Chapter 36: Small stumps flip big chariots

"Ever heard of the Human saying 'the small stump flipped the big cart'? Or 'small leaks sink big ships'? We get caught up in major events, we keep looking to far away targets... and we stumble on little things."

(Atelas Razea for Interbellum: Politics of the Galaxy)

Citadel, Zakera Ward

The skycar raced along the length of Zakera, closing in on the dock at the far end.

"No further!" Bau declared as he made to drop them off. "Leaving you here. Your ship not far away."

"Thank you, SPECTRE," Archangel said with little enthusiasm. "I won't forget this favor from STG."

Bau smiled that broad smile his kind sport. "Careful. You don't want that favor called in one day." The smile grew wider to enhance his words. "Citadel Security is all over the place. Communications are down. Coordination impossible. Enough time to reach your destination. You mentioned SIU, correct?"

"Yes. They came after Fist," he pointed at the gagged and bruised Batarian. "It is reasonable to expect they have more SIU troops on the freighter."

Bau set the skycar down. His finger hesitated to open the door. He fixed Archangel with his gaze. "Recommend one SPECTRE accompanies you. Presence alone enough to deter... harmful action from Hegemony crew. Will also get you through C-SEC customs check. The other... I can drop at Turian embassy. Loyal man will be needed. Also, dextro rations," he passed them over, "to keep you two days."

The three Turian males exchanged glances between themselves.

"I will go with the team," Nihlus volunteered. "Avitus, you return to the embassy on the Presidium. Bau is right. Your loyalties are not in doubt. You can facilitate the arrest of Sparatus and Pallin."

Avitus was skeptical. "We all know it won't be that simple."

"Only matter of time. Sparatus and Pallin can't hide for long. Hierarchy's long reach will find them," Bau said. "SPECTRE presence will deter C-SEC and other security. Strongly advised. Plus Turian SPECTRE arresting Turian councilor will be good image for the Primarch."

"Makes sense," Viper One agreed. "We'll be fine with one SPECTRE."

Avitus accepted his new role. Bau opened the doors and Archangel's team got out. "Safe travels," he wished them.

. . .

"Sir?"

"What?"

"Visitors. The unwanted kind. You want to see this."

Tarak looked up from his omnitool at his subordinate. He made a head gesture "look that way". Tarak closed the omnitool's interface and stood up from the bench, head in the direction his man indicated. A most queer band surprised him.

"What the shit..."

He recognized Fist easily. A Turian SPECTRE was leading the procession, one he recognized quick enough. "Kryik!"

"Ah, Tarak," he acknowledged the Batarian. "Was wondering who would be leading this little op the Hegemony put together."

Tarak looked behind Nihlus to see two more Turians. The female seemed placid enough, right behind Nihlus. The male one had Fist under cuff, and a look in his eyes that promised no good. Further on, four unknowns. One was definitely a woman. Three males. Their attire was new to Tarak's eyes. Faces covered by masks, he could only guess who they were. They formed a protective perimeter behind and around Fist.

"You have something I want." He pushed past Nihlus to have a better look at Fist.

"We help each other and everyone gets what they want," Nihlus offered. "You take us to a place of our choosing in exchange for Fist."

"You cut his fingers off..." Tarak observed with contempt. "He was ours to begin with. Where are the men I sent after him? I haven't heard any updates from them. I assume you've crossed paths?"

"Dead or with C-SEC," the Turian holding Fist said.

Tarak briefly analyzed him. He looked like nobody he's ever seen . The murderous light in his eyes seemed to intensify. The way he held his omnitool arm indicated he had something ready to go. Fortunately for his well being, it was aimed at Fist's spine. He took a step into the Turian's personal space. "Dead, you say? How?"

"Ask C-SEC. They know."

Tarak huffed. "Your eyes tell another story."

"Is this who the SIU sends to oversee a secret operation on the Citadel? A mystic man reading stories in people's eyes?" his tone mocked him. "No wonder your men are not here anymore."

"Careful, Turian. Careful now."

Nihlus grabbed Tarak by the arm and pulled him away from Archangel. "What's your answer to my offer?"

Tarak backed off from the challenge. Without taking his eyes off Archangel, he said "I will take you on your offer. But first, Fist will come under my care... so as to avoid any... further bodily harm on his person."

Nihlus did not agree. "Only after you drop us off. Otherwise, Fist is my guarantee that me and my team won't suffer any unfortunate accident or go missing. Not unless you want the Citadel Council hunting you down and putting your government in a worse position."

"Isn't the threat of the Council enough to guarantee your safe passage?" Tarak inquired.

"I don't take that chance."

The Batarian mulled over what he knew. His eyes jumped over each person in the group once more before looking around. The C-SEC constables seemed particularly uncomfortable ever since Nihlus showed up with Fist. He was up to date with the news too. So, he had his doubts and theories about who had whose back right now.

Finally, he moved aside and invited Nihlus aboard. "If something goes wrong you are the first to eat shit, Nihlus. And your team will suffocate in dark space," he warned him as Nihlus pushed past.

Citadel, Presidium

Turian Hierarchy Embassy, Ambassador's Office

He almost bumped into another Turian as he approached Quentius's office. Looking up at him, Din Korlack thought he recognized SPECTRE Rix. He did not ponder on what he was doing here and walked quickly through the door. He observed there were guards even inside the ambassador's office.

"Ambassador Quentius, thank you for seeing me so soon," the Volus said as he took a labored breath. "Or should I call you now Councilor Quentius?"

Quentius stood up from his seat and welcomed his colleague. "I can always make time. Make yourself comfortable. What can I help you with?"

Din rested his weight against the sofa he preferred when in private audience with the Turian ambassador. "I must speak with you on matters of urgent priority. The situation cannot continue as is." The small alien glanced at the guards.

Quentius picked up on his hesitancy and assured him. "Blackwatch. Loyal to the Hierarchy. You can speak without risks of wrong ears hearing sensitive information."

"Loyalty is a rare gift in these troubled times," Din noted philosophically. "People on Taetrus can learn a few things about the concept. What is the situation on the planet?"

Quentius' mandibles shifted uncomfortably. "It's deteriorated. Two legions are barely securing the capital city of Vallum. Traitors are attacking in bands, like infiltrators, inside the city. They take shots of opportunity at institutions. Our soldiers are shooting those they can find. Others are left to the care of ad-hoc militias. Terrorism is what it is. The ringleaders will pay. And peace will be restored."

"Councilor Sparatus might be behind this, but it will not end with his removal."

Quentius could not help but agree. "It will get worse before it gets any better – what a Human said. And I agree. We might be looking at protracted conflict than an episodic unrest. There are also those who believe Sparatus' narrative or those who think with their emotions and join the terrorist bands."

"Sparatus has been dismissed from the Council, yes?" Din pushed.

"He was."

"But he is not coming down peacefully. Can't afford to destabilize the Council in a time of crisis on the Citadel," Din noted bitterly.

"That is the official Council position. However, it will not matter tomorrow morning."

Din nodded, pleased by the initiative. "I want to notify the Hierarchy that the Vol do not tolerate the current attitude of the Council. As such, we will take action to encourage its restoration to what the Charter dictates."

Quentius was intrigued. "Elaborate on your point."

"Tavus Sparatus is no longer on the Council- according to the law. Despite this, the institution insists on artificially- extending his mandate. Irune will temporarily- freeze the assets of people who fill public offices- and are going against the Charter. Any person Irune believes is deliberately preventing observation of- proper procedure in replacing him will be sanctioned."

Quentius was intrigued. They wanted to approach the Volus leadership to discuss joint sanctions and pressure the other polities. The Hierarchy had initiated the procedure for economic sanctions within the Citadel. That was meant much more as a strong warning for their willingness.

"Who exactly are you targeting?" he asked.

"Sparatus, obviously the first target," Din said.

"The Hierarchy has already confiscated his entire wealth. He can't do anything in Hierarchy space without the authorities being notified of what, when and where he did it," Quentius said. "He does not have hidden wealth as far as I know."

Din allowed himself a small chuckle. "We did uncover a few others. He's got- the equivalent of one million credits in corporate shares- and cash deposits with independent financial institutions."

Quentius' expression darkened. "Which ones?"

"Not affiliated with the Citadel, they- claim. Based in Nos Astra and the Fledgling- States," Din answered. "Small banks. But a stern warning- from Irune guaranteed their compliance."

"Your initiative is appreciated, Ambassador. Palaven won't forget this favor." Quentius seemed genuinely relieved. "He should not have been able to amass that additional wealth according to his income so far."

"Correct. We looked into the- money's source." Din knew Quentius appreciates a direct conversation. Thus, he jumps to the point instead of going to pleasantries like a conversation with the Asari would go. "It bears all the trademarks- of laundering. The farthest our institutions were able- to track it was Binary Helix. Do you recognize the name?"

Quentius' gears rotated in his head for a few seconds. "Advanced genetics, I think. Based on Noveria."

"Indeed. We can directly account for half of the cash," Din said. "Unfortunately, it is not 100% solid evidence. We-"

"Why not?" Quentius interrupted.

Din's enthusiasm deflated a little. "They are shell companies with strong ties to Binary Helix. It is common sense, all instincts scream at us that Binary Helix funded the money. But it won't hold under objective scrutiny."

Quentius closed his eyes and breathed slowly. His head seemed to hang lower. He looked back at Din after a few moments. "What about the other half of the cash? What was the trace?"

"Dead ends. Irrelevant from a political point of view. Small independents."

His Turian interlocutor sank in his chair. "To give me hope like this..."

"You- should be celebrating right now!" Din exclaimed. "Binary Helix is under- the patronage of Benezia T'Soni! She is known- for her frequent presence at official banquets with- the likes of Tevos and most- influential of matriarchs."

"The evidence we have so far is as solid as the steel beneath our feet," Quentius rebuked sharply. "To bring this forward risks discrediting ourselves partially or fully. It will only feed the Council's narrative. We can't have any of it."

"I did not say you should say this- with your own mouth. Irune will- handle this. If the Hierarchy will- support us."

"What do you need our support in?"

"First- Irune is concerned about the Primarch's- political decisions and economic reforms," Din stressed the word. "In exchange- for our political support against Sparatus- and the Republics. We demand restoration of Volus influence- on economic policies within the Hierarchy."

Quentius listened to the request and mulled it over. He weighed the pros and cons. "I will have to raise this higher up the chain, with Palaven." The answer was expected. He prompted Din to continue.

"Second- we request your support in occupying a fourth- Council seat. As soon as possible. Present circumstances indicate- an additional weight is required to balance the system. Prevent chaos- or worse."

The second request brought an even longer silence. It made Din uncomfortable when Quentius fixed his eyes on him and refused to let go. He took a deep breath before he spoke.

"I do not mean to demean you or the Vol Protectorate with what I am about to say next, Ambassador Din Korlack." It made Din slightly confused. "Should I succeed Sparatus on the Council... I will personally propose the enlargement of the Council to four seats. I am confident Valern will support us. Only roadblock is Tevos. But I also ask something in return from you for the support. It will not look good."

"What is it?"

"The Vol Protectorate must significantly boost its naval combat capabilities," Quentius dropped the shell. "You already have a strong small craft pool. You could start with at least one carrier and one more dreadnought. You can follow up on that with cruisers or logistics."

Din just blinked at him. Quentius continued.

"We will forward Elkoss Combine the plans we made based off the Impera-class. You can have the first one finished within two years and ready to undergo trials. In truthfulness, Primarch Fedorian and Fleet Admiral Coronati have drafted a plan for naval buildup for both states. In five years time... we can have 5 new dreadnoughts and at least 2 carriers. Add yours and we will 6 with 3 between us. The frigate fleet is also going to expand significantly. We need to be able to sustain prolonged militarization. The metalworking industry will not keep up with the demand in due time. Irune must also provide its own resources. Can you broker a deal with the Elcor? Start selling the metals to the two of us?"

Din Korlack blinked again. "Are you mocking me?" he asked in his usual tone.

"I am not. Your offer against Sparatus and the Republics for restitution of Volus influence over Hierarchy economic policies. Your request for our support for a Council seat in exchange for increased Volus commitment to defense spending."

It irked Din when Quentius was casual about his words. His curiosity overcame the building outburst. He poked for answers. "Who is this buildup meant to deter? Who is it truly aimed against?"

Quentius broke eye contact in favor of his desk's surface. "We already have the deterrence against every organization in this galaxy. But the security situation changed significantly. You know Palaven encouraged stronger collective defense. Especially for a Council seat."

"In essence, you are luring us," Din concluded. "If we start building up you could renege your support for us. Or use its incompletion to draw the procedure out. Or suppose you do not deny us support. What guarantee do you have we will undertake such a sudden buildup? The funds do not sprout from the ground like grass. And we will need to quickly find the money for this project."

"Do you know us for backstabbers?" questioned an offended Quentius.

"It would not be backstabbing as you Turians see it. You can be very literal. And the trap is in the details," Din rebuked. "That is what I am calling you on. I will need written, official documents for this bilateral promise."

"Let us agree on the main points of the agreement and I will have one ready for you within one or two days," Quentius said. "But I think we can take a short break. I must confer with the Primarch in private for the first exchange. Reconvene after that?"

Citadel, Presidium

Elcor & Volus Embassy

Talin rumbled his way through the embassy towards Din's office. He'd seen Din return with his bodyguards. But his little colleague walked like a robot. Talin could read his mood by his movements. And Din was utterly in another world.

"Din!" he called him as he was allowed entrance. "Concerned. How are you?"

The large Elcor's presence was barely acknowledged. His body was like a brick on soft fabric. Talin approached and settled closer to the Volus.

"Din," he tried more softly.

The bright, small eyes finally acknowledged his presence. He locked them with Talin's dark pebbles. "It does not make sense. I went- through every single reasonable scenario I could."

"Curious. What does it not make sense?"

"They gave me everything," Din admitted. His voice was incredulous.

"Including economic policy and Council seat?" Talin asked.

Din reached for one of his suit's large pockets. Out came a paper envelope. "All written and signed here. I- have not had to write on paper in a while."

"Query. What is the measure of their commitment?"

"This is what I am trying to understand myself..." Din breathed long. "Their ask is small relative to our gain. We help against Sparatus and Fedorian doubles back on his 'reforms'. And they demanded serious naval buildup for Council seat. I was given everything in one round of talks."

"Too fast. Too easy." Talin monotoned.

"Is it not?" Din fell again into deep thought. Talin joined him. And so, they both thought long and hard about possible evolutions of this new development and its circumstances. "They could be simply taking advantage of us and discard any responsibility when they have what we offer." Din said and then looked at Talin. "It was an unfair trade." His tone and body betrayed frustration.

"Concerned. It was an unfair," Talin agreed. "I calculated it as acceptable, minimal risk. I am leaning on Turian honor."

"More like- gambling..."

"Enthusiastic. It will accelerate stabilization of Hierarchy internal affairs. A stable and grateful Turian Hierarchy is preferable to a spiteful minion of the Asari elite."

Lack of significant popular support for Sparatus meant Fedorian had not lost his legitimacy before his people. Din and Talin made the only logical decision. It was much more likely for Sparatus' leadership to be plagued by instability and regular war if he managed to depose Fedorian. The gamble lied in the other side holding up their end of the bargain.

Din took a long breath of ammonia under his mask. Held it. And exhaled. "We were going to do this anyway-. Might as well try to earn a little extra off of it. It still bothers me why they agreed this quickly. It almost feels like a joke."

"Inquiry. What are our next steps?"

Din pointed a finger at Talin. "You will stop selling to the Humans and sell everything- to us and the Turians,' he instructed. "Renegotiate anything you need to renegotiate- and reduce the amount you give them. We will need those resources to build the warships. Your economy- is has the highest output of metals to the free market. Every- Elcor company willing to sell will receive +5% over average market price."

"Dismissive. 5% does not justify betraying our trade partnership with the Humans," Talin returned. "Agreements have been signed. The offer would not cover our strategic vulnerability."

"Listen here- Ambassador Talin!" Din jabbed a finger in his colleague's direction. His voice was more vigorous. "I take great offense to what you just said. I will- not carry both our weights. We agreed to- work together!"

"Chastising rebuke. You are disrespecting me. Your government is in a position of winning with either outcome. The Courts of Dekuuna risk losing everything again. The Humans are exchanging element zero for our metals. It is the most indispensable resource in the galaxy," Talin ranted. "Question. Why should our government and companies discard that for almost no return?"

Din flared up. "What do you mean no- return!? Keeping the galaxy alive is not a return?"

Talin's size seemed to loom larger over Din's minuscule body. The large diplomat literally overshadowed the smaller one.

"That is the frustration in you talking, Din."

And the shadow gave way to light. "I apologize... I- let myself be carried away."

"Plain. My government will not think about this proposal. Every single organization in this galaxy wants element zero. It is the standard for the galactic economy. Curious. How do you justify replacing that with a mere 5% over market value? We agreed to sell you some. But that is small enough to not hurt us and encourage normalization of relations. Hopeful. You will come with a better offer."

And so, Din was left alone in his office. Alone with his thoughts.

Citadel, Presidium

Asari Republics Embassy

Tevos thought this moment would come. Fedorian denounced and replaced Sparatus. Venari Pallin was something of a surprise as she did not know what exactly they had done until now. Sparatus had made his moves. Now they could hope for it to grow larger than Fedorian can manage.

"Is it true about the Executor?" Arteana asked her.

"I have no reason to believe otherwise," Tevos said.

Arteana lowered her chin and looked differently at Tevos. "I did not ask for your belief."

Tevos felt her spine straighten out a tad more. "There is not enough evidence I consider objective... given the political circumstances."

"And it is hard to dismiss it too."

"It is." A moment of silence passed between the two matriarchs. "There is an uproar on the Citadel, matriarch, bordering r-"

"Yes, I read the news," Arteana interrupted. "The cloth might still be good, but throw however much detergent you want on it... it is not going to wash this stain."

Tevos felt like Arteana favored her more than the rest. She always allowed herself to be more expressive in their private conversations. Such was the feeling she had when her mentor sighed in frustration. A feeling of privilege. Feeling of being a favorite student.

"Venari Pallin will make for a delay. Make sure you get this right, Tevos. I will move the necessary assets to assist in this endeavor. Since this is Citadel Security we are talking about, Pallin will first answer before proper institutions. That trial shall not omit the strong possibility of unfair, political motivation behind the accusation. And, if found guilty, Sparatus too will be tried before an impartial court."

Tevos nodded in acknowledgement. "I will see to it. The Hierarchy will want to move everything quick. Unfortunately, there is a crisis that takes precedence. And our resources are limited."

Arteana did not dwell on the topic. She gently tapped her palm once on the desk – the matter was decided. "I still have to do rounds Give me your quick, unfiltered update on the remaining points. Hyperspace."

"Humans are delaying," she said. "We called the investigation to verify if the accident was indeed caused by one of their defunct drives. They said they are assembling a team of experts to assist in the investigation. Every other polity within the Citadel is putting pressure. Everyone wants insight into the technology. They've yet to deliver the promised FTL drive to Illium. Delays on all fronts."

"Taetrus."

"Sparatus released a statement in response to Fedorian. Analysis of extranet publications indicate further polarization of local society. Unlikely to spread to other colonies, but spreading on Taetrus. The unrest is the big catalyst here. It is unlikely for Sparatus to dethrone Fedorian in the immediate future. We must give society a bit of time to forget about Fedorian's speech, maybe wash Sparatus in a Citadel court, and then he might have a chance. Otherwise, the best outcome is a group coup against Fedorian without our support or knowledge."

"Very dangerous. Don't encourage anything like that. Not yet. Only support inside opposition if it arises. Next, Citadel."

Tevos paused. "It is... delicate," she hesitated. "The population is calling for C-SEC heads and is up in arms. Everyone's focused on Fedorian's evidence. And no one is paying attention to the public broadcast hack."

Arteana frowned. "Why not? What are the outlets busy with?" Tevos was silent. Arteana's gaze darkened. "We have to rethink our approach to current challenges," Tevos said.

Attican Traverse, Sruent System

SSV Spirit of Fire

"This system right here," Natalia pointed on the holographic map, "is where Storm Hawk made contact with the unknown hostiles."

Everybody looked in thought at the red dots. They formed a red string on the neutral side of this part of the galaxy. Three background colors dominated the map – blue for Alliance space, brown for Hegemony space, grey for neutral space. The Heavy Recon Fleet was displayed as a pulsating blue dot on the Alliance side of the border.

"Each and every one of them are star systems our ships regularly pass through on patrol," Captain Dai Xi of the Sun Tzu noted. "And not very far away from Torfan."

"Do you think it is related?" the feminine voice of Captain Serafini of Minerva inquired from Xi.

"Related or not, it certainly does not feel like a coincidence," he answered.

"Torfan is a radioactive shithole," Averescu reminded them. "We made sure of that. They are not aiming to secure Torfan. I have a premonition this is something else."

"It does not bode well, sir. A cruiser suffered serious damage to require a trip to the Terra Nova Shipyards. Two more destroyers are in need of repairs. We can do those right here, but it will be a patchwork," Serafini said, her statement directed to Averescu.

The flag officer took their words. He just looked at the map, occasionally sparing a glance to his XO or the captains. He'd called for an in-person meeting with his most important subordinates. He breathed loudly once. And then relaxed his posture, leaning on the table with the hologram.

"It is what it is, Captain Serafini," he finally said. "Have we any word from Storm Hawk? Did they investigate the wreck of the freighter? Do they have prisoners?"

His XO was quick to answer. "Three Batarian prisoners arrested on a gunship are in the ship's brig. The freighter's engine section was struck and is leaking dangerous levels of high energy, ionizing radiation. Marine squads searched the front part of the ship with no immediate findings. Lieutenant-Commander Aerrow wanted to pursue the escape craft, but is holding position in the Sruent System. The Marines are busy retrieving personal effects left behind, ship logs, data... anything of use."

"We can roughly estimate an element-zero based FTL jump's destination," Xi said. "If we know their exact bearing... we can easily see what star systems are on their trajectory. And, if we are lucky, track them down."

Averescu looked at Natalia. "Well, Commander... did the report provide this piece of information?"

She nodded. With little input from her, the map updated by tracing a line, starting from Sruent and heading deeper into the Traverse.

"Evelyn," Averescu called out. The holographic persona of the ship's AI came up. "New orders for Desert Fox – scout the star systems along this line's path and report via QEC. Avoid fights. This is a scouting mission. I want all findings reported. Start from further ahead, not with the first star systems. We track them down and put them down. Send the orders for me, please"

"Understood, sir." Evelyn said and shut her hologram off.

His statement made Serafini shuffle nervously, leaning her weight from one foot to the other. "Sir, we must be a hundred percent sure that the people we shoot at are our real enemies. The perpetrators of this surprise attack on our ships."

"We find them and we put the low life scoundrels down," he stated in a tone that brokered no further argument on the topic. "We are not waiting solely for Desert Fox to find something,. Captain Serafini," he fixed her with his gaze. "Minerva and her escorts will stay back and secure the Alliance's borders against incursions. Battlegroups Spirit of Fire and Sun Tzu will move into the Traverse," he explained.

"I will personally be by your side, Captain Xi," he assured his subordinate. "Sun Tzu will not be left without the support of a battleship. While I am protecting you, your ship will launch search craft."

"What, like the American and Japanese navies in the Pacific War?" Xi asked. "Launching search planes to scour the ocean for each other?"

"Do you see alternatives?" Averescu asked without waiting for an answer. He was respectful, not making it sound like a parent being condescending to a child. "Because I don't. We have enough Sedna search craft in our combined battlegroups to cover the space around us like a globe."

It was an interesting, natural evolution of the speed of war, Averescu thought. First, Humanity fought at the pace of the soldiers' march. And that was the norm for almost all their history. They'd fight long wars that could stretch for years. And then, with the advent of the 1960s, the speed of war overtook civilization. By the early 21st century wars could be fought and concluded in mere days.

Or, to be more precise, exhaust the national arsenal in mere days. That was when any sufficiently motivated country could track most of the enemy's hardware and know where to strike in times of war. Infrastructure could be targeted and destroyed in the opening salvo. A time when the speed of war did not allow time to build new hardware, only fight with what you had at the start. Not because the belligerents did not want to build something new, but simply because the factories and shipyards would be destroyed by long range missiles.

Now, with the advent of spacefaring and faster than light, Humanity's wars slowed down again. It takes time to cover the vast distances between the front lines and the industrialized sectors of the belligerents. You cannot just point a weapon at the enemy's factories, shipyards and civilian centers, and fire it. Unless a Mass Relay can be repurposed just for that. An application Averescu doubted anyone could materialize in the near future.

Every party engaged in interstellar war at vast distances must establish resupply points along the way. It could be a naval station for the fleet, but the ground troops require a larger logistical chain than a ship that's mostly self sufficient for long periods of time. As one moves into enemy territory, they must establish supply lines to be an effective fighting force. That would be the rule. And people opting for Hannibal's or Sherman's strategies would not be able to win a war on large scale if confronted with the bulk of the enemy's military. There was no guarantee they could live off the alien planet's resources. No, the attrition alone would make such a force unfeasible to implement.

So here they were again, in a vast ocean of black and suspended lights, searching for the enemy. Until the galaxy's civilizations can develop a network of satellites that will orbit the galaxy and detect enemy assets from tens of thousands of light years away... And have the weapons to strike in a matter of days all across the galaxy... This would be the norm for the rest of their existence.

"That would leave our sector too vulnerable," Xi said. "Our mining operations in the Verge would be too exposed along the sector. Civilian ships could be ambushed by slip-away raiders. Hackett will have our heads if we allow that."

"Then it is fortunate they don't know where every single mining operation is located, no?"

"I agree, sir," Serafini joined him. "Taking both capital ships out is too risky. At least wait until reinforcements are here to take up patrol duty."

The flag officer fell again into one of his long pauses for thinking. He most certainly was not happy about the raised point. However, he agreed with his subordinates. Otherwise, he'd have shut down the idea.

"I will request information from the AIC," Natalia said. "Maybe they know something or they can investigate until our reinforcements are here."

"Those morons cannot track down terrorists in our colonies. They're a waste of time, Commander," Averescu replied bitterly. "Alright, Captains! I concede your point. So you two will stay here and make sure no bastard gets any ideas. Captain Xi, I would appreciate it if you can transfer some of your Sedna search craft to my ship. I need as many eyes and ears out there with me. You will have command in my absence."

"Sir, what are you doing?" Xi asked slowly.

"I'm going hunting."

Westerlund News

Games of Power, evening talk show

"Khalisah, one of our investigative reporters, has prepared a very interesting material for us tonight," the host of the talk show introduced the next topic. "Khalisah, you have the word."

The image shifted to the Arabic woman, whose dark raven hair and dark skin contrasted with her green eyes.

"Thank you! What I wanted to bring to our guests' attention, but more importantly to the people following us over the live stream, is a very interesting investigation I've just concluded," she started her presentation.

The screen had split in half. The left side showed Khalisah talking. The right side showed images of what she was speaking about.

"The upcoming referendum on whether to suspend or not Kevin Montgomery from the office of president flared the flames of war between Terra Firma and the Federal Party. Both are vying for our vote to swing the vote in their favor. But here is something extremely interesting about the two parties. Do you remember the attack on the pirate stronghold of Torfan?"

Multiple affirmative responses came from the guests.

"Then you will remember the controversial Rear Admiral Leonard Averescu, the overarching commander of the punitive operation," Khalisah continued. "He became famous when images showing his ruthlessness have been leaked to the public. He shot two fellow Humans on Torfan. But all clues indicate a total of three."

"Sounds like you're onto something," the show's host said. "Let's listen to the findings and we will comment everything later."

Khalisah resumed her presentation. "Both the opposition leader, Donnel Udina, and incumbent president, Kevin Montgomery, have praised him for his leadership on the operation. He did, however, receive multiple commendations following the Battle of Shanxi and the offensive against the Council. The military and officials from the Federal Party awarded him medals. Terra Firma is using him as an example of how resolute we are. It's obvious he's being used as a magnet for political approval. But who is the man really?"

A picture showed the face of Averescu on the right half of the screen. It was the one from his public CV.

"I will not bore you with the details and every step along the way, I will jump right to the gritty parts," she said. "Perhaps the most shocking part is the audio recording of him when he shot the two prisoners in the field hospital. Remember, these were Human beings, not some extraterrestrial we've not had contact with up until a year ago. Here is the video with the audio recorded by Battlespace."

The split screen was gone, now dominated by the recording from the field hospital on Torfan. Averescu and a Marine sergeant were in the middle of the frame. The recording played.

"You shalt not murder! Love thy neighbor as you love yourself, lead his soul towards righteousness," said the sergeant priest.

"We have to lead Humanity towards righteousness. Your Holiness should take care of the souls," Averescu said matter-of-factly.

"They fall into the hands of every shepherd."

"Every shepherd with his own flute."

"Your flute, Admiral..." the sergeant hesitated, "it sings pagan sounds."

"Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt nor murder. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house or anything that belongs to him. If you want life to be good to you and see many years on Earth," Averescu quoted from the commandments. "Do the holy commandments sound like this or not?"

"You have learned them, Admiral, but you didn't understand them," the priest reasoned.

"Have I ever done otherwise? Have I ever punished for a different reason other than the law? Or outside the constraints of the law? It's your Holiness who is singing pagan sounds from your flute, when you want to protect the lawless," Averescu accused. "Trădători de neam şi ţară."

"God does not wish for the sinner's death."

"But for his righteousness, I know. But if they are commandments, let them be commandments! In order to convert ten sinners into righteous men, one sinner should die. In order to convert a hundred, ten must perish. Perish serving as an example! In vain you ask the thief not to steal, the murderer not to kill. Asking does not accomplish anything. It is not the love of God that brings people to the church, but fear of hell's agonies."

"And you want to embody them, Admiral?" the priest inquired. "Do you want to embody hell's throes?"

"If you heed my orders, five of you will kill a hundred. A hundred will banish ten thousand and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. If you don't heed my orders..." the officer quoted.

"I will come with rage and punish you seven times for your sins," the sergeant-priest continued. "You will perish from within the ranks of nations, the land of your enemies will swallow you."

"Do you want me to wait with my arms crossed for this punishment which will mean Humanity's death!?" Averescu thundered. "Humanity's enemies are everywhere and they are very close. We're surrounded on all sides. We must confront them like an invincible steel sword. Swords are hardened through fire, not words."

"But not in hell's fire."

"I haven't another handy."

And the replay finished with that final statement from the officer.

"Wow!" the host said, his mouth slightly agape. "Khalisah, I did ask everybody to refrain from interrupting... but this is too juicy not to dissect it right now."

"Oh, I agree with you, Valerio," Khalisah said. "I was shocked when I heard the audio recording first time. To imagine that the title Butcher of Torfan was so well deserved..."

"So, we have a religious extremist with a hero complex in charge of one of Humanity's most powerful ships?" Valerio asked as he looked at his guests.

"It certainly is an interesting exchange," a man said. "It's extremely interesting. The lower rank, I think he was a sergeant, is trying to calm him down, reason peacefully. But he just... deflects that like it's some ridiculous notion not even worth considering."

A round of approving sounds came from the other people.

"I don't think that is the most outrageous part, Salim," the soft voice of the second woman guest joined in. "The admiral is talking about leading Humanity towards righteousness, that we", she focused the pronoun, "must lead it to righteousness. Not you, lowly priest. We, the higher ups."

"Exactly, miss Jeon!" Khalisah added. "An elitist attitude of the higher ranks. Given this is the person they put in charge of the operation, it begs the question – why? Why choose a man whose behavior seems to be common knowledge to the brass?"

The woman, Jeon, rushed to be the one to reply. "Humans like to associate with people who share their interests and opinions. We all know how appointments are made in the military and political arenas. I strongly doubt they are that much different."

Valerio quickly followed up on her. "Like we are cattle and they are the shepherds. To herd and slaughter us as they please."

The second male guest, Salim, joined. "Khalisah, you asked why. Let us read this properly." He paused, looking for the right words. "Each and every single one of us is an ambassador of Humanity when we step out there. This applies in public offices too. When this man," he points at the screen, "was selected to lead the operation against Torfan... he represented Humanity. Or what Montgomery wants us to look like – bloodthirsty barbarians. Even to our own."

"Leading right up to what I was thinking," Jeon intervenes. "This just reflects the true nature of Montgomery. Anger is one of the most honest sentiments. It shows what he is at his core."

"Why would he be angry?" Valerio looked to Salim for answers.

"It could be he is just drunk on power after his first term and re-election in the second one. He could see the Shanxi hostage crisis an attack to his own authority and person. The attempted incursion on Mindoir as an affront to his personal prestige. He wanted to make it clear to everyone how he deals with external and internal aggression – send your henchmen after them."

Valerio feigned confusion. "Are you implying he knew there would be Human smugglers on Torfan?"

Salim smiled. "What? The most capable intelligence agency in Human history can't find that out? And that agency was at Montgomery's fingertips? Looks at all the things they've intercepted and published about other threats."

Valerio mimicked shock now. "And his whole choice of words... he said we must be like a steel sword forged in the fires of hell... to strike against the enemies who want to destroy us."

"You could say-" Khalisah took the initiative, "that Humanity is this fortress besieged on all sides by the forces of evil. He sounds like a certain presitator of Russia."

Valerio, Salim and Jeon laughed. "Presitator?"

Khalisah put the effort to keep a poker face. The cracks were showing. "You know, not a president. Not full fledged dictator. A presitator."

"Wow! This is the Montgomery behind all the actions!?"

Khalisah smiled. "Oh, just you wait. I have something more about the man they so boldly claimed as a staunch defender of Humanity. Look who he is meeting and what they are talking."

The picture of one brunette woman in a black dress, sitting opposite of Averescu at a restaurant table was displayed. "This is getting juicier."

AUTHOR's NOTES

Active plot lines in the story as of this moment:

Alliance internal political power struggles (the Federalists vs Terra Firma)

Hierarchy internal political power struggles (Fedorian vs Sparatus) and what looks like a civil war brewing

Turian-Alliance joint operations against Saren and what they perceive is the beginning of a Reaper incursion of some sort

Alliance-Asari proxy operations

Alliance moving into the Traverse and encountering resistance

Alliance-Asari political and public image war

Salarian power struggle (military meritocracy vs dalatrasses); this one is now on a back burner, but its premises are explicitly detailed in chapter 26

Author notes for this chapter

I am deliberately keeping nebulous the exact laws and agreements that make up how the Citadel works. I think it will be too convoluted and complex to try to build a set of rules without me forgetting the rules I came up with. To this end, I think I will "oversimplify" to a degree the inner workings.

Political statement from the author. Please do not write any review on this comment. If you want to say anything about it just write me on private messaging the website offers. Reviews are for the actual story. Thank you for your understanding!

So, the unthinkable happened. We all know it. Vladimir Pooptin invades again. In the year 2022. Let that sink in. Medieval style war of conquest and oppression in 2022. For what? Just because a nation wanted a European future instead of the bleak KGB despotic rule? There were significant protests in Russia, but that critical mass was not achieved. The Russian public was much more concerned with stuffing down one more McDonald's or getting that last IKEA couch. No, let's fight each other over the last product instead of fixing the root cause why we are running out of this product.

This, ladies and gents, is the result of decades of unprocessed history for the Russian people. Germany learned about the horrors of the nazi regime after WW2. Unlike them, Russia inherited the "glorious" past of the Soviet Union. People are already fighting over sugar and the economy is going down the drain. Truly reliving the Soviet days.

Just like fascism and communism, putinism will go down in history as a terrible ideology and will be shunned. It's become the fascist symbol of our century. This whole war feels like the worst fever dream. Z has become the symbol of putinism. The Soviet Union was more transparent and restrained in decision making than what Pooptin transformed Russia into. A nation with tremendous potential squandered down the drain of corruption. This nation could have become a great democracy of the world with the wealth to envy. A country you'd want to go to than flee from.

All this said, do not become racist against the average Russian citizen. He/she probably want what is best, but so many are tricked into believing whatever BS the Kremlin is feeding on state TV/online propaganda and then persist via confirmation bias. We do not need more racism and discrimination nowadays. The best we can do is try to bring the truth to the Russian public and hope the tricked people wake up and maybe put pressure on the government to stop this madness. Also, if your country is receiving refugees don't discriminate the refugees. If you do not want to help, then at least get out of the way and leave other people to help the refugees. Don't be an anchor to this delicate situation.

The brave Ukrainian nation is putting up a heroic resistance. Not just for themselves. For Europe too. Every single one of them a hero against the hordes of KGB darkness. No, one month into this war is too long to say "we did not know". Now it is a matter of choice. There is always a choice. Desert and surrender... or be a pawn in spreading putinism over the Old Continent. Mark it, folks – this is a watershed moment in Human history.

"Special military operation" against a nazi government. Whose president is of Jewish descent and lost family in the Holocaust. "NATO wants to surround and invade us, bwhahaha!" Why would you fear NATO so much if you are looking for peaceful coexistence with the world instead of being an aggressor? Maybe their motivation has nothing to do with half a century of Soviet expansionism and cultural dillution. Yeeeaaah, I'm gonna call bullshit on that. Only nazis I see are those in the Kremlin.

Slava Ukraini! Heroiam slava!

A STORY BROUGHT TO YOU BY Apollonir