. Humanity might have united itself by eliminating the infighting on Earth's nations at first, but now we're stepping onto a very similar podium. This is for the safety of Humanity in the end. Nothing more, nothing less. Do you understand?" he asked her.
"Yes sir, I do."
"Good. Here's the dossier. Go through it. Cerberus files are there too. Don't let me down, Lawson."
Relay's 314 System, STG ship
SPECTRE Tela Vasir
"Are you sure it originated from here?" Vasir asked one of the Salarians.
"Yes, radiation is very consistent here. Also, detecting residue of Eezo based ships traversing the system. Could be the Migrant Fleet, otherwise can't explain why it didn't dissipate so far. I theorize the Migrant Fleet was here recently. One, two or three months ago," the Salarian replied.
After a while of jumping from system to system, Vasir and her STG team traced the strange radiation found at the location of pirate ships to Relay 314's system. They were actually following a faint residue radiation left behind by the usage of hyperspace by Alliance ships, the windows opened into the hyperspace dimension leaked radiation into real space. But the search was one more along the lines of 'jump there and start scanning for the radiation and hope we find omething', it was a luck lottery and nothing more.
"But here we lose trace. We've searched everywhere and arrived to Relay 314. If not for the latest and most modern sensor suite on the ship, we wouldn't have detected the radiation."
"So, the damn suit rats were here… I thought Relay 314 was inactive. Have they opened it?" Vasir asked.
"Negative, Relay is still dormant. Perhaps they found a way to shut Relay down after usage. Perfect disguise to avoid detection," another STG operative muttered.
"I apologize SPECTRE, but we might have hit a dead end here."
Vasir sat in the captain's seat and seemed to be deep in thought. "No, we have not hit a dead end. I bet my money that that cheeky bastard Zorah came up with something and it has to do with Relay 314," she said.
"Are you acquainted with Admiral Rael'Zorah of the Migrant Fleet, SPECTRE?" one asked.
"We came across each other when he was on his pilgrimage. I remember he was looking into ways of controlling the Geth. Tried to arrest him but he always pulled one of his tricks, devices he came up with, and eluded me… Now he won't!" she told them with disgust. "I will contact the Council to send a fleet and bring them to justice."
"I highly doubt that th-" one was about to say when he was cut off by a colleague.
"CONTACT! A ship just appeared 40,000km from the Relay."
"Is Relay 314 active!?"
"No. The ship just appeared on our sensors. Hmm… interesting. Detecting a faint trace of the same radiation near the ship!"
"Do we know what ship it is?"
"Just a moment… profile matches a Quarian ship. Positive, we found them."
"It looks like Vasir's theory might be correct, the Migrant Fleet might be indeed capable of covertly using a Mass Relay."
Every Salarian on the bridge of the STG ship was vigorously tending his post and getting readings on the ship. They were engaged in stealth mode. Meanwhile, Vasir was smiling big time.
'Now that I've found them, all I need is to report them to the Council! Hahaha!' she thought.
"Stay in stealth for as long as necessary and get as much data you can on them! Try to hack their computers if you can!" she ordered. But it wasn't necessary since the ship just disappeared leaving behind the same faint radiation.
Serpent Nebula, Widow System
Citadel, Council Chambers
A few days after discovering one of the Quarian prospector ships on their way to check the location of mineral deposits forwarded by the Alliance, Vasir was reporting to the Council. What actually 'blessed' them in their discovery was the fact that the ship had to drop out of hyperspace due to an overheat of the FTL drive. The Quarian cooling systems weren't able to keep them indefinitely in hyperspace until they reached their destination, thus forcing some of their ships to do multiple jumps. Vasir considered it a blessing from the Goddess. What the victims of the consequences of this finding would call a curse or misfortune, she called it a blessing.
She was now waiting for the Council to summon her, any moment now. They were probably going over her reports. She was resting on a bench and thinking how she would tease Saren with it. The Turian SPECTRE was the Council's favorite for always getting the job done, maybe the best. He wasn't a fan of any species that wasn't on the Council either. But he was somewhere in the Terminus now and Vasir was the woman of the hour.
"SPECTRE, the Council wants to talk to you," a younger Asari told her and invited her into the Council Chambers for a private session.
"Of course."
She got up and immediately made her way inside. There, on the Council's 'podium' stood Sparatus, Tevos and Valern. Vasir made her way forward on the platform of the 'petitioner'.
"Councilors," she greeted them.
"It is good to have you back, SPECTRE," Tevos told her.
"Indeed. And it is most fortunate you were very successful on your mission," Valern stated. "I never thought the Quarians might be able to use a Mass Relay that is dormant. The implications are… quite troublesome."
"These damn Quarians! First they create the Geth and unleash them! Then they attack and destroy ships of the Turian Navy, killing honorable men and women! They undermine the Council at every opportunity they get! Now they dare go into uncharted space through a dormant Relay, huge breach of one of the most important laws we have! Spirits know what horror they could unleash on us!" Sparatus ranted.
"I must say, it is quite a distressing fact that the Migrant Fleet went through a dormant Mass Relay," Tevos admitted.
Vasir knowing this would be their reaction, she pressed on.
"Councilors, as I have stated in my report, the pirate ships the STG came across presented the same pattern: hacked systems, vented atmosphere and the strange and unknown radiation. I believe the Quarians have created AIs to do this professional and precise hacking."
"The STG team assigned to SPECTRE Vasir for this mission proposed that the Migrant Fleet founded a colony as a base of operations past Relay 314," Valern added.
"That's it! They've done it all now. We must put down the Quarians for good!" Sparatus said loudly.
"Don't be rash, Co-"
"It's time to act, Valern! The more we do nothing, the more they have time to rebuild and attack us! It is all clear! The pirate ships might as well have been their lab rats, something to test their… new Ais on! No, I won't wait a moment longer. Either they're preparing to strike at us, either we wait for another Rachni-like species to find them and take their technology and come through Relay 314!" Sparatus said. Vasir was inwardly smiling big time!
"I am sending a fleet to subdue them and contain them," Sparatus nonchalantly told his fellow councilors.
"You are not going to commit genocide, are you, Councilor!?" Tevos asked, sensing what he actually wanted.
"We give them terms: they either submit to our authority, stand down and allow inspection committees to board their ships and check them for Ais, they will be evicted from their colony, disarm their ships and have the Migrant Fleet quarantined in a system indefinitely until this Council deems them not a threat," Sparatus listed. "That… or they get shot at and we enforce our laws and decisions by force when they refuse to listen to our words."
Vasir knew the Quarians would refuse those terms. She was more than convinced of it. To Tevos it seemed rather acceptable considering the massive breaches of Citadel law. Valern wasn't pleased at all on the situation.
"A fleet will activate Relay 314 and go through. Do I have the support of this Council on the matter or not?" Sparatus asked.
"You know that they won't accept, Councilor. It's too extreme. The quarantine of their fleet will not even be considered by the Admiralty Board. I suggest a reevaluation of the terms," Valern pointed out. Both of them turned their attention to Tevos, the one who would decide the outcome of this vote.
"In light of the findings and the threat posed to our security by the Migrant Fleet's latest actions, I admit that we must do something. I support Councilor Sparatus' proposal. But I would deter from hostile actions. They have the largest fleet, after all."
"We have technologically superior vessels, Tevos. They are flying old scrap junk. We can beat their warships with a rather small fleet compared to theirs. A fleet of roughly 500 modern warships should do the job rather well. We have every possible advantage over them when it comes to warships: better range, better rate of fire, better kinetic barriers, better weapons, armor and professional crews. But I still suggest we assemble a second Council fleet ready to intervene."
"Will that be necessary? The Terminus Systems might see this as a possible mobilization against them," Tevos reminded. Vasir fought the urge to roll her eyes, always the damn Terminus excuse.
"If I may, Councilors?" she began and got their attention. "I believe that a Council fleet ready to assist a Turian fleet would show that it is the will of all three species, not just of the Turians, thus the Quarians won't think it's just the Turians seeking some revenge for the incident."
Tevos nodded in approval. "Very reasonable. I second it," she said.
Both of them looked at Valern now who just sighed. "Seeing as I'm already outvoted… I support the idea. I suggest you assign a competent Admiral or General to this operation."
Sparatus smiled, he knew just the man. "I will assign General Desolas Arterius, he will have seniority when it comes to groundside operations or boarding. The army under his command numbers 20,000 strong, more than enough to secure the ships and provide security or assault ground installations."
General Desolas Arterius, older brother of SPECTRE Saren Arterius, was a fine commander and former comrade of Sparatus. The Turian Councilor picked him because he knows they share many ideas. Valern had his suspicions on why Sparatus wanted Desolas as the senior officer, so he countered it.
"In this case, I propose Admiral Kaevus Eudorian. Also a respected Turian commander of ships," the Salarian said. Truth is that Kaevus is one of the cool headed Turians out there who thinks for himself. "How about he leading the Turian fleet?" to which Sparatus nodded.
"And I suggest Atelas Razea as the commanding officer of the Council fleet," Tevos said.
Atelas Razea was a career military Asari. She first joined as a mercenary for a short while before enlisting and becoming a commando. She served with SPECTRE Vasir when she was a commando too in the Terminus Systems in different covert raids on prime targets. Their unit always posed as an Eclipse group, thus the Council and Asari Republics didn't get dragged into it, and caused tensions between Eclipse and other mercenaries and warlords. Later on she would give up the commando armor for a naval uniform and slowly rise through the ranks.
Vasir decided to push her luck further and ask for something.
"Should a SPECTRE be present as well?" she asked. Her inquiry was met with approval from Sparatus and Tevos, SPECTREs being representatives of the Citadel Council and the presence of one in this operation would strengthen the image of a common Council decision.
"Then it shall be done. A Turian fleet and one Council fleet will be assembled. The Turian fleet will go through Relay 314 and the Council fleet will stand in reserve. SPECTRE Vasir, you will be appointed again since you were leading the investigation that came up with this discovery," Tevos said. "I pray to the Goddess that this will be settled peacefully."
Vasir bowed shortly before taking her leave to prepare. She would prepare by meeting an old acquaintance, Jona Sederis, founder of the private military contractor / security organization Eclipse. In reality, they were simply mercenaries, mostly Asari. And they weren't known as the kindest or best 'security contractors' out there. Not that there were any the civilized galaxy was fond of. Other nefarious examples were the Terminus mercenary groups with the Blood Pack in lead. One could never know when a group of mercs at your command can come in handy, especially when your word was law and there was a need for manpower ahead.
Palaven, Cipritine
Flavian Vakarian
Flavian Vakarian, father of Garrus and Solana Vakarian and husband to Caetina Vakarian, was sitting in his home, deep in thought. From the living room's window he was gazing at the silver city of Cipritine, the proud capital of the Hierarchy and of Palaven, the homeworld of the Turians. It was truly a beautiful city, built upon thousands of years of civilization.
"Flavian?" he heard his wife's voice.
"Caetina… what is it?"
She walked close to him and locked eyes with his. His blue eyes reminded her of Garrus'. He got them from his father while Solana had her mother's green.
"Stop worrying, Flavian. Our son is safe. He will come back," she told him.
"I know, my dear. But… I still have this feeling that something's off… I worry about him. He might be a rebel spirit, but he's a Vakarian. To know he's with aliens now…"
"And Quarians, don't forget," Caetina reminded him. Flavian scoffed it. "Oh, don't you tell me you're a racist out of a sudden."
"No, no. No… Do you know what also bothers me to no end?" he asked Caetina who in turn shook her head. "The kind of betrayal and corruption that's running within the Citadel. To know that Pallin, one of my former colleagues, and Sparatus, the Turian Councilor, have gone this far… and I found absolutely nothing when on the Citadel. It seems like every loose end was tied. I cannot accuse them of anything, Caetina. Good Turians died, our son almost died because of this bull. And everything seems like a rather convenient coincidence without solid proof."
"And if you get to talk to Primarch Fedorian about this? Show him what Garrus sent you, for Spirits' sake!"
"Fedorian and the Council of Primarchs can remove Sparatus as Councilor, but not without concrete proof. What I have from Garrus is …is a conspiracy theory in their eyes. I could get Pallin recalled to Palaven for investigation. But nothing more… I spoke to Chellick too, Garrus' partner at C-Sec. Nothing… no lead."
"What about an anonymous tip to STG?"
"I don't know how much the other two Councilors are involved in this. So no. It could compromise everything we could do if they are involved. And if not, Sparatus knows something's up and we lose the element of surprise. Ah… I'm at a loss," he admitted as he sat down.
Caetina towered over him unimpressed. "You've been one of the most promising Turian officers in the military at your age. Then you've been the most successful detective at C-Sec. Now you're an advisor in military and politics to Fedorian and Palaven Command. What happened to you now? Where's your quad, Flavian?"
He looked up at her. "Trying to play the tough Krogan, Caetina?" he asked with amusement. "First, you happened. Then Garrus was born and I left the military for a… 'less hazardous' job at C-Sec, to appease a certain wife that was always worried. Then Solana came into the world and you fell sick. C-Sec pay wasn't cutting it anymore and I got the job offer here at Palaven Command. Now you're getting your treatment as I promised and we've got enough to put aside and entertain our more… extravagant tastes," he reminded her with a warm tone, and thought of Solana at that last part.
Solana had a tendency to spend money on what she found attractive, especially one of the highest quality of face paint one could find in Cipritine. Caetina was one of the fewer and fewer traditional face painters in the Hierarchy, as many Turians were giving their traditional styles for more modern ones. Especially the youth.
Face painting was a great art in the Hierarchy. It originated from the earliest periods of Turian history when individuals painted their clan markings on their faces. Then, as technology progressed from spears to industrialization, the face paint was used to identify one's allegiance to a city or state. The early Turian history was rich in inter city-states wars, thus the architectural tradition to build and maintain the walls of Palaven's cities. When the space age dawned upon the avian species, the face paint showed what colony one belonged to.
Even after the Unification Wars the art was kept alive. And Caetina was making decent money from it. Both males and females would come to her to get a face paint or get the old one 'revitalized' as the colors dulled with the passing of time. And Solana wanted only the best paint for her family's own use. Garrus once complained about the fact that his sister was stocking on paint as if she was preparing for a war if that was ammunition.
"Yeah, well, she'll have to reduce the sum allocated for her extravagancy if she wants to have enough money to start her own saloon after graduating university. Poor girl wanted to be done with her military service as soon as possible for this one. Though it's a shame she's taking those 'contemporary' and 'progressive art' courses…" Caetina said.
"If she wants to have her own business, then she needs to serve a broader public. Today's youth is tomorrow's elders. Today's elders are tomorrow's Spirits…" Flavian pointed out.
"Yeah, yeah, I know where you're getting with this. We're getting sidetracked here. Stop worrying so much, Flavian. Garrus is a young man, he's resourceful and intelligent enough to always prevail. Good thing he got that from me, 'cause if he was a 'by the book' guy, then I'd worry much more than you do."
"Dammit, woman," Flavian chuckled. "I will look into it some more. I'll try to get this to the Primarch's attention. If nothing else, the existence of another space faring species must be addressed."
HWS Widow's Wrath, Bridge
Turian Space, Orbit of Magna
Admiral Kaevus Eudorian of the Turian Hierarchy Navy was supervising the assembly of the fleet from the bridge of his dreadnought, his flagship, the mighty HWS Widow's Wrath. It was one of the dreadnoughts that were built to bolster the Citadel Council's fleets. For this operation issued by the Council itself, the ship was pulled from the Council numbers since Fedorian refused to dedicate any dreadnought that wasn't drafted into the Council fleets. He did however give them frigates, cruisers and the controversial pocket-dreadnoughts.
The Turians have 37 dreadnoughts as of 2180, and an additional 4 in liaison yo the Council fleets. A dreadnought required vast amounts of resources to be built and serviced. In regards to this issue, as well as to circumnavigate the Treaty of Farixen, the Hierarchy built in the last century nearly 100 of these pocket-dreadnoughts. At 800 meters, they are barely small enough not to be catalogued as a dreadnought. And their main armament is a force to be reckoned with in known space. Not as powerful as a 1,000+ meter warship, but intimidating enough.
The two fleets that are supposed to bring the Quarians 'back into the fold' were forming in the orbit of the Turian colony of Magna, the nearest major population and supply center to Relay 314. Kaevus, aside from his dreadnought, had 6 pocket-dreadnoughts complemented by supporting cruisers and frigates. There were a few troop transports with General Desolas' soldiers.
The Citadel fleet was falling into formation 200,000 km from his ship. With the Asari dreadnought ARS Athame's Peace as their flagship and under the command of Atelas Razea, one more Asari dreadnought and one Salarian dreadnought, and supporting cruisers and frigates of the Asari Republics, Salarian Union, even a few from the Vol Protectorate, the Council fleet meant business. In between, STG ships were buzzing around.
One thing Kaevus didn't particularly enjoy was the presence of Tela Vasir in his fleet. Once, he considered her a good and honorable SPECTRE. But as he progressed through the ranks, he heard more and more about her, even had access to a few select files since he was an Admiral in service of the Council fleets. And so Kaevus' opinion of the otherwise esteemed SPECTRE plummeted, hitting an all-time low after the Eezo incident with the Migrant Fleet and the Elcor. He even suspected her of employing the services of shady figures to get the job done.
"Admiral Kaevus, this is Admiral Atelas. We're ready to depart, fully supplied and well rested. What's your status?" came the Asari's voice through the speakers.
The Turian hit a button to reply. "Kaevus here, my ships are good to go. Let me check on Desolas," he told her. He turned to the communications officers and asked him to get Desolas on the line.
"I'm patching General Arterius of the Tumaren to your channel, sir."
The screen split and showed Desolas reading reports on one side and Atelas on the other.
"General Arterius, what's your status? Are your ships ready to depart?" Kaevus asked.
Desolas lowered his omnitool first. "Yes, I was just going over our stocks. We packed extra, just in case. My 20,000 soldiers are eager for action."
"Let us hope there won't be need of any action, General. If we're all set, then let's set a course for Relay 314. Admiral Kaevus, we'll be right behind you."
"May the Spirits be with us and see this through peacefully."
All three senior officers nodded and closed the conversation. With an order given, Kaevus took the lead and was followed by Atelas' forces. The trip would take at least two days. Relay 314 and Shanxi would soon become the hotspot of the galaxy.
Earth, Brussels, June 30th
Systems Alliance Parliament
It was a busy day in the Palace of the Parliament on the 30th of June, 2180. Historians say it was one of the most important days regarding Humanity's place in the wider galaxy; and not just Humanity but the whole of civilized galaxy, since the Terminus' fate was one unavoidable due to greed and revenge either way.
The great conference hall was filled with both members of the Parliament, Government and the Armed Forces. In one booth was President Kevin Montgomery. The reporters were absent and any non-authorized personnel. Aides were present as well. A large holographic projector was mounted to the right side of the speaker's podium with microphones.
Jack Harper wasn't a man to arrive earlier than ten minutes to a meeting, however important. He was one of the people attending it, thus he saw no need to ever come earlier than 10 minutes. Even better when he was the speaker and main figure for the meeting.
He entered the large conference hall with Miranda in tow and a few other officers of Alliance Intelligence. The "Illusive Man", as dubbed due to how well he covered his tracks when he was an operative and businessman – to this day there are very few who now that Harper is the operative known as The Illusive Man, maybe also because he takes subtle steps to give the impression that TIM is an active operative and not the Director, was in black clothes. Black pants, white shirt, black office shoes and a black jacket with the zipper open. Not the most professional of him, but he didn't give a damn about what others thought of that. He was the head of Alliance Intelligence Command, not some bull eating figure in the 'wow biz'.
Miranda took a seat in the front rows reserved to the AIC. Harper took the small podium and waited for silence to settle. It didn't take more than a few seconds after he turned on the projector.
"Good day, ladies and gentlemen. I'm Jack Harper, Director of Alliance Intelligence," he introduced himself to those who didn't know. "Now, some of you have been briefed extensively and know what I'll talk about here," and he focused his gaze on the HIGHCOM members which included Fleet Admiral Steven Hackett, General of the Army Vlad Singh and Marshal of the Marine Corps Ney Casiade.
"We spent a fair amount of time preparing for contact with the wider galaxy, since we met the Quarians. Now that we're closing on that line that stands between us and anonymity, the AIC has put together an analysis of the other species. The intel was based on what the Quarias provided us and on what Rear Admiral Averescu managed to gather during his expedition. To be more precise, it was the Normandy and the Desert Fox that were tasked with data gathering. I will not go a lot into details, so I'll try to give you the presentation in a shorter tone. The details will be forwarded to you in a few minutes, please keep your terminals open," he said and everybody checked the computers installed in the desks.
The projector showed a rendition of the Citadel as a start.
"This right here is the space station known as the Citadel," Harper said and gestured with his hand. "It is a 44 kilometer long structure supposedly built by the Protheans with whom we're a bit accustomed with from Mars. They died and they left behind vestiges of their civilization, the Mass Relays and the Citadel being considered their most important legacy by the Citadel associates.
I want to stress the fact that the AIC and the archeological community find it a bit suspicious that, for a galaxy that's been around for more than 10 billion years, there's no ancient species. Or if there is, then we and the Citadel don't know about them yet. All archeological finds throughout the galaxy are credited to be of Prothean origin. More on that in the detailed reports," he said and put the whole room on thoughts.
"Returning to my original topic. The Citadel houses a dozen species. It is the seat of government of the Citadel Council and the capital of what is known as Citadel Space. Apparently, the whole network of Mass Relays leads to the Citadel. Whoever controls this station may as well control the greatest choke point in the galaxy.
The Council is an organization tasked with administrating civilized space, a governing body for the aliens out there. It is formed of the three dominant species. There are also several client races who hold embassies on the Citadel and submit to the Council's authority," Harper stated.
"What do you mean by 'submit to the Council's authority', Director? Is this feudalism in space?" somebody asked.
"Yes and no. The client races must follow a set of rules to be allowed an embassy there. And an embassy means membership to these guys, membership means certain obligation and benefits. It doesn't work like embassies as we know them," Harper clarified.
"So, if we want to open an embassy there to keep in touch with them we should first submit? I remember very well we were in agreement we wouldn't submit to this government after we met the Migrant Fleet," a woman pointed out.
"I'm aware we're not joining them since this would be the equivalent of putting a tight leash on your own neck," Harper reiterated.
"Perhaps a better wording would be 'opening a diplomatic post'," Goyle added.
"Exactly. This way, if we want to open an embassy there we won't be mistaken for wanting to become a client race. I will come back to the membership part at the finale. Back to what I was saying, the Council is formed of three dominant races," Harper resumed his presentation and brought an image of an Asari. This gave pause to everybody who didn't know about them so far, at least in physical appearance.
"Originating from the planet called Thessia, in the Athena Nebula, the Asari are a monogendered species that resemble blue human females with a sort of scale-like skin and head fringes, or tentacles, instead of hair. I know the resemblance might have some of you thinking if we are related and I think that we are not. According to data provided by our allies, Thessia has an atmosphere almost exactly like Earth. This combined with evolutional needs and circumstances could have shaped them like this.
They are a race inherently biotic due to the fact that their homeworld is rich in Eezo. Actually, most of the planet's fauna presents biotic capabilities. Another curious thing is that they can join minds with any individual of any species with a compatible nervous system and share knowledge faster. This phenomenon also known as 'melding' is used to reproduce. They can reproduce with any intelligent species, the offspring always being an Asari. And they tend to live for roughly 1,000 years.
As for their standing in the galaxy, they are the first species of the Citadel to achieve spaceflight. They discovered the Citadel when exploring the Relays and settled it. They would later on form the Council with the Salarians. The Asari Republics are a true, to the core democracy. They're also the greatest economic power in the galaxy and most advanced technologically. Do keep in mind that I'm referring to Mass Effect based tech here.
They tend to be peaceful and diplomatic. Their military is very small in numbers, but is deadly enough. They don't employ a mainstay armed force, but use commando squads who consist of highly trained biotics and shooters. In open combat they would be crushed by the Alliance, but they fight like guerillas. Good to us that asymmetric warfare is something we are very experienced in. They aren't as strong as a regular human, but they can compensate with biotics. They tend to be faster though. The Asari don't subjugate through force, but through patience. They spread their culture to newly discovered species and buy as much as possible from said race before they join the Citadel and have their markets protected by certain laws. They use economy, culture and time to spread their influence and will."
Harper took a long drink from the glass of water he had at his disposal.
"Next we have the Salarians. Natives of Sur'Kesh, they are a reptilian/amphibian species. They are short lived, with a lifespan or circa 40 years. Their field of expertise is science and technology and espionage. The Salarian Union firmly believes that a war must be won before it starts, thus they strike first anyone deemed an active threat. They have a seat on the Council and are the second species to arrive at the Citadel. Their espionage and covert ops branch is very big but it is their only big advantage. I've taken steps to make sure no Salarian spies enter our territory or leave with anything useful."
The screen changed again to show the Turians.
"The third member of the Council is the Turian Hierarchy. Originating from Palaven in the Apien Crest, the avian-like species is a military powerhouse in Council space. They pride themselves as being the main military force of the galaxy and are highly militaristic. In case of war, they are the ones that would give us the most trouble. Individually, we can win a war against any Council species, but collectively they'd be too much.
Our greatest weapon lies in the secrecy of the location of our colonies and our superior FTL technology. Another major advantage we have is that the Council hasn't fought a war in a very long time and they tend to be very soft in conducting warfare. We on the other hand don't have to hold back. A blitzkrieg could cripple their infrastructure and military installations. Shock and awe, human brutality, these are something we can use to strike fear into their souls should the need ever arise. The only times they ever showed tendencies of ruthlessness was during the Rachni War where they were actually saved by the Krogans, not themselves. And there's t the Krogan Rebellions where some combatants on the Council's side threw the notions of morality out the window because the Krogans had none of these to begin with. But times have changed.
Many Turians are racist when it comes to the Quarian people and the Krogan. They earned their seat on the Council after putting an end to the Krogan Rebellions through genocide. The Turians and Salarians are two of our three neighbors. The Hierarchy is a meritocracy, as the name suggests, and is lead by the Council of Primarchs. The Primarchs are the leaders of their planets. The Primarch of Palaven is the senior Primarch and his word can override the others'. The Volus are a client race to the Turians."
"These are the three Council species and the ones we'd be dealing with the most. The other species will be included in the more detailed presentation you have received by now.
The client races of the Citadel are as follows: the Elcor of the Courts of Dekuuna, the Hanar and Drell of the Illuminated Primacy, the Volus of the Vol Protectorate and the Batarians of the Batarian Hegemony. The species not affiliated to the Citadel are the Krogan, Vorcha, Geth and Quarians."
"Now, the Batarians. They are trouble. Big trouble. They practice slavery and-" Harper started the exposition of them when many gasped and shouted with anger.
"Does this Council condone slavery?"
"They call themselves a civilized galactic government while one of their members practices SLAVERY!?"
"We are NOT negotiating with scum like that!"
Harper had to raise his hands to calm down the angry officials.
"Please, allow me to explain," he spoke again. "I'm not condoning such a criminal act either. They're based on a caste system, with the higher levels allowed to hold slaves, even their own species. Pirates raid fringe colonies of Citadel space or attack stations and ships and take slaves to be sold to the Hegemony. The only reasons the Council condones such behavior is because the Batarians claim that it is their cultural heritage and because they hold in check certain powers in the Terminus Systems, a lawless and extremely dangerous and volatile region of the galaxy."
"It is our heritage TO CRUSH SLAVERY!" somebody shouted and attracted amused reactions from many.
To be fair, slavery was still present on Earth in the early 21st century. It wasn't visible to everybody and it was masked as cheap labor, but it was still present when corporations were exploiting everything and destroying the planet for the sake of profit – money that would have NEVER saved our good Earth if we kept the destabilization driven by capitalist and imperialist greed. The world didn't know about America's and China's slave empires in Africa where locals and children were forced to work for almost nothing in return, with other work opportunities there absent or eliminated by the companies that took a hold of the regions. And this trend was killed after the revolutions that changed the world in 2020.
Harper resumed his exposition. "They are our third neighbor. I have taken steps in the AIC to combat this threat of pirates and proxy agents the Hegemony uses. As long as they don't know the locations of our worlds, we are safe. But we will work to crush them. I'm not stepping down from my position as Director of Alliance Intelligence until I secure Humanity a better place in the galaxy. And these pirates are in the way."
Hackett glared at him from his seat with suspicion but didn't make a fuss about it. No, Hackett suddenly received a priority call on his service number from the Navy. He picked the call.
"Steven Hackett here."
"Fleet Admiral, we have dire news. A ship just arrived from Shanxi, part of the Shanxi Colonial Defense Force. Shanxi's under siege by an alien fleet. The Captain mentioned a Turian and Citadel Council," the woman on the other end said.
"WHAT!?" Hackett cried as he stood up. The whole room turned to face him. Just then, Harper's phone started to blip red from the support where it was rested on. Harper answered and listened to a report.
"When? Tell me everything!" Hackett demanded.
"Roughly 36 hours ago the Shanxi Mass Relay became active. Not long after, the communications were jammed by something. The communications thought it was due to the Relay and that it would pass. A corvette was sent through to investigate what was on the other side but didn't report back. Instead, a fleet of 500 warships came through and demanded immediate surrender of the Quarians and of the Alliance to the authority of one Desolas Arterius of the Turian Hierarchy and the Citadel Council. The defense fleet was engaged in battle by the Turians and a light frigate made a break for it to warn us since comms were down. It took a hit and was forced to perform a blind jump to escape alive, repair their FTL drive and then jump to the colony of Atmos. We just got word. They lost a lot of time performing emergency repairs. Fiery Night Contingency has been enacted on Shanxi. The Hackett-Anderson Protocol has been fully enforced."
"Thank you. Declare immediately Noisy Neighbor Contingency Alliance-wide," Hackett replied. "And get me every Goddamn bit of info we have on the situation."
He hung up and prepared to leave. "Singh, Casiade, you're with me. Come on," he told the other two. By now, the civilians were asking themselves what was happening and why the conference was cut so short by Hackett. Harper had already left with his adjutants in a big hurry.
"Fleet Admiral, what's going on?" President Montgomery asked.
"Sir, we've lost contact with Shanxi and we've just got word that an alien force is laying siege to the colony. Please meet with us at the HIGHCOM meeting in the bunker in a few minutes," he answered him and left in a hurry.
Kevin Montgomery was frozen for a moment. He digested the information and recomposed himself. He stood up and took the speaker's podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry we have to cut this meeting so short but a very important matter has arisen that's of the utmost importance. Admiral Hackett has convened an emergency HIGHCOM meeting and I must attend. This meeting is adjourned. I'd like to ask the Parliament to not leave the building since we'll reconvene a meeting as soon as possible. Thank you," he shortly said before leaving and heading for the secure bunker reserved for emergencies and such meetings of importance.
Arcturus Station, Quarian District, June 30th
Fireteam Immortal, Tali, Garrus
Not very long after Arcturus welcomed its first Quarians, a small district dedicated to the former nomads sprung to life on the station. One could find anything there, from shops selling bits of technology, antiques or other products, to one restaurant, to residential buildings. The Citadel credit used by the Quarians was accepted by the Humans and vice-versa, the Alliance credit being accepted as payment by the Quarians. The newcomers compared Arcturus Station with the Citadel in this regard, just two species instead of a dozen.
It was in this district that Garrus was staying, in a small apartment owned by the Alliance, accommodations courtesy of the Quarians who had some furniture better suited for Turian physiology. They wanted him to feel like a guest. But the guest knew they probably had dozens of spying devices in his apartment, and that was true. Courtesy of Jack Harper, head of AIC. He didn't necessarily know where the bugs and cameras were.
The Turian was sitting on a sofa and pondering on how he ended up there. And what would come. Garrus was woken from his thoughts when the doorbell rang. 'Please tell me it ain't again one of those assistants,' he said to himself. So, when he opened the door, he was surprised to see Shepard's familiar face accompanied by Tali and a few others.
"Hello there, Garrus! How are you doing?" Shepard asked.
"Ah, doing very good. If good means being pestered by those aides and then participating in meetings with officials to prepare for a meeting with the Council," he answered with some sarcasm thrown there. "But please, do come in."
The group entered the apartment and gazed around.
"Garrus, you know Tali here," Shepard gestured towards the young Quarian and got a nod. "Well, please meet my team, the ones who helped me get you out of there. This big guy here's Warrant Officer James Vega. The deadly sniper loving lady is Chief Warrant Officer Ashley Williams."
"I'm a sniper guy too. I'd like to test my skills against yours, Chief," Garrus threw the glove for a competition. And Ashley picked it up.
"I'd love too, Garrus. Maybe these days while we're on leave. But please, do call me Ashley since you're not an Alliance soldier, so no need to be formal," she answered.
"Alright. When I get a day off from the meetings I'd like to."
Shepard cleared his throat and moved on. "This here's Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko."
"Nice to meet you Garrus," Kaidan offered a hand shake which the Turian accepted with a "Likewise."
"The other two girls are Sergeant Major Edi, our AI friend, and Sergeant Major Alex Wyatt, resident bone breaker," Shepard introduced them.
"Bone breaker?" Garrus inquired.
"Believe me, I have more ideas on how to break something than I have fingers," Alex clarified.
"Ehm… Alright. Remind me never to mess with her. So, what are you guys doing here?"
"As I said, we're on leave and thought to go out. And wanted to see how you were doing. Are you up for going out?" Shepard asked.
"Sure, I'm getting bored sitting around here," he replied.
"Anyone knows a place where they serve both Human and ET food and drinks?" James asked.
"I know this newly opened restaurant where they serve dextro and levo food. It's run by Quarians and Humans. Galaxy Lounge I think they call it," Tali suggested.
"Alright, sounds good to me."
"Yeah, I'd like to eat something."
"According to their Internet page, they serve recharger drinks for AIs too."
X-X-X-X-X
The group made its way there and were greeted by a Human waitress who seated them at a large table. The restaurant looked exactly like any other known restaurant in Alliance space when it came to the basic stuff. But the furniture was a bit different. There were Quarian motifs decorating the walls complemented by Human ones. They had to bring a seat better specialized for Turians who found the regular seats rather uncomfortable. There were a few TVs running playing music videos.
"Nice place," Alex commented.
"Indeed. Tali, where did your people find so many Turian stools?" Garrus asked.
"The Migrant Fleet had more than a few old Turian ships. The furniture came with the ship. And we kept them to use for different things. Several survived and were brought here at my father's request," she answered.
"Your father's?" Ashley asked.
"Rael'Zorah, he is now the ambassador of the Quarian Republic to the Alliance. When he found out about Garrus he wanted to make sure he had some commodities since it was clear he'd stay a while here."
"Why didn't I know this sooner? I met him a few times in those interviews. Would have thanked him."
"I'll pass the word along," Tali offered.
The waitress came to their table with a pen and a small notebook. "Have you thought about what you want to order?" she asked them with a smile.
"So, what would you guys have to eat?" Kaidan asked.
"Good ole' steak," James answered. "Gotta get my meat. And for drink… I don't know, I'll let you decide for me."
"Doesn't sound bad. I think I'll have the same," the Lieutenant said.
"Standard recharger drink for me," Edi said.
"I'd like the New Rannoch fruits cake and water," Tali ordered.
"Wait, you're jumping directly for desert?" Ash asked her.
"I feel like eating something sweet."
"I'd like the same as Tali here," Garrus informed the waitress. He didn't know much about what they served here so he thought a cake wouldn't be bad. Especially one from fruits that grew on New Rannoch. The Quarian people were fast to capitalize on that one.
"I missed the taste of some Italian pasta with Bolognese sauce, so I'll have that one, please. And pancakes for desert," were Alex's preferences.
Shepard opened the holographic menu and had a quick look over the burgers section. And a smile crossed his face.
"A big New York burger menu, please," he ordered.
"OH! They have burgers? Me too, please!" Ashley said with excitement.
"Alright. Your food will be ready in circa 30 minutes," the waitress informed before going to drop the order.
"Tali, wait… how will you eat? I thought you people needed sterile environments for that or an… 'emergency induction port'" Garrus pointed out.
"Is that a fancy word for a straw?" Alex asked and caused a wave of laughs.
"You won't let that go, will you, Alex?" asked Tali. "No, Garrus. We received this from the Alliance. Something our scientists and theirs cooked up as a temporary immunity booster. And it's very good too," the engineer says and showcases a pill in protective tinfoil. "If we take this, we're good for 8 hours of exposure to the surrounding without contracting something. And now that you reminded me…" she proceeds to take the pill.
Everybody was staring at her when she took her mask off. "What?"
"You… You're really beautiful…" were Alex's words. Leave it to her to say anything without shame or whatsoever.
"Ehm… thank you…" Tali shyly says.
"So that's how you people look like under those masks… Shepard, you don't look surprised at all."
"Ah, I'm the highest ranking Marine aboard the Normandy and in charge of the Marines. It's my job to go through the crew's files and I saw a picture of Tali here provided by her father for her file," he explained.
"That makes sense."
"I must confess, the Alliance ships are simply amazing. You could lose yourself for days trying to understand how everything works on them. And the Normandy is a beauty," Tali geek said.
This piqued Edi's interest who fell with the Quarian into a technical discussion, she being the ship's assigned AI had to know about the vessel she was flying on.
"Look at them, they're so cute when they are like this," Alex said.
"Yeah. It still amazes me how they spent 5 hours one day talking about different systems… So, Garrus, how's your planet like?" James asked.
"Ah, Palaven. I guess I can tell you, shouldn't be classified information to you and I highly doubt the guys that are following us will apprehend anyone for it."
"Wait. Guys following us?" James asked.
Garrus nodded. "Don't look now, but they've been onto us for a while. I think they're from… what do you call it… Alliance Intelligence? They should be seated on the other side of the restaurant."
And true to his words, there were two men that looked rather casual sitting on the opposite side of the restaurant, drinking a low alcohol beer.
"How did you know?" Ashley asked.
"I was a detective at Citadel Security. It's my job to know. And these guys look like rookies to me if I was able to notice them. A good agent would be next to impossible to spot. I'm telling you, if they order anything soft after their drinks, then they're definitely tasked with keeping an eye on me. I'm still a foreigner, a possible threat."
What Garrus didn't know is that others would take the job from here on. The two agents were staying for a healthy meal and wouldn't leave anytime soon. There were two others waiting to follow Garrus and company when they came out of the restaurant. AIC wasn't a bunch of fools. The rookies were purposefully assigned for the first part to let him know they were keeping an eye on him. Paranoia is the reason you lock your door at night or when nobody's home, such is the way of intelligence and secret services.
"Good eyes and training you have," Shepard said.
"Yeah, this eyepiece tends to help sometimes. So, Palaven. It's a beautiful planet. I didn't see much of it to be honest. I was born and grew up in Cipritine, the capital. If I could access the extranet I'd show you a lot, but you only have my word to go by. Others describe it as a silver world of silver cities. I have a family there."
"Other siblings?"
"A sister, Solana is her name. She's still attending university. My mother's a traditional face painter and my father is a military and political advisor at Palaven Command. It might have helped me to inherit my detective skills from my father who used to work a long time at C-Sec. Detective Vakarian… What about you?"
"I have a mother, Commander and XO on the SSV Einstein. Father used to be a Marine. He was honorably discharged after sustaining heavy injuries in the Insurrection," Shepard said.
"I lived in California, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful place there. Mom died when I was in my teen years. My father became a drug addict shortly after, fucking asshole he was. My uncle Emilio was more of a father figure to me than that bastard. He was the one to suggest me to join the Alliance Marines and here I am, N7 with the Immortals!" and he fist bumps with his teammates.
"I think I've had it the easiest so far. Regular family, many sisters. Nothing extraordinary. And a family with military tradition," Ashley says.
"Nothing special for me either…" Kaidan said. "Family is of Ukrainian origin and lived in Canada for quite a few generations."
"I have two sisters as some of you know. I ran away from home with Faye and Nikki when I was 14. Mum and dad were two drunkards. Had enough of them so I took them with me to Uncle Pauly, mum's younger brother who raised us. He was the best! Taught how to use both my wit and muscle. And saying stooge," Alex said.
"Sounds like he was a great guy," Shepard says.
"He was. Right until he passed away from cancer."
"… I'm sorry for your loss, Alex."
"Don't be. He died with a smile on his face. Shame he didn't find out about it up until it was way too late. 'Twas eight years ago anyway."
"And you've been… wait, that means, one, two… you were eighteen at the time."
"Old enough to look after me sisters and house. Wasn't easy but we had some friends that lived with us and I had a steady job. As a pizza delivery girl. That was until I joined the Alliance where the pay was better and I got to see bits of the galaxy. I'm telling you, every time we step on a starship it's …I don't have words for it. To gaze from an observation deck into the vastness… Yeah, and then I could afford to send all my money to my sisters since the Alliance took care of my needs. Now, rolling with the best! I think I'll go visit them after we leave from Arcturus."
"Here's our food," James says as the waitress brings them the dishes and they immediately start eating telling various stories. More like Garrus telling stories since he was the most interesting one here.
Right as they were nearing the end of their meals, the TVs changed from the music channels to show the President preparing a speech in the Palace of the Parliament. A caption said in white over a red font 'WAR!'.
"The hell?" reacted Ashley.
"Fellow citizens of the Alliance, Quarian friends and members of the Parliament. On June 28th Standard Earth Calendar, the Human Systems Alliance and the Quarian Republic came under deliberate and unprovoked attack from another alien civilization…"
"There goes our leave out the window," complained Alex.
AN: Greetings! And thank you for reading the latest chapter! I hope you enjoyed it and that you will leave me your opinions on it in the reviews or through PMs :D The next chapter we see Shanxi! Feel free to ask questions as well. I'll provide answers to the best of my abilities.
NOTE1: I may edit this chapter a bit since I'm still undecided. I will point out in the foreword of the next two chapters which sections of Ch 5 were edited.
NOTE2: The Shanxi related events happened in June 28, 29 and 30. We'll go a bit back in time to present them and we'll catch up with the President's speech.
A STORY BROUGHT TO YOU BY Apollonir
CONSULTANT FOR OCs & BETA FEEDBACK: VRGL1337