Mass Effect: The Iron Heart of Man

by Apollonir

[AU] The Illusive Man said that salvation comes with a cost. When corruption seeps into the galaxy, when centuries of status quo suddenly breaks in a mere decade, when blood's spilled among the stars like never before, when extinction looms over civilization, when morality is merely a shade... salvation can only come with sacrifice. [AU First Contact War & Reaper War; GRAPHIC]

31. Still Secrets Remain II

Chapter 31: Still Secrets Remain II

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Citadel, Kithoi Ward

Hierarchy Naval Base Arx

"This is a Spirits damned mess!" Oraka cursed. He stood at the entrance to the docks. The entrance guards were by his side, armed with their Phaeston assault rifles and aimed at the C-SEC officers.

The entrance was wide enough to allow large vehicles through, with three barriers acting as security layers. It connects to large warehouses and to the primary highway of the Kithoi Ward. Given as a concession to the Hierarchy during the Krogan Rebellions, nowadays it acts as the military center of the Citadel Defense Fleet. Its few docks were used for maintenance of frigates and light cruisers only. More recently, it became the de facto (but not de jure) center for Citadel interspecies military coordination on the strategic level. General Septimus Oraka continued to develop the Citadel's joint forces readiness, implement and test strategies and oversee test of new upgrades. Just as Primarch Fedorian ordered.

Now all of it stands by a cliff. The rock is shaking under their feet. According to the treaty which covers Naval Base Arx, the military installation falls under Hierarchy administration. C-SEC could not enter the area and dispense justice like usual. They had to notify the base's security detachment and present proof if they wanted to take someone in. The security detachment would take that person in and escort the C-SEC agents within the base. It happened very rarely. Now, Oraka observed, hundreds of constables were here at the entrance. One was leading them.

They were here to demand that the soldiers stay in the barracks while they take in Hierarchy Intelligence agents for questioning. But the way they were going about it? Oraka did not like it one bit. Alarms rang out in his head. He remembered all the incidents that involved Hierarchy Intelligence agents, C-SEC and a mysterious band of Salarian drug traffickers. Of course, as events unfolded, Oraka was briefed by the Intelligence agents on the Citadel to the ongoing events. Primarch Fedorian wanted him appraised of the situation.

Oraka hated the internal crisis of the Hierarchy. How it had come to it, he was given an outrageous explanation about brain washing and the sort. And Fedorian ordered him to stand ready to arrest Councilor Sparatus in the coming days. The Primarch was waiting for something. And the events unfolding now on Taetrus, in the colonial capital of Vallum, might just be what Fedorian was waiting for.

"He won't listen, General," one of the entrance guards informed Oraka. "He even had the present constables disembark their cars and approach the gate with weapons at the ready." True to his words, there were plenty of armed officers behind the closest constable. They were ready for a small war by the looks of it.

"I am General Septimus Oraka, commanding officer of Naval Base Arx!" he called out to the C-SEC officer that was chosen for dialogue. "What do you want?"

"General," the Turian constable in blue armor greeted him. "We are here to take in Hierarchy Intelligence agents for questioning. There have been multiple incidents where the involvement of this organization was discovered. Citadel Security would like to interview them extensively. We want to finish the investigation of what is going on."

Oraka did not buy it. "And for that you require hundreds of armed constables?" he questioned. "Somehow… I fail to make sense of your logic."

"It is what Executor Pallin thought necessary. We request that the garrison be disarmed and stay in the barracks for the duration of the investigation," he relayed the orders he received. Oraka felt like the request was more of a demand. "This is to ensure the interviews go smoothly, least somebody too revolted does something harmful. Maybe a friend of an agent here."

'Disgusting!' Oraka thought. He did not really want to believe what was going on between the factions lead by Fedorian and Sparatus. It did seem like what Intelligence told him was being played out before his eyes. Pallin is strongly suspected as a lackey of Sparatus and his main enforcer on the Citadel.

"And how is this compliant with the legal procedures, officer?" Oraka inquired. He was taking none of the shit. "Better again, you are just a worker for the Executor. Why am I not talking to him directly? Was he that busy that C-SEC forgot to send at least a notification directly to me, as commander of Naval Base Arx?" The questions remained unanswered. An awkward silence settled over the scene. "I see. Put me on a direct line with Executor Pallin, officer. Or you can all get back in your vehicles and clear the entrance. We are busy here and you are holding the traffic."

The constable shifted for a second under the Hierarchy's senior officer's tirade. "Of course, sir! Please give me a few minutes," he requested and walked to the skycars.

Oraka turned his back to the entrance and walked inside the perimeter of the base. An officer that was in charge of the guards by the entrance met him. "Sir, I have notified the garrison. The men and women on guard duty are ready. The garrison troops are mobilizing."

Oraka made an approving head gesture. "Good. I want everybody to be ready. Prepare one of the hover tanks to block the main entrance," his right hand directed to the gate where he had the dialogue with the C-SEC officer, "but keep it out of sight until I say so. I don't want anybody shooting at anyone. The last thing the Hierarchy wants is an incident. We only fire back in self defense."

"Understood, sir!" he saluted and scurried away to do as instructed.

Oraka turned his eyes to the entrance gate. If it had not been for the advance warning by Intelligence they would not have had sufficient personnel at the entrance to contest C-SEC forcing their way in. In fact, they came close and even attempted to enter the perimeter. They gambled on the guards not firing on C-SEC and they were right. The guards did refrain from shooting for as long as possible. Until a platoon showed up and forced the C-SEC constables back to a safe distance at gunpoint and under the threat of arrest for trespassing. If an attempt at arrest was made… well, Oraka had no doubt that shots would have been fired.

'This is reeking!' he thought. 'Like a bloated corpse left to drift in a river many days under extreme heat.'

"General, the C-SEC officer is approaching with a radio in his hand," one of the gate guards informs him.

Oraka walks to the first barrier and accepts the radio from the constable. The Turian in C-SEC blues looked frustrated and a bit upset, but did not say anything about it. Instead, a simple "Here you go, General," was said as the radio changed hands.

"Executor Venari Pallin," Oraka steeled his voice, "what in the Spirits' name are you trying to do?"

He waited for a response. "General, this is for an ongoing investigation. Hierarchy Intelligence agents have participated in the gunfights in the lower wards. We have DNA proof from a shooting site. Citadel Security wants to interview every agent stationed at Naval Base Arx."

He wasn't sure what to make of the way Pallin relayed his message. He did not hear regret or remorse in the Executor's voice. Nor was there any humility. Just a plain, neutral tone. Oraka could play this stupid game. He's had to deal with Citadel races for most of his career. He was used to this. "And the legal proceedings? Why did I have to suddenly wake up with what looks like at least one hundred C-SEC constables at the main entrance to the military facility?" he demanded with level tone. He didn't want to sound antagonize Pallin too soon.

"This operation has been agreed with the Citadel Council and any legal proceedings should be sent to the Hierarchy. You should have already been notified," Pallin said, to which Oraka simply listened. His voice was still neutral. In fact, the longer Pallin talk to him, the more his voice feels strained and stressed. "Also, the possibility of the agents leaving the station if forewarned was too great. We want to conclude the investigation, General. We don't want to be chasing them across Hierarchy space and enter extradition negotiations. C-SEC has already taken in four Intelligence agents from their apartments on the station. Also, there are five hundred constables outside Naval Base Arx."

Oraka made a gesture that told the officer to wait. He walked with the radio in hand to the third barrier. From here, he had a clear look to the docks of the base. And he could easily see two C-SEC frigates move into the inbound and outbound lanes to the base's docks.

"You have already blocked the docks with two of your frigates, Executor. A ship could not depart without the great risk of a shipping accident this close to the station," Oraka voiced his observation. "Do not take me for a fool, Executor," he warned Pallin as he began the short, slow walk to the first barrier where the C-SEC officer stood. "Listen here, Executor. There is a special document that's been in effect since the Krogan Rebellions on how to deal with the staff of the base that violate the law. There are procedures to follow. No Citadel Security officer will set foot past the entrance without the right documents. Any person that is not authorized to enter will be arrested. Any person found within the base's perimeter without authorization that tries to resist arrest can be dealt with by using lethal force," he made it clear to Pallin, all the while locking eyes with the Turian constable in front of him. "There are five thousand Naval Infantry troop garrisoned here. Breaking the law will lead you to a blood bath. Do I make myself clear, Executor?"

There was a pause until the Executor returned a simple answer. "You will have those documents, General. And very soon."

"Good. Oh, and Executor? I hope you are prepared to face the consequences of what you are doing."

Oraka handed the radio back to the Turian constable. He explicitly did not specify what he was doing. Just that Pallin will pay for what he was doing, in a broader sense. He wanted to subtly tell Pallin that people knew things.

"Same goes for you, officer. Until the legal proceedings have been followed, no Citadel Security employee, or anyone else for that matter, can set foot past this checkpoint."

This was going to be a mess if Pallin and Sparatus wanted to escalate things. Oraka will play the time game. He will delay as long as possible every response, to the maximum time allocated in the treaty. He hopes that whatever Fedorian is planning, he will pull it out soon. It was a good decision to send out the Blackwatch platoon as soon as he was notified of C-SEC coming here. The same Blackwatch platoon that Fleet Admiral Irix Coronati gave him for, it seems, exactly what was happening now.

"Inform Palaven Command of what is going on here," he ordered one of his aides. "I am sure they know, but it's better to be safe than sorry."

---

Citadel, Presidium

Elcor & Volus Embassy

"I did not expect for… events take this sudden a turn," Din Korlack, the Volus ambassador to the Citadel confessed.

"Concerned. It is very unusual," ambassador Talin of the Courts of Dekuuna added from Korlack's right.

The Volus was seated in a very short chair of Volus making. Talin rested his feet on what was effectively an oversized pillow. Images from what was dubbed the "Vallum Massacre" in the press were playing on the display before them. The whole thing had been orchestrated by Sparatus with guidance from Tevos in a bid to undermine Fedorian and create the context to depose him as Primarch of Palaven.

"Inquisitive. Primarch Fedorian released anything conclusive?" Talin asked.

Korlack loudly breathed in, as his species does when using the environmental suits. "The commander of the soldiers who fired on the crowd was immediately arrested." He paused for a breath. "Councilor Sparatus accuses the Primarch of brutal suppression of the- manifestation. Taetrus population is dividing more and more. Council sympathizers are accusing Fedorian of setting up the massacre to scare them. Turian supremacists and the- self entitled patriots are supportive of Fedorian. Large crowds have taken to the streets and violence between them occurred. Law enforcement is unable to contain them. Colony of Taetrus is rapidly destabilizing. Ambassador Quentius- confirmed the Primarch is mobilizing one Palavani legion and one Taetrian legion to be dispatched to Vallum to restore order. Unconfirmed reports of additional shootings between the extremists are yet to be clarified."

"Suspicious. I believe Councilor Tevos has a hand in this," Talin voiced his thoughts. "Unusual for Councilor Sparatus. Dubious timing. All Asari press focuses on the issue."

"You are very unlike your predecessor, Ambassador," Korlack stated after which he took another long, loud breath. "Very suspicious of the Council."

"Does it surprise you. After everything they did to my people." Talin abandoned the custom of adding the intent, or tone, behind his words. Elcor voices are devoid of any indication if they are saying something as a joke, as a question, as statement, or as a threat. No indication whatsoever to someone who is not an Elcor. They sound like robots more than living beings.

"Too much paranoia can be detrimental, is what I am meaning. However," the Volus official paused, "I can see where you are coming from. The changes we're seeing are, indeed, very concerning."

Their eyes were still glued to the screen. A sequence of the local forces trying to disperse the crowd during the ill fated "popular manifestation" in Vallum. Talin shifted in his spot for a moment before leaving Korlack alone in front of the screen. "Threat of civil war on one of the oldest Turian colonies is too great. The Council is again meddling where it should not. I am confident that this is all another scheme. Like the eezo incident was, with the Quarians and the Turians."

"War is not good for business. The Hierarchy is equipping itself- for war. Primarch Fedorian has made major changes to the budget of this year," Korlack confessed. "He is ordering new dreadnoughts to be build, much in advance of the previous plan agreed on after the peace with the Humans and Quarians."

"The Council has left the Courts of Dekuuna out of the meetings on military matters," Talin noted, referring to the meetings the Citadel races held to discuss a sustainable military build up.

The Systems Alliance left a strong impression on them to consider it. However, Talin could not help but recognize the folly of the conclusions. The Asari Republics and Salarian Union pushed for a long term program. The Hierarchy wanted them to build up sooner, but they refused, citing the usual reasons. Even though he's a trained diplomat and not a warrior, he recognizes the only viable strategy the Citadel has against the Alliance in the near future – a huge rush, mass offensive with force reconnaissance to locate their planets and strategic centers. Taking into account the recent events on the galactic stage, any sane person in Citadel space would move those time tables ahead by quite a margin.

"You struck an economic deal with the Humans before the peace negotiations were over, despite the Council embargo," Korlack reminded him before drawing breath. "And you've allowed Cyber Spark to open an office on Xirin Station."

Xirin Station is the primary trade hub of Dekuuna. Members of other species cannot spend time on Dekuuna due to the planet's gravity equivalent of 4G. In fact, they avoid setting foot on the planet. To address this issue, and to make commerce more accessible to aliens, the Elcor established Xirin Station as their homeworld's primary star port. Many corporations can be found on the station.

The newest addition is Cyber Spark, the leading Human corporation in artificial intelligence. They had opened an office after successful negotiations with the Courts of Dekuuna for joint development and production of high end virtual intelligence solutions. The majority of the employees are Human, with a sizeable Quarian employee minority. Of course, the Council was quick to condemn the Elcor and issued an embargo for the VIs too. Ambassador Talin had responded by focusing their exports to the Fledgling States and domestic use if nobody in Citadel space were to buy.

"With indignation! It was the best course of action for my people," Talin made sure to inform him of his attitude right now.

Korlack's eyes lingered on the TV. Some of the hardcore members of both sides had taken out their firearms to the streets. The situation in Vallum, to cite the Humans, had gone to shit. "I am not chastising you, Ambassador," he was quick to clarify any misconception that might have carried over. "Ambassadors Quentius and Jath'Amon initiated the legal procedures-," he paused once more to breathe, "to impose sanctions on the Asari Republics for the discoveries they presented in the public session. It is unprecedented- for another Council member state and a client race to do such a thing."

"Mildly satisfied, I cannot say I am feeling sorry for Councilor Tevos," Talin added.

"Consider this, Ambassador," Korlack prompted him to pay attention. "First of, there was the conflict in the Skyllian Verge between- the Alliance and the Hegemony. The result was an Attican Traverse- ripe for more secure colonization with Torfan gone. But the Primarch has committed- ships to the area to maintain peace and enforce the revised Verge Treaty between the Citadel and the Alliance, tying down a not insignificant number of Turian warships."

Talin looked expectantly at Korlack to continue. So far, he was not saying anything new. The Volus continued. "This also leads to tense relations between all individual parties. Then, the Alliance- attacks Illium. If you had not noticed, the Citadel credit went down significantly after the raid. And many other organizations start to- question the Citadel as a whole. Irune is always monitoring- galactic commerce, in as much detail as possible. Analysts have observed increased flow- of money between Terminus organizations who are known enemies of the Citadel."

"Factor in the latest moves – the Hierarchy and the Hegemony are enacting procedures for penalties on the Republics-," he was now listing them, "the Asari diplomatic mission to the Alliance was arrested-, extensive proof against the Republics has been made public. Just consider- how that makes the whole Council look like to other factions. The Humans have severely undermined the Asari influence- in the galaxy, with the arrest of Irissa as the hit of grace."

Din Korlack took a break to catch his breath after the burst of words. "Irune confirms that Terminus forces are investing in armaments-. Hierarchy Intelligence confirms shipments of weapons and munitions to Batarian, Krogan and a few Asari warlords. There is still- the issue of Primarch Fedorian issuing the construction- of 5 more dreadnoughts over the night. And his policies in the economic sector has taken away significant Volus influence from Turian finances. And we all know how the STG likes its pre-emptive strikes. Against who? I'm not sure if they strike at the Turians first, or against the Terminus and coagulate their resolve even more! Do you see what has me concerned, Ambassador Talin?"

The Elcor paused for a second. He turned to focus on his Volus colleague. "Concerned. Is the Vol Protectorate saying that the Turian Hierarchy is preparing for armed conflict?"

It would make sense from their point of view, with the available information. Volus management of Turian finances was a guarantee from the Hierarchy, a guarantee and a sign of trust. This way, it was the defense the Volus had if their protectors were to turn on them and the galaxy. The economic crisis they could unleash would lead to major shortages of supplies in Turian space. Volus research indicates that it could lead to the Hierarchy imploding. Fedorian taking a hold more and more of the financial reigns triggered alarms among Irune's leaders.

"Not just the Hierarchy," Korlack spoke up. "The Terminus is making moves as well. The Fledgling States are gearing up as well," and another of his loud breath, "rattled by the Human-Quarian raid on Illium. Fedorian has advised Volus shipping routes be- redirected due to sudden changes of Radara's warship patrols and growing presence by the Fledgling States – Asari border."

"I cannot help but observe how the entire galaxy is preparing to explode," Talin noted. "Our only intelligence comes from limited sources we have, and from Alliance Intelligence." Din Korlack threw a long and expecting look to Talin. "They have every interest to keep the trade agreements going with us. I know for certain they have at least one ship in the vicinity of the Crescent Nebula. We have been told to increase our military readiness along our borders," Talin clarified.

Korlack looked again at Talin after he so quickly admitted to the foreign aid. "If you are trying to make me feel better, Ambassador- then you are failing."

"Curious. What do you propose then?" Talin inquired. "The Vol Protectorate and the Courts of Dekuuna are small polities compared to the Republics, Union, Hierarchy, Hegemony and the Alliance. We do not have sufficient influence or power. We must turn to help. My people have been severely wronged by the Council and I have seen what they would do to us. The Alliance's interests coincide with our own."

"What I propose is to unite our efforts," Korlack said. "As you said, we are small. Individually, that is. But together we can hold weight in the political arena. The times are not what we are used to. By the looks of it, everybody is out for everybody," he explained. "The Asari are out for the Humans, Batarians and the Turians. The Humans are after the Asari. The Batarians are after everything that can give them an advantage, and with a vengeance after the Asari. The Turians are at each other's throats, as well as hounding for the Republics. The Salarians still suspect Primarch Fedorian is preparing to invade Council space."

"Neither of us wants this to escalate into conflict between the Citadel and the Terminus, or between the Citadel and the Alliance, or even worse – between Council species," Korlack continued. "Irune is moving in to block as many payments the Terminus is making for armaments as we can. If we can delay them from attacking anyone, then we will do so."

"How do you see the Courts of Dekuuna involved?" Talin inquired.

"I will pledge for an early relief of sanctions imposed by the Council since the affair of eezo deposits shared with the Quarians. I am confident that Primarch Fedorian will support the initiative. Whether the Council agrees or not, we will resume purchasing heavy metals from you immediately."

Talin pondered a second his colleague's proposal. "It does not have anything to do with Fedorian's plan to suddenly build new dreadnoughts, does it?"

Currently, the Alliance was trading eezo for humongous amounts of heavy metals. Talin was surprised when he was told by Goyle and the Human economic experts the amounts they wished to buy. He thought they'd drop the tonnage for each shipment down steadily. He was wrong. In fact, it had been growing slowly. The amounts they stockpiled during the Council embargo had already been sold off in only three months. Large convoys escorted by warships delivered eezo and left with their bays full of metals.

If the Volus wanted to ignore the embargo and start buying, the Elcor would have to reduce the amounts they're selling to the Humans to accommodate the change. Talin considered the possibility of the Alliance using all the materials they've been buying to increase their military power with new hardware and infrastructure. They could not sell their products to the Fledgling States or through Illium. They have to go through Asari space for that. And their freighters would be stopped and their cargo confiscated by the Asari border control. Although the free trade policy was respected, they would stop to check what somebody is ferrying. Especially if that somebody is a government under embargo.

Korlack breathed in sharply. "I would be a hypocrite to answer with a simple 'no' to your question," he admitted. "It is certainly extra motivation. And the fact that the Vol Protectorate begins an expansion of its naval forces. Moreover, we will help your economy recover with investments, 0% interest."

"Again, how do you see us involved? So far I've heard economic proposals," Talin insisted.

"Within Citadel affairs, we will support each other," Korlack offered. "We will both benefit from our decisions. We will leverage what we have to gain better terms with the Council. And, soon, have at least a common representative on the Council." Talin had newfound respect for his colleague with the latest objective he mentioned. "After that, we will push for the other one to also be granted a permanent Council seat."

"Sarcastic. Any other grand ambitions, Ambassador?" Talin tried humor. A shame he was hardwired with the monotone voice for these moments. But in rest? He could lie to no end in negotiations. Only specialized software could pick up his body language and inform his interlocutor if he was genuine or acting.

"I am not joking!" Was it frustration he heard in Korlack's voice? "We leave the current situation continue, this galaxy will not go anywhere. In fact, it could very well end if only one big enough mistake is made. We have to put a stop to this madness."

"Curious. Have you considered if we have sufficient time to put a stop to it?" Talin questioned. "We have seen the political games play out for so long. The changes you propose before me, while I wholeheartedly agree with you, are not something we can bring in the near future. It will take years just to convince people to support us. Primarch Fedorian is one Primarch, of only one state. While important, his support alone is not sufficient. And I highly doubt it will take long for shots to be fired at the current rate. A planet is already devastated. Unless you are willing to use the current political climate, while the pressure is on the Asari, for concessions…" Talin trailed off, leaving Korlack to deduce what he was leaving unvoiced.

"No!" the Volus exclaimed. "Irune is not willing to take that risk."

The Volus would not turn away from the Hierarchy in this scandal. They will support the sanctions against the Asari after the scandal. If war truly comes to the galaxy in the immediate future, the Volus wanted to be on friendly terms with the Turians. They were, in fact, within Turian borders and traditionally trusted Turian military prowess to defend them. Though Volus military forces are no laughing matter, with a segment of their population dedicated to manning war machines and protecting their people, the Hierarchy is their strongest defense.

Irune reasoned that it is best to stay on Fedorian's good side. They will weaken the Asari Republics standing both in the economic sector and in their political standing. Their standing was still crashing down with public opinion. Their press was hard at work to turn public opinion. Matriarchs all around the Republics were rallying their followers. Still, the damage was done. And it was significant. A planet lost, backdoor dealings with the 'scum of the galaxy' revealed, finance of terrorism and whatnot. Irissa's arrest was the cherry on top.

If peace was maintained, they could force the Asari councilor to vote positively for at least a joint seat. While the economic Goliath of the galaxy, the Republics got used to high living standards and very good prices. If the Courts of Dekuuna, Vol Protectorate, Turian Hierarchy and the Batarian Hegemony impose sanctions, then the economy of the Republics will take a turn for the worse. The only other states that will not impose sanctions are the Salarian Union, the Illuminated Primacy, and Illium. They would not be able to export as much. Prices will go up, income will start to drop, the population's buying power will decrease, and expenses will increase. They could justify a decades long punishment with the latest revelations.

Sure, they could turn to outsourcing even more towards the Fledgling States and other independent entities. That would help a bit. But it is the Citadel races who're the biggest buyer. When the people ask the other races 'why?', they will just point their fingers at Tevos and the Republics leadership as a whole. Anger and frustration build up quickly. Large scale unrest would threaten the Republics.

"I hope this will be the beginning of a new age for the Citadel," Talin's monotone voice cut through the sounds of the TV that was still open. "I will bring this up with the Elders on Dekuuna, though I doubt they will answer negatively."

Goliath, for all his might, can be brought down easily if one has favorable conditions, knows what to do and is motivated enough.

---

Epsilon Eridani, Reach

Planetary capital city of Bastion, AIC HQ

Atelas was escorted deeper into the huge building. She forgot how many levels she went both up and down. She did not see a single window since the main welcome area at the ground floor. The walls, left and right, were decorated with wall paintings mostly. They looked very thick. Had she been lead into a bunker? The vehicle they used to bring her here had no windows she could look out of. She didn't even know what planet she was on.

And, all the way, she was under the careful watch of multiple bodyguards that were there to protect her. Barely anyone had actually seen her face. Her guards had her wear Human specific female clothes, a scarf covering her head. She also thought these bodyguards were much more capable than they seem. If she said that their job was to both protect and neutralize her if she tried anything dangerous, then she would be spot on.

"We are here," the Human male to her right said. She looked at him. She had to lift her chin to be able to look him in the eyes. She observed that her frame was barely above the average Human female. The average male was a bit taller than her. The more she lived among them, the more she learned about them.

They came to a halt in front of a pretty massive door. Not massive in size, but she judged it thick and heavy. A small desk was by the side of the door, a woman operating a computer on it. "He was expecting you," the woman glanced their way.

The leader of her escort nodded and went first through the door. "Follow me," he instructed her and she followed.

She stopped after the first two steps into the room. It looked… extravagant. Large windows were covered by cream-colored curtains to light up the room and also contain the excessive light. The walls were painted a pleasant white. A library occupied the wall to her right. In its center was a small table of wood, flanked by armchairs that matched the color of the wood. The left wall had a large display that was inactive. She noticed a holographic projector under the display. The walls were decorated with paintings of Humans and landscapes. The flag of the Human Systems Alliance, among other flags, was planted in indoor flag holders behind the primary desk. And behind that massive desk sat a man in an extravagant looking chair.

"Ah, you have finally arrived," the man spoke.

She recognized him as an important official. His voice, even though tentatively friendly, carried authority. He seemed very confident. The bodyguards took a watchful posture by the walls. She watched him stand up from behind his desk and stride forward. His clothing was formal with casual leanings. She had seen every Human male official in very similar clothing. But, whereas they preferred some additional colors to the grey and black and navy blue, this man preferred a white shirt with no tie or anything else aside from his black tuxedo, pants and shoes.

"Indeed I have…" she ventured as she took off the scarf that covered her head, remaining in the pants and shirt she was given.

He walked closer, within arm's reach from her. Again, he too was taller than her. Taller by a head. He reached out with his right hand. Recognizing the gesture, she reached back and shook hands. "Director Harper, Alliance Intelligence Command," he introduced himself.

"Atelas Razea," she spoke.

"I know who you are, Admiral," he broke the hand shaking session and took a step back.

"I am no longer and ad-" she wanted to clarify. He cut her off.

"Just because your rank was stolen to make you a convenient scapegoat does not mean it is undeserving." His statement surprised her a bit. Sympathy from the Humans? From the one who should hold her in most suspicion? She really fell. "I hope you like my office, I just recently refurnished. Please," his left hand extended to the study area of the office, "let us have a seat."

Seeing no other way than following instructions, she strode through the office until they came to the study. "I… see you Humans have very different tastes in furniture," she noted. "You mostly."

"Have you seen furniture other than that of a military hospital, a resort and a small apartment meant for temporary usage?" Harper prompted from her.

"No," she answered with a bit of a confused look on her face as she regarded Harper as he seated himself in the opposite armchair from the small table. There were two glasses on the table with a glass bottle that was not open. She did not recognize the writing on the label.

"Then you know next to nothing about furniture. I am more of a traditionalist when it comes to buying furniture and decorating my own space." He opened the bottle and let the transparent drink flow. He filled a glass for her and one for himself. "Water." He handed her one glass. "The one thing that, whatever we are, unites us. If nothing else, we have water in common. Every sentient of this galaxy."

"Thank you," she accepted the glass and drank half of it. Her eyes were down at the water. Was this Harper trying to play friendly for her? No doubt he had his reasons as head of an intelligence service. 'Wait and see his game,' she thought. She raised her gaze and met his eyes. His light piercing blue bore into her own dark blue.

"How has Alliance space treated you so far?" he asked.

"It has been… a unique experience. Though one a bit on the run, constantly hiding…" she lamented. "I cannot complain. I had a roof over my head, a bed to sleep on… and food. It is more than I was given after my ousting from the Republics."

Harper nodded. "I know we've kept you on the run. It was for your protection," he comforted her. "Your fellow… matriarchs," the title came out with disgust, "tried to hunt you down even after we reported you dead. The attack on Fenli and Shanxi was well coordinated. It was their best chance. I made sure to track down and eliminate every single person in Alliance space that had any sort of relationship to them. You can rest easy from now on. No more Asari are allowed into Human space. And nothing gets past Shanxi for the foreseeable future."

"I imagine you did not do this just out of the kindness of your heart," she ventured. As far as she knew, the galaxy did not run on charity.

"You'd be surprised," Harper's answer was not delayed. "Some did it just because of that. I, however, did this for more pragmatic reasons," he admitted.

"Such as?"

"Why, such a knowledgeable person as you are, casted out by the galaxy, with extensive background in military affairs? I'd be a fool to let you starve or end by an assassin's bullet."

'Too upfront,' she thought. This Harper man before her was way too upfront to be the leader of the overarching Human intelligence service. "And? You want me to serve you – the Alliance?" she inquired. "In some form of repayment for helping me?"

Harper nodded only once. "Think this through," he advised. "Citadel space is no go for you. The matriarchs will kill you to get rid of you if you return home. Fedorian might hide you, but nothing is certain. High Hegemon Dhothan will serve your head on a platter to the Republics for some concessions." That last part was a lie. Most likely Dhothan would try to use her against the Republics. "The Salarian dalatrass will have your head or imprison you for interrogation. The Hanar? They're isolationist, even for a Citadel species. However, I bet they'll trade you for some Prothean mystiques. And no Elcor world will hold you, least you are killed by the gravity. Venture on your own? Good luck with a bounty on your head."

Harper let everything sink in before continuing. "Or you could live in the safest region of space in exchange for your work. The Alliance does not tolerate lollygagging. We find a job for everyone. You don't want to work? You are forced to work. Lazy people receive next to nothing in social welfare around these parts. Everybody must do its part for the betterment of their species. Even if they have to wash restrooms for it."

'A Turian view on society,' she noted. 'No wonder the Primarch entertains them.' One she could understand. Reading on Human history, she noticed how the chase for money and election of many incompetent leaders caused immense problems to them. The most competent people either didn't have enough confidence to run for important offices, or they were just knaves who were using their intelligence to secure themselves. In the 2020s the whistle was blown and large scale unrest all around the globe ousted those politicians.

Better and more competent people followed in their wake and Earth began to deal with its actual problems – like the energy problem, global climate changes, and the general destruction sown upon the environment. Following their increased cooperation between the nations, most of Earth implemented measures to minimize waste and maximize work potential. And the federal government invested massively in the creation of new jobs and the integration of people where necessary. Up into the 2050s many found work in ecological restoration.

"If that is what you are afraid of – integrating me into the system – you should know that I am a person of valuable trades," Atelas said after her brief contemplation session.

"Of that I have no doubts. The question is what you are best at," Harper stated. "You are a military person, but you will never have access to Alliance military assets. You can, however, train our biotics for start. You will do more as time passes," Harper let her know. "And you will do something right now," he ordered as he got up to his feet.

"Right now?" Atelas asked surprised. For a moment she thought of what this would mean to a Batarian slave owner. It is known that Asari are popular carnal pleasure satisfiers in many species.

Thankfully, she was not meant for anything weird or unpleasant. At least not today. Harper returned from his desk with a small holographic projector. He gently placed it halfway between them on the table and turned it on. A map of the known galaxy was projected over the table. Harper zoomed in to a portion of the galaxy and labels began to pop up. Her eyes lit up in recognition. She was viewing the Republics – Terminus border.

"Tell me about the Fledgling States," Harper's took a commanding tone. "Not their history that we all know from the extranet. I want to hear about them now. What are the largest planets that are part of this union? Who is leading them? What are their mindsets? The real deal."

Atelas' eyes focused on the galaxy map. "Does this have controls directly on the projection?" Harper made a simple hand gesture to go ahead. She reached with her right hand to zoom in on the Fledgling States area of space. Mass Relay connections were highlighted like graphs. Many relay corridors existed in the region of space thanks to Asari explorers opening every Mass Relay left, right and center. Until the Rachni.

"Well, I will be brief and to the point about this," she highlighted two systems on the map that were closer to the northern edge of the unofficial border between the Terminus and the Fledgling States. "Triginta Petra and Dar Mindon," she names them and begins listing the important items like reading bullet points. "They are the military powerhouse of the Fledgling States. Majority Turian and Batarian population. The-"

"Batarian?" Harper asked with a tone that told her he wanted more info about this.

She nodded. "Free Batarians, they call themselves. Former slaves, runaways or Batarians born free outside the Hegemony. They're fighting their own war for the liberation of their kind," she clarified.

"Triginta Petra was the dextro planet of the two, correct?" he inquired.

"Yes. Dar Mindon is a levo planet with dextro hydroponics farms if you are wondering how the Turian population is sustaining itself."

"I understand. Proceed."

"As I was saying, the first Turian colonists wanted to be as far away from the Hierarchy when they settled there. Triginta Petra maintains good relations with Palaven ever since Primarch Tyraeus. Dar Mindon is the more xenophobic one. The two planets hate both the Council and the Terminus. They have a history of small conflicts with other Terminus powers. Focused on a military build, but they are almost completely self sufficient. Both have authoritarian governing bodies."

'We can use them,' Harper thought. 'Definitely one sympathetic planet, possibly two."

She zoomed out of the northern part of the States. The map shifted to the western edge, where the stars were scarce and the intergalactic void began. "Thanope, largest population center in the States. Largest percentage is Asari, followed close behind by Salarian and Elcor. It's the oldest colony. Large producer of finite products, some illegal to produce in Citadel space. Illium is its primary trading hub with the galaxy. Its military is decent and helps maintain security along the trade routes. They are similar to the Alliance when it comes to the governing of the planet and its jurisdiction – elected representatives. Neither antagonistic, nor too friendly with the Council. Though I have a feeling the ruling matriarchy already has a foothold on them. They're using the extranet and paid public opinion influencers to put their people in charge on Thanope."

'Possible impediment, neutral at best,' Harper concluded.

Atelas shifts the map closer to the Asari border and highlights yet another system. "Kunus, a mixed planet with a large population of Volus, Turians, Asari, Salarians and Batarians. A few Elcor communities are also present. There was even a Krogan community. Stable trader of both the Fledgling States and Citadel space. Has a large economy in the States. Very good relations with the Vol Protectorate. Elkoss Combine has its primary production facilities here," she listed.

'Elkoss Combine, the largest manufacturer in the galaxy,' Harper remembered. The Volus corporation produces everything – from daily goods, to ships, weapons, armor, to cars, appliances and even furniture.

"Elkoss Combine has the largest say in the planet's decisions since it is they who pay for the defense fleet, garrison and attracts the investments. Good relations with virtually every other planet in the States and amiable relations with the Hierarchy. On good terms with many mercenary outfits in their half of the Terminus. They only engaged in defensive conflicts, unlike Triginta Petra, Dar Mindon and Radara."

"Radara?" Harper hadn't heard the name until now in her expositions.

Atelas nodded. A moment of reprieve to catch her breath while panning the map. "Imagine an Asari population with Hierarchy inclinations."

His right eyebrow shifted upwards. "I find that hard to believe."

"Every stereotype in this galaxy has its exceptions," Atelas was quick to bring up. "After the Krogan Rebellions came to an end, many Krogans refused to end the fight and fled to the Terminus. They continued their war from there. The Republics were quick to proclaim peace even if it was not true. Most turned to peace. And the more militarist followed the Krogans into the Terminus to finish their fight. Radara is the legacy of these Asari. The Republics have forsaken a fair share of its military leaders back then."

"And who are they fighting now?"

"The Terminus," Atelas was quick to answer. "After the Krogan Rebellions they continued to fight the Krogans. When their numbers and attacks dwindled, they started to fight local Terminus warlords. When the Nemean Abyss got its reputation, they began to fight the pirates there. When the Blood Pack mercenary outfit was established, they started to fight them too. When the Batarians annexed Anhur, they skirmished with them on a regular basis. They're basically fighting everyone the Citadel governments should, but don't do it."

Harper was surprised that this planet, Radara, had not been overwhelmed by the enemy. Picking fights with so many factions must have made them plenty of enemies. "Sounds like they are playing the galactic vigilante," he voiced his nutshell summary. "How come they haven't been stomped out?"

"Dar Mindon and Triginta Petra used to lend aid to Radara when they embarked on punitive expeditions. When Radara's defenses were thin, they had the two other planets providing a defense fleet," Atelas explained. "They did come under siege twice when they've wasted many of their ships and were open to counterattack."

"How does Radara compare militarily at the basic level with the Republics?" she was asked.

She took a second to think and remember before replying. "Massive population growth is encouraged. At least two offspring per individual." That explains how they can sustain that many conflicts. "And what you call drafting is active in their society. Very few Asari there get training similar to a commando, most get only regular training of a large armed force. And only the best are selected for commando training. Technologically, they are not close to the Republics since they mostly import technology and have limited development."

'And nobody exports the best they have,' Harper completed what Atelas did not voice, but was obvious. It was common sense, really. You don't start selling your best technology just to have it used against you by somebody else. At best, you sell a downgraded version of it. Harper also thought of the living standards of the population of Radara. Having a society focused so much on the martial aspect, picking fights on a regular basis, they don't dedicate many resources to the welfare and happiness of the larger population.

For an Asari founded colony it does seem abnormal. But those Asari went there to continue their wars in the first place. And continue they did. The Republics must not like them at all if the lack of material about Radara in Republics media was any hint. The little material that was available is extremely critical of Radara and its people, the general message being how bad they are treating their citizens, how warmongering they are, how they are threatening galactic peace, and how they should learn from the Republics. The rhetoric is basically that they should return to the fold, roll over and obey.

"That was insightful," Harper finally said. "I don't think they'll be long before they finally start fighting the Asari Republics," he threw the bait.

Atelas' eyes twinkled with surprise and her posture was suddenly rigid. "Why would they?"

She's biting the bait. Harper reached for the gadget that projects the map of the galaxy and pushes a single button. The map was updated. The Fledgling States were highlighted with a white color. The Asari border was highlighted in purple. The planet Anhur was also highlighted as purple. The Nemean Abyss had purple stripes on it. And Mass Relay links between the the Fledgling States and the Terminus flashed purple constantly.

"What is this?"

"This has not made it yet to the news channels," Harper began explaining. "Anhur has been unofficially subjugated by the Republics. You knew of the uprising that was going on there." She nodded in acknowledgement. "Your good friends," he said it with sarcasm, "have also got rid of the Batarian loyal pirates from the Nemean Abyss and used them to attack us. We've wiped them out at Mindoir at Torfan. They've bought off most of the rest and are already using them to harass the lines of communication into the Fledgling States."

"Where did you learn this?" she inquired, not wanting to believe the matriarchs were up to this so soon.

Harper smiled. "Intelligence is our job, Admiral. I am not one to sit down and allow evil to flourish in the dark-"

"Evil!?" she exclaimed, surprised by his choice of words.

"What else would you call it? When you pay money to killers so they can kill and reave because somebody has upset you? Or because you want to extend your dirty hands over the whole galaxy? Because somebody does not agree with you, you go and try to devastate them?" Harper's voice grew furious. "Your kind," his finger pointed in Atelas' direction and voice but a whisper, "is evil. History shows it. And present actions show it. And you've been very lucky so far as a polity."

"Lucky?" her voice seethed with anger. Was Harper thinking of her species this lowly? For even if a disaster struck them, they were able to get back up.

"You were lucky twice – first with the Krogan when the Rachni were tearing through the Salarian defenses in the Traverse. Then, you discover the Turians when the Krogans you're your planets under siege. Your people require too much time to train to an adequate level to be able to stand up to them. You do not have the psychological mindset to take the hard decisions. When the Turians neutered the Krogan… you shunned them years after, though you were grateful. Victory had just been achieved and your wicked, evil nature already started its scheming against the Turians. Least these new aliens gathered too much sympathy."

Was he trying to anger her?

"But your luck has finally run out," he declared. His face darkened. "Humanity will not tolerate such behavior from anyone." His tone was challenging. "We will not allow the Republics to do this kind of stuff anymore. They got their only warning."

"And that warning would be?" she probed again.

Harper was too happy to indulge her. In fact, she was dancing to his tune. "Your old friends paid a lot for some Alliance terrorists to smuggle an FTL drive. A hyperspace FTL drive. What the matriarchs did not know is that these idiots smuggled the drive of an old, destroyed warship from a ship graveyard since the Insurrection. Have you heard about Ilsia?" Harper asked. Atelas shood her head in the 'no' sign. "They did something to that drive that generated an anomaly. They literally created a tear in in the dimension that let out massive amounts of gamma rays. Ilsia is a dead husk of a planet now. Nothing in the star system survived."

Atelas looked dumbfounded at that. She shifted in her seat, leaning on the right hand rest. "A whole star system?" came a whispered question.

Harper nodded. "A tragedy owed to stupidity, ignorance, a feeling of self entitlement, and sheer greed. That's what destroyed Ilsia," he declared with a somber tone. "I hold myself responsible for not taking the appropriate measures to prevent a technological attempt on this level."

He tried his best to sound genuinely sad. Harper never thought of himself as an actor. But he gave his best right now. After all, it was not like the alien could tell. He always maintained a poker face, except the few rare occasions when he had an outburst. The last time was when he got into a big argument with Montgomery. Humans are to aliens what aliens are to Man. He did, however, think of things that truly saddened him, allowing it seep into his voice. No, he did not care about Ilsia and the millions of dead. Nor did he find joy in it. It was something that happened, by his own design, and it served a purpose in Humanity's favor. In the Alliance's favor. Atelas does not need the tragedy of Ilsia was his design.

"And still they are playing at their games," Harper spoke again after the moment of silence. "They are trying to turn friend against friend, kin against kin, sow division among peoples. They only want to divide everything. Bickering pieces are easy to control. At a time when this galaxy must stand together," he felt like a stone was pressing on his chest as he thought of them, "they are sowing division and dooming us all in the face of our greatest threat."

The silence was king. Its weight felt unbearable. Even the guards turned their heads a little, their gaze holding Harper's form in the corner of their field of view.

"Is there something we know at all?" Atelas managed. "So many secrets seem to be spinning around."

"You know nothing, Admiral," Harper was quick to address the vibe of 'what bullshit are you on' he was getting from Atelas. He knew, she did not. And he was afraid of reality. "There are forces in the darkness of this galaxy, waiting for when they bid their time right to pounce on us. Forces of such scale we cannot face it alone. I would love to tell you a lot more about them, but I cannot." Her face changed from curious to annoyed. "Suffice to say that you will be filled in if nothing too unexpected and sudden happens. For now, know that we are not your kind's enemy," he tried to placate her. "There is a reason why we are trying to get something working with the Turians."

"And you are telling me this… why?" she turned suspicious. "If you cannot tell me everything, then why tell me this?" She felt like the Humans were sometimes no better than the wicked of her kind. Every lot has its bad beans. The issue is that those bad beans leave the strongest impression. She hoped the man before her was genuinely looking out for his race's best intentions. He does. In a different way than she's used to.

"Because, Admiral," he emphasized her former rank, "you are one of the few Asari who can actually turn the sore excuse of Asari pacifism, the weakest willed and spineless of this galaxy's sentient races," she bristled at his words, "into something that will be somewhat useful in the coming struggle. Oh, don't look at me like that," he said when he recognized the look she was giving him. "You know it is true. You only have a very small, tiny, in fact, percentage serving in the military. Your only saving grace is your seat on the Council which guarantees a defense treaty with the Hierarchy, and your navy. If war truly comes to Thessia, and it very well could in the near future, and the defense fleet is obliterated, the planetary defenses will be able to fight a guerilla war at best."

"Fighting a guerilla war is the military doctrine of the Republics," she was quick to point out.

"Your war is over when it comes down to fighting guerilla on your homeworld. If you were to fight the Hierarchy, they would be bombing all your centers of resistance from orbit-" he wanted to explain before being cut off.

"It is illegal-" Atelas started, only to come to an abrupt halt as the reasoning caught up. Citadel laws mean nothing if it came to Thessia being sieged by Turian forces. The Council would be shattered at that point. And the Turians would not be stopped by laws they are no longer meant, nor obligated to uphold and enforce. "Nevermind."

"You did catch up with what I was meaning." He sounded mildly disappointed by her slowness. "If the Alliance was to siege Thessia, nuclear strikes and ion cannon glassing would be the order of the day if we wanted to break the will of the Asari. If some Terminus power were to be sieging Thessia? I would imagine the slave markets would be experiencing a huge boom. From what I have been able to gather, the Asari Republics rely only on politics and a navy to protect itself. No significant planetary defenses are present. No fallback contingencies to withstand planetary warfare and protect civilian population."

He showed her detailed pictures of the few such installations Thessia had. They were so detailed that she could zoom in on them and be able to make out shadows of individuals. She needed not ask how he got them. They must have been taken from low orbit. They must have done it with one of their stealth ships. For one to sneak so close to the surface of the Asari homeworld? Ludicrous! It spoke volumes of how much the Republics fell behind, how much they overestimated their prowess.

"We need everyone for the coming struggle," he emphasized again the words. "If you want to contribute to the survival of galactic civilization and that of your species, you must start turning things around. We don't have tens of years to do it. Only ten at best. I want you to find the solution to make it happen. I don't care what you will be getting, as long as it is something useful in a total war. Even raw recruits from Asari space, if you can convince civilians to sign up we will use them as auxiliary units, train them and send them into battle."

She closed her eyes. Air was inhaled sharply through the nose. The right hand caressed the right cheek. She exhaled slowly, giving herself the comfort to feel at peace. She noticed some time ago that whenever she wanted to feel better she only needed to take her time and reduce the frequency of air intake. "Coming a bit of a full circle," the index finger of the hand that caressed the cheek drew a circle in the air before returning to its former activity, "you want to prevent the Fledgling States from fighting it out with the Republics?"

Harper nodded. "Correct. I wanted to get a feel of their general mindsets. Predicting how they'll react is half of my job."

"And how will you do that?" she inquired. "Radara, Dar Mindon and Triginta Petra will be the most upset and belligerent." The two were convinced that the Fledgling States will take note of the developments just across their fence. It was only a matter of how soon they'd react. Their best option is as soon as possible, before the matriarchs shore up the region with additional forces that will pose a threat to the military of the States.

"That is my concern," Harper displayed the faintest trace of a smile. This could be very easy. Or it could turn into a mess if they don't delegate sufficient resources. Or the correct resources. "Thank you, Admiral. We will stay in touch for future discussions," he brought their short meeting to a halt. "I will be expecting a document with full details on what you know about the Fledgling States. The good gentlemen will escort you to your apartment."

---

After Atelas and her bodyguards had left his office, Harper organized his thoughts and had written down the conclusions. Several ideas had also been added. He had a call scheduled with the most important politicians of the Alliance and Fleet Admiral Steven Hackett. He'd also gone over new reports from Cerberus until the time of the call. A short break to clear his mind and relax was not missed before he moved to the holographic meeting room not far from his office.

Harper stood on the small platform that would record his body and transfer it to the other participants' holographic projectors. He glanced at his watch and waited until the seconds indicator struck 12. He joined the meeting exactly when he was scheduled to.

He waited almost a minute before the holograms of Osoba, Montgomery, Goyle and Hackett sprung to life before him.

"Gentlemen. Ambassador." Harper greeted them.

"Director Harper," Hackett acknowledged his presence.

Montgomery, however, did not have the patience to drag things on. He didn't exactly like Harper after their last face to face encounter. "Alright, Director. What news do you have?"

"Were our simulations accurate?" Osoba added his question.

Harper looked between Goyle and Montgomery at first. "I am sorry to say that it is. If I am to trust her words," he referred to Atelas, "then we were right on spot."

"That is one risk I am not willing to take," Hackett mused. His gaze shifted to Goyle. "Ambassador, have you learned anything new on the Citadel?"

Anita allowed herself to relax in the presence of current company. She made head gestures that meant 'so-so'. "Nothing concrete. I have not heard, nor seen any mention of the Asari naval forces making a move into the Terminus to secure Anhur. They are busy with the scandal and trying to stop sanction procedures initiated by the Turians and Batarians," she informed them. "The only thing I know for sure," she turned to look at Harper, "is that the ruse worked. The Asari and Salarians are dedicating resources to finding Disney World."

Harper barely contained a laugh. The corners of his lips bent upwards a little. He truly did not expect it to work. Lo and behold, it did catch on. It was a simple 'plant the misinformation and wait for people to lose their shit over it' maneuver. Harper and Hackett agreed to send a few frigates in the area of space between Illium and the Nemean Abyss and make themselves visible while pretending to be sneaky. Harper wanted to make it look like they had established a military base in the area just to throw off the Asari, keep them distracted with something else. He jokingly chose the name Disney World as a code for a location.

"That's unexpected good news," Osoba admitted. "But it might not be enough. It can buy us a bit of breathing room."

"Correct. A bit of breathing room. Not much," Harper clarified. "If Atelas' information is true, we will see some of the Fledgling States embroiled in conflict with the pirates and warlords bought off by the matriarchs of the Republics. Maybe even drag the Republics and the Citadel into the conflict. The AIC frigates I have there confirm the Republics are trying to subdue the States to their bidding by having the pirates harass their communication lines with the rest of the galaxy. I bet all I have that the matriarchs want them to obey their commands," he explained to the other attendees. They were absorbing his words. "The planet Radara will definitely start shooting. And soon. Dar Mindon might also join them in a preemptive strike."

"What chances do they have to win if they attack?" Montgomery inquired, his eyes turning to Hackett's form.

"It depends on where they will stop," he began his explanation, casting a glance at Harper. "My analysis is based on the intelligence I've received," and focuses his eyes on Montgomery and Osoba. "If they resume themselves to action against the pirates only, then it could end quickly with few losses on their end. If they push the matter and launch an offensive that threatens Anhur, then I fear the Asari fleet will be intervening. Only the unified strength of every warlord in the region has the power to challenge Radara and Dar Mindon's combined military. And they won't mobilize in due time. Only an Asari intervention will stop them"

"And Radara especially is not shy of shooting first, asking questions later, it seems…" Goyle noted. "After all the backlash and half failed operations… well, let me say that I don't see Asari backing off anymore. They fought tooth and nail to get their hands on Anhur. If I was in their place I would not even risk losing sight of it."

"Unfortunately for them, they will be dedicating many resources to preserve their gains," Harper added. It almost felt like a promise.

Montgomery took a sudden and intense interest in Harper's words. "Director, I hope you are not going to nuke another planet," he warned.

"Nothing of the sorts," he did not wish to give the man the satisfaction of knowing he was a bit frustrated at the comment. "A few assassinations, some pirate ships blown from the inside, a shipping accident… the sort."

Hackett, while not necessarily agreeing with Harper, saw the necessity of it. He noticed how Montgomery was turning quite a lot against Harper since the Ilsia affair. 'What a mess that is…' Hackett thought about it. "Sir," he avoided the title of president since he was suspended for the time being, "the more warships we can preserve for when the Reapers invade, the better. If a few black ops prevent a regional conflict that would see scores of good vessels lost, then I see it as… a necessary evil." He glanced at Harper when he finished.

"Evil?" Harper asked in a mock hurt voice. "Fleet Admiral, you call evil the people who are looking for our race's best interests?"

"I can't really call their methods good either," he defended. The memory of Ilsia came to mind. "Even if I see their usefulness."

"Evil is what the Asari matriarchs are doing. Everything Alliance Intelligence did was in our people's best interests. Had it not been for us the Asari might have succeeded in triggering a civil war on the smoldering embers of the Insurrection. I don't have to remind you what a miserable period the Insurrection was. Humanity first," he proclaimed. "Principles come later."

"Now you sound just like Udina," Hackett muttered.

"No sacrifice too great for our continued existence," the head of the AIC stressed the words. "That's what we've been telling ourselves ever since we uncovered details about the Reaper threat in the Attican Traverse and among our own all those years ago."

"Alright," Osoba intervenes, "let's put this behind us. Necessary evil or not, if it helps us then I will not fight over it. It does not mean I will sleep easier knowing I am condemning people to death. Director, you have my permission as the interim president."

Harper nodded in approval. "I truly hope we can dissuade them from setting the powder kegs on fire."

"I could try to reach out to the leadership of this planet, Radara. Hopefully they will not escalate the conflict to anything major," Goyle proposed.

"I don't think it would be wise of us to do so," Osoba intervened. "It would be tantamount to admitting we've been spying on them."

"But if it prevents bloodshed?" Montgomery chimed in. "It's not like we haven't been to Illium on a jolly hike of liberation and dispensing freedom left and right. And we know how many aliens had foam on the corners of their mouths after that, berating us."

"I agree. It will also reinforce the Asari's suspicions of us having a base there. Keep them looking for Disney World. I will give them a few more reasons to look around more."

"We are deliberating all this, but we have to consider the resources we are willing to dedicate here," Hackett drew their attention. "The Navy can send the Normandy in the area. She's our fastest and stealthiest. She will keep an eye on the region and report back. Based on what we receive we can start delegating targets. I propose sabotage of logistics in the Nemean Abyss, raids on various gangs, perhaps pit the small pirate outfits against each other with false flag operations. The fewer resources we dedicate there, the better for us. I have to train the crews for the new ships, and I already have a limited number of vessels that can take up that responsibility."

"We can't afford many resources," Osoba confirmed. "We have to minimize the risk of any backlash against us. The population is already restless as it is. We can't give Udina any more ammunition. We need to work together with all these aliens, not isolate ourselves from them. We will drop a few small bombshells. Refrain from anything we cannot correct if it spins out of control."

"I have two stealth frigates that can help in that regard," Harper stated. "Their commanding officers are experienced in black ops. Together with the Normandy they will have sufficient capabilities to disrupt any moves from the pirates and mercenary outfits that the Fledgling States might perceive as threatening."

"Careful not to start a war bigger than acceptable, Director," Montgomery warned him. He was more worried of the AIC being bold enough to sabotage or attack an Asari warship. That would start a fire under their collective asses.

"A small war between a handful of pirate groups and mercenaries is not going to cause a domino effect like a conflict between the Fledgling States and the Asari Republics," Goyle re-iterated. Harper had his work cut out. Or, better said, Brooks had her work cut out for her. Cerberus will provide a full assessment – high profile targets, strategic targets, social movement assessments, the whole lot. "In other news, the Asari are trying to expel our diplomatic mission from the Citadel. Us and the Quarians."

"We haven't heard anything about that," Osoba said in a voice that demanded details.

Goyle was happy to oblige. "Ambassadors Quentius and Talin told me and Rael'Zorah the same thing. Tevos is hatching a scheme to remove our embassy from the station. From the looks of it, they are trying to convince the other Citadel affiliated governments to vote in favor of expelling the Alliance-Quarian embassy."

"They won't get it their way in the immediate future," Harper stated. He seemed very sure of himself. "Maybe in the future. But not now."

Goyle nodded to his words. "Correct. They will need a majority vote to do it in a legitimate way as per the Citadel's Charter on diplomatic missions. If they simply use their Council seat to overwrite a vote will have negative impact on popular opinion. Their current standing with the masses is already low as it is. Tevos cannot afford to overwrite the vote without the backlash. The Salarian Union is likely to vote in Tevos' favor. The Hierarchy, obviously, will not."

Yes, Sparatus occupies the seat of Turian Councilor. Yes, he will vote in Tevos' favor. But Quentius will nullify his vote by voting against Tevos' proposal. And so it leads to the Turian vote being a negative. The Councilor does not necessarily determine the actions of the state he's representing. He's simply representing the interests on the Council. Its embassy holds more weight than its Council seat in many fields. By stepping in and voting 'no', Quentius shows the Hierarchy does not support the idea and that its councilor is going rogue. Of course, Tevos is waiting until the conclusion of Sparatus' small coup. If Fedorian is removed by legitimate means, then the Hierarchy's stance could take an abrupt change.

"The Courts of Dekuuna will obviously cast a vote in our favor. Ambassador Quentius assured us that Ambassador Din Korlack of the Vol Protectorate will vote in our favor," Goyle continued her exposition. "The Illuminated Primacy will most likely be tempted to vote against us for some Prothean trinkets from the Asari."

"But we will subtly approach the Hanar embassy and inform them how much they can gain from the archaeological expedition we're hosting on Vestige," Montgomery voiced the solution to that problem. He was referring to the expedition that Garret Bryson was in charge of, the same one where Liara signed up."Or we will stop sharing anything with them and send home their members of the expedition."

"Of course," she smiled at Montgomery's words. "The only wildcard I see are the Batarians."

Harper scratched his chin as he pondered the possible scenarios. His usual scowl deepened. The Batarians could either vote in favor of Tevos for some concessions from the Republics, or they could vote in favor of the Alliance only to spite the Asari, and continue on their current trajectory of imposing sanctions. In the latter scenario they could gain much more in the long run by weakening Republics influence in the galaxy.

"No matter how you put it, the Asari matriarchs will not succeed," he concluded. "It is 2 in favor of Tevos, 3 against her, one possible abstention from the Hanar, and who knows what the Hegemony will do."

"It will be interesting what will happen in the future on this front. Anita, keep a keen eye and sharp ears on how this situation develops and let us know of every step. If they think they can manhandle us to release Irissa they're sorely wrong," Osoba stated. "Director Harper, how are the charges against Irissa looking? Can we get something against Tevos?"

Harper did not look too happy about the topic. "We have proof that she knew about the scheme. Our agent that infiltrated the Blue Suns gave us their decryption codes. Our intercepted messages place her as a silent accomplice to the whole deal. But it is not beyond a reasonable doubt. However, maybe we can pull something against Councilor Tevos," and he allowed himself a smug smile. If they obtain something against Tevos… well, it would be the nail in the coffin.

Everybody's attention was dedicated to Harper. Somehow his smile put them off edge. "Explain!" Osoba demanded calmly.

"I have somebody on the way to Omega. The AIC will be paying Aria T'Loak a friendly visit to remind her how stupid it is to pick a fight with us. Or to help those who want to harm us. We have solid intelligence pointing towards the pirate queen of Omega as a key component in the matriarchs acquiring and exerting control over the Hegemony's deniable assets. We've ended them at Mindoir and Torfan. And there's also the money she received. If she will give us something that we can use as evidence we could gain the upper hand," he explained. "It's known among Hierarchy Intelligence echelons that Tevos and Aria had a relationship in their past. If there's anyone who would approach Aria for such a request, that one is Tevos."

Montgomery was rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I hope discretion is the better part of valor here?" he half stated, half inquired. An AIC agent in uniform meeting Aria T'Loak was not something the Alliance needed the galaxy bitching over. It was dubious enough that a Human ship pops up in the Sahrabarik System and Humans step foot on Omega out of the blue.

"Of course. As discrete as one can be in such situation."

"Director, the next time you try something like this without consulting with your-" Osoba started a reprimand which Harper ignored and cut off.

"Sir, I know well what I am doing and the consequences. If we can't make a strong enough impression, then we will have to involve and risk losing resources we're stockpiling for the Reapers," he explained his reasoning. They need not bicker on protocol, Harper reasoned, as long as it got shit done. By resources he meant material, hardware and human lives that could be lost if they did not convince the outsiders to back off from picking fights. The last thing the Alliance wanted, but was preparing for already, was a shooting war with the Terminus while cockblocked at every corner by both the Citadel and its own people. "If Aria does not see this as serious business on our behalf… we will end it quickly."

"End it quickly," Hackett mocked. "We are still working on a strategy if we get involved in such a conflict. Information from the Quarians might be extensive. However, it is not up to date. Even the Terminus forces are bound to change their strategies after the war. We don't have updated intelligence on strategic locations and possible threats on that side of the Terminus. If this display of determination emboldens them to maybe show us our place, or take it as a challenge, we are not as prepared as I would like to be."

The primary defense of the Alliance against a Terminus attack is the sheer distance between them. The only lane of attack was through the Attican Traverse since the Citadel would not allow Terminus ships through their space. The logistics to supply a force that would threaten the Alliance borders would be tremendous on such vast distances. The Navy can delegate a few task forces to cripple their logistics and pick off the fleets before they reach Alliance space. That was the original scenario. But the situation had changed.

As expected, many Humans decided to try their luck in the wild west of the galaxy. Bold and hopeful to cut a swath of their own; or too pissed off on the Alliance and seeking to create a new life with their own ideas in life to guide them and no law or politics they hate to hinder them. The Alliance, even if those colonists are outside the Alliance's jurisdiction by their own admittance, has a moral obligation to defend them. They'd be the prime target for any Terminus based powers, with their colonies that far away from Human space. It would make the Alliance look poor both to other parties, as well as its citizens.

But, Harper thought, they could always employ a quick, determined strike with potent weapons and tactics against them if it came down to it. It would only require to convince Hackett to assign one particular person to the attack. The disadvantage: lesser readiness for the Reapers. Though underdeveloped, the region of the Terminus between Omega and the Perseus Veil can still be of use to the war effort. Tie down some Reaper elements at the very least.

It was the new scenario that Hackett did not feel comfortable with. "Any other questions I could help clarify immediately?" He looked everyone over. "Or do we have the main lines established?"

"Big turmoil in the Hierarchy," Goyle brought up the last item on her mind. "The suspected coup might be happening right now, between Sparatus and Fedorian. It's all over the news on the station. A civil war just broke out in a matter of days on the Turian colony on Taetrus after a protest turned out bloody. Quentius strongly believes that Sparatus is behind it. He requests that we do not intervene if things get… too hot."

"Too hot?" Hackett quirked an eyebrow. He was already considering strategies and plans that were developed in case the more outspoken Sparatus was to somehow depose Fedorian. "I will be raising readiness in the Navy, especially at Shanxi."

"Yes," Goyle answered. "Primach Fedorian does not wish of us to escalate any tensions and create another problem for them. Quentius seems to trust him, so I assume they have prepared for this scenario."

Harper thought about it. He wanted to take out Sparatus out of the picture. Fedorian was doing just the right thing by preparing for the Reapers… preparing in his own way. But preparing still. Sparatus would antagonize everybody and instigate a war. "We could take him out. A squad of N7s is on station, currently assisting Archangel put a stop to the Reaper plot."

"No!" Osoba called out immediately. "Uncovering whatever the Reapers are trying to accomplish is paramount."

Montgomery looked at Osoba, as if to add something that he forgot. "And, unless requested, we should not meddle in another government's internal affairs. We don't want to break the working relationship with the Hierarchy."

"It will be broken anyway if Sparatus manages to take the reins," Harper pointed out. "Eliminating him is vital for establishing a common front."

"No, Director! The Primarch will not take kindly to it after he explicitly requested we stay neutral in this crisis," Montgomery defended his point. "Even if the N7 team is successful in an assassination mission, or whatever idea you have on your mind, we risk breakup of relations with the Turians."

"On the other hand, we risk losing the Turians anyway. I would prefer a ready military powerhouse to face the Reapers with us, one that doesn't try to kill us and make it easier for them to brush the remnants aside," Harper argued. "We may risk relations breakup if we intervene. But if we don't… we take a risk that we cannot afford."

"We are nailing the Asari matriarchy on a cross for their attempted interference in our affairs," Osoba noted. "How would that look to the outside when we outright assassinate a councilor?"

"It's a space station in the very heart of their territory. And it is the most secured station. The Council probably has some of the best guards there are. And every infiltration point is, most likely, secured. How would that team get inside first?" Hackett questioned.

Harper was about to answer, but Goyle cut him off. "And Councilor Sparatus is barely leaving the Council's tower recently. In fact, he hasn't left the tower since before the whole crisis started."

'Piss!' he cursed. The AIC can find a way to do it. They just need a bit of time to find the idea. Oh! The perfect idea came to Harper's mind. "Assassination drones!" he suggested. "We're using them for espionage, not larger than a mosquito. We have some at the embassy, if the staff hasn't disposed of them," he looked at Goyle.

"Our resident spook and General Ryder keep a keen eye on them," she answered flatly. "However, I think we will need to repurpose them to carry a poison. We would also have to identify a potent enough poison to take him out with a very, and I mean very small dose."

"Are we seriously talking about this?" Montgomery asked. "We can't even do it without making it look like it was not an assassination. Even if we repurpose one of the drones, how do you plan to make it not seem like Fedorian just called for Sparatus' head?"

"Indeed," Osoba agreed. "No matter how you do it, considering current events it is impossible to pull it off without raising suspicions and jeopardizing Fedorian's status even more. We might even end up doing what Sparatus is after. Like doing his work for him."

"As they said," Goyle was in agreement with her colleagues.

"Tch!" Harper clicked his tongue. "I still recommend a contingency plan. Sparatus must not be allowed to claim the title of Primarch! I am not a dumbass who does not see the implications of a neutralization attempt. I just think the benefit of the Hierarchy not starting a war, especially not one against us, outweighs the risk of poor relations. We can make it look like an honorable suicide of Sparatus. It's not uncommon in Turian history for people to commit such an act after particularly disastrous events they're responsible for. We must deal with him."

"And we will," Goyle gave them a knowing smile. "Fireteam Viper and Archangel's team have scored big. We have captured Fist. However, it got complicated since the Batarians decided to also go after Fist. I assume that he was targeted for what lead to the Torfan episode."

"That complicates things…" Harper mused.

"They haven't made it to anywhere safe with the lockdown initiated by C-SEC," she added. "Right now they are holed up in the lower wards on Zakera. Viper's assistant AI, Noblesse, is sending in regular status updates."

"What? Why haven't I received any of these updates?" Harper demanded.

"Because we just got the intelligence, Director," Goyle placated him. "C-SEC is chasing them. They've already had multiple firefights with C-SEC. A Batarian covert ops team delayed Citadel Security at Chora's Den and bought Archangel and Viper Team enough time to escape. The whole show went down in flames. Half a dozen cops have been mortally wounded during the whole fiasco and, by Noblesse's account, a dozen wounded by our boys on the run. They refrain from using lethal force on the law."

"Smart. A wounded person ties down more resources than a dead one," Hackett noted. "Director, this Fist person can be an invaluable asset to the Hierarchy and to us if we can get him off station for interrogation."

"Unfortunately, we do not," Harper admitted. "I do not have sufficient leeway to make it happen. Maybe in the future, but considering developing tensions… problematic. The AIC will not be able to establish extraction routes. Only passive intelligence gathering and helping how we can with the limited resources and lack of maneuvering space."

Goyle nodded in Harper's direction before speaking again. "We can safely assume that the Batarians have something prepared for this if they planned to capture Fist. We know Fist has had a small, yet important, role to play in the Asari exercising control over the Hegemony's pirates in the Nemean Abyss as the AIC found out. The Hegemony is most likely trying to get their hands on him to punish him for his betrayal. The initial plan was to smuggle Fist out the same way the Salarian prisoner was smuggled, via Naval Base Arx. C-SEC has it under lockdown. Our only chance right now is to use the Batarian way out and somehow negotiate an extradition to the Hierarchy or to us."

"If C-SEC is hunting them down they will soon run out of space," Hackett thought aloud. "They cannot afford to hunker down for long or they will be cut off at every corner. They must push on."

"And how do they get off Zakera Ward and into Kithoi Ward?" Harper questioned.

"Anita, keep us updated. We need Fist so that we can learn what the Reapers want with the Citadel. If they are willing to use their indoctrinated servants on a cloak and dagger operation like this, then it must be mighty important," Montgomery instructed her. "We should also avoid reaching out to the Hegemony until we know for sure that they made it out on a Batarian ship. Talking to that bastard, High Hegemon Dhothan, rubs me the wrong way…"

"Good point," Osoba agreed. "Both the political and intelligence factors," he glanced at Harper, "must be appraised of the latest developments immediately. Failure is not an option. Not at this point. We must make decisions on the spot."

"The Leviathan of Dis' firepower was estimated to surpass that of a battleship by a good margin. If the Reapers have also been the ones to wipe out the Protheans we can safely assume that they have had plenty of time to beef up their naval force," Harper let them in on his thoughts. "The Leviathan was millions of years old. Can you all see what I am getting at here?"

Hackett was the one to nod his head immediately. The three politicians were not late. "Why do they not take over by force the Citadel and try to go on cloak and dagger? Following logical thought, they should have the means to overpower the whole galaxy's combined military. For whatever reason, they need the Citadel."

They all thought of why that would be. But it made no sense if they used logic. Everything dictated that they must have overwhelming capabilities alone from the staggering time gaps. However, it is clear that they are not acting as expected. Why all the indoctrination? Why the cloak and dagger? Why hasn't Sparatus tried to place a Reaper artifact close enough to Fedorian to indoctrinate him too? Did they want to trigger wars between galaxy powers to weaken them? But why bother if you had thousands and millions of years to beef up your forces?

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Thank you all for reading the latest chapter! I had hoped to add three more scenes in this, one featuring Garrus and his team, and one with Irissa. I actually had in mind many other scenes, but I realized it would drag for too long and I would delay the update by another month. So… I decided to cut it and put in the "Future chapters content" file I have. You will see it in the next chapter!

So, the galaxy is moving continuously. People are making again plans, strategies, and more plans. All the while, the Citadel is drifting to chaos – Pallin, Sparatus and co. up to no good; shootings in broad daylight between C-SEC and Garrus' team; a bar stormed and bodies left behind; a civil war in the brewing on Taetrus; the Volus and Elcor trying to seize the day… and this is just this part of the galaxy. And, to top it off, the Alliance is not the only one pissed off on the Asari.

If you are wondering what other reasons might be behind the attempted takeover of Naval Base Arx… well, if you have not figured it out then you will read it in the next chapter. It's a lot more than simply Sparatus trying to get rid of Hierarchy Intelligence from messing with their own plans. Pay attention to the timings. Now that I mention it, I don't think I have explored Sparatus more. Which is a shame. I really have some good ideas on my mind, but if I go ahead with it now it would be a bit of a spoiler. Eh, bugger!

Thank you for reading! I really hope this was a decent chapter. I'm quite nervous about its quality to the story.

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A STORY BROUGHT TO YOU BY Apollonir