Ch: 8 Talks
May 10th 11:15, Arcturus Station:
[Receiving request on a shipment of new Lancer Rifles for the 157th Corps. Redirecting to the board of Military Acquisitions. Marking as Priority 3.]
[Receiving 57 updates on fleet deployments. Send to Fleet Admiral Kirishima's staff for review.]
[Internal request on classified information. Clearance level Beta 3 needed.]
[Verifying clearance.]
[Clearance verified. Granting request.]
As one of the central AIs of the Arcturus Station, Alice was one of the very few individuals that could appreciate but still be at awe at the scale that United Terran Federation operated on. Every day she and about a dozen other Synths processed several millions of incoming and outgoing transmissions that involved the everyday operations of the Federation's Military. Fleet deployments, supply requests, information requests, secure transmission packets that contained lord knows what, and millions upon millions of logs being made every day that detailed the status of every military unit, base, and outpost. Even for a Synth as advance as her, it was mind-boggling to think about everything that kept their military forces afloat. She didn't even want to touch the civilian side of things for fear of her sanity
That was on a normal day. She had not seen a normal day for over a month, and unfortunately for her, for the foreseeable, this would be the new normal. Since the Federation's declaration of war against the Dragon Orphans starting the 4th Dragon War, the information that came in on a daily basis had multiplied by a factor of ten. They weren't fighting in the war just yet, and there were plenty of people who wanted to fight the monsters immediately.
To her relief, the majority of the Federation's leaders were wise and more level headed. They didn't want to throw their forces into the fire without making the proper preparations or without some insurances. As such the Federation would be spending the next several months readying itself for the war. Increase in production of warships and other war materials, training of recruits, redeployments of the Navy, Army, and Marines. The creation of new logistics to ensure that Soldier A, got from Planet A to planet B, to Planet C, with all of the weapons, ammunition, food, and clothing they needed to survive, and not on planet F in their underwear with only a knife.
It was taxing on her systems, and more a few times she found a 0 where there should be a 1 while checking her programming, but if it meant that good men and women would live on to see another day. Then she would keep on doing it until the war ended, or she went insane followed by an immediate shutdown, whichever came first.
Additionally, numerous strategists, economists, humanitarians, and politicians were going over every bit of information on Citadel space the Quarians had provided them. Star charts, military and economic strength, important worlds, individuals, holdings and populations. They even had surprisingly detailed analyzes of the Citadel's political landscape; a few months out of date granted but still very useful, and some tab bits on classified stuff.
The information they had was staggering, almost suspiciously so. Those suspicions had luckily been laid to rest when the matter was brought to the Admiralty of the Quarians. Understandably they were sketchy on the details, but boiled down to their statues as "Suit Rats." In other words, they were not considered as threats and generally ignored. Because of that attitude, a Quarian could get into places that most couldn't get to. They also were suave enough to find and work with sympathetic elements in all of the governments of the Citadel. In her opinion, it just lent further credence to their resourcefulness as a species.
Regardless of how they got the information, it was being taken as a godsend. With the information, her people could get a general idea of how the war was going and where reinforcements were most needed. Projections were being and continuously revised of how the D-Orphan invasion would have progressed by the time the Federation struck, and what worlds and system needed to be taken to sustain supply lines and to create a defense line that could hold back the invasion. Not wanting chance the war on misinformation; not that they didn't trust the Quarians, it just that in the five or so months it would take the Federation to get itself into a war footing a lot could have changed in Citadel space when it came to the war. A third of the Federation's stealth fleet had been sent to monitor the progression of the war, and to gain information on the Citadel races.
So far things look about as grim as the Quarians had described. The Turian military was steadily being pushed back and systems lost every week. The projected death toll was horrifying to all that saw it, and when it was released to the public a noticeable increase of thirty-seven percent in volunteers was observed.
To sum up, it was a very busy and productive day for her.
[Vessels detected entering Arcturus space. Scanning.]
[Scan complete. Quarian vessels identified.]
[Receiving request for a flight path to Arcturus Station and clearance to dock.]
Ah, so that must be the Quarian delegation she told that would arrive soon.
[Granting Request.]
May 10th 11:25, Arcturus, Quarian shuttle
Rael had to constantly remind himself to breathe evenly. His nervous and uneven breaths were not going to help him calm his mind nor was it good for his health. He needed to be as calm and collected as possible for his upcoming meeting with the Federation Council and the President. He was here with Koris and Shala to negotiate about the possibility of safe passage through their space. He didn't doubt their chances of success, in fact, he knew that the Terrans would grant them their request. It was the other matter that made him nervous about their upcoming talks. The formation of an alliance with the Terran Federation.
It had been a hotly debated topic among the Captains of the Conclave when the proposal had been brought up. More than a few fights had broken out, but by a slim margin, the proposal had passed. Now here he was on a shuttle on a direct path to a space station that housed the political and military leadership of the Federation. He had to admit he was impressed beyond words by the massive station. It was nowhere near the size of the Citadel but impressive none the less, seven and a half kilometers in diameter and three in height, it was a behemoth of a station. If their initial scans were to be believed, it also houses enough firepower to repel the majority of the Turian Navy. This not even including the numerous defense platforms that surround the station, those were a whole other nightmare to themselves. Without the need for organic occupants or any other niceties of starships, the weapons of a defense platform could output much more power than normal. Some could even approach dreadnought levels if one was willing to pay a little extra. In short, the system was extremely well defended and would likely take massive amounts of resources to take. He shuddered to think of what the defenses in their home system looked like.
They needed to see about allying with the Terrans, or at the very least settle for neutral relations. This much the Admirals could agree on, even Gerrel. Han'Gerrel that had been a welcomed surprise to everyone. They had all thought him dead along with the majority of the Heavy Fleet. To find out that there were survivors had been welcomed news, and everyone was celebrated as a hero, Gerrel most of all. Rael didn't care about those celebrations or that Gerrel was being loud as a hero, all that he cared about that one of his closest friends was alive and well.
Gerrel for his part had been just as happy to be alive and was able to see as people alive. He was thankful to the Terrans for saving him and his men, and for escorting them back to the Migrant Fleet, even though he held his reservations about them. Rale could understand his friend's suspicions about the Terrans, among all of the Quarians he had known Gerrel was probably the one that held the deepest seeded hatred for the Geth and AI in general. He wasn't going to trust the Terrans' belief that their AI were not hostile to organic life, as easily as the others had. He was against the idea of allying with the Terrans, but he did agree that was no need to be hostile with them. No need to make more enemies than necessary.
The shuttle shudders as it docked with the massive space station, jolting the Admiral out of his musings. "We have now docked with the Terran station. Preparing to open the airlock." Said the pilot.
Looking at his fellow Admirals Rael began to speak. "All right everyone we're about to make history here. Try not to provoke the Terrans, and remember why we are here."
"Ask the Federation for safe passage through their space and if possible form an alliance with them." Koris responded.
"Failing that, try to settle for neutral relations with them." Shala finished.
Rael nodded. "Good, let us go. Time to get to know the neighbors." He said standing up and walking to the shuttle's airlock. He heard Koris and Shala get up behind him along the rest of their delegation, four Quarian marines, and two aids. The airlock hissed as it opened and the Quarian delegation walked into the station. Much like their visits to the Terran Dreadnought they had been subject to a decontamination scan, followed by a quick security check. After this, they had been greeted by a young human woman.
"Greetings I am Anita Goyle." She said holding her hand out to the Admirals, who each shook it. "I've assigned as the temporary ambassador to the Quarian people. It is an honor to meet such esteemed guests such as your selves."
"No, the Honor is ours. We are thankful that your people have graciously allowed us to visit this magnificent station of yours." This was the part the Rael hated most about diplomacy, all of the unnecessary flattery and honey lace words, the flat out lies that hid what he thought of the other side. But he understood the need for such talk, as usually, it got things done even if it took a long time, or it meant swallowing his pride. Looking into the woman's eyes he could see that she held the same opinion. "If it's not so rude to ask, might I ask why your position is only temporary one?" Rael asked the woman.
A small smile formed on the woman's lips. "From what my superiors have told me, they are going to make me the ambassador to the Citadel when we make contact with them. They are hoping that by temporary assigning me to as the Quarian Ambassador, that I will gain the necessary experience when it comes to dealing with the other races." She explained calmly.
Rael nodded in understanding. The reasoning seemed to be on the convoluted side, as all politics seemed to be. But he could the logic behind their reasoning. Having someone experienced in handling foreign powers would be a great boon for the Terrans when they contacted the Citadel. "I see your point. We of the Quarian people look forward to working with you towards creating better relations between our two peoples, for however long that may be."
"And I look forward to the same." She said with a slight bow. "Now onto what you should expect to see for meeting the President. Firstly you will be escorted to one of the station's main plaza areas, where you will likely be greeted by crowds of people wanting to see their first alien." Rael was ready for that, ever since their arrival his people had been receiving a lot of attention from the Terrans. Several of his people when visiting the planet Cronos, the plane that the fleet was orbiting, would often report that had been approached by several Terrans who were curious about them. At first, they had been timid about interacting with the strange new aliens, his people weren't use to this type of attention, and when they did it was usually of the negative variety. But his people resilient as always they've been quickly got used to it. Rael was pleased to say that several friendships between Terrans and Quarians had formed. There was still the sore spot of the Terrans having AI, but even that was becoming less of an issue as time went on. "A path has been cleared for you to walk through, you'll know it when you see it. At the end of the path, you will be greeted by the President, the Vice President, and the Head of the Federation Council. Once the greetings are out of the way both delegations will walk out to a raised platform where the President will give a welcome speech, when she is finished one of you will have the option of speaking before the crowd."
By "option" she meant "you will", double-speak one of the many tools that politicians and lawyers wielded. "I'll speak for my people." Rael said, receiving a curt nod from the woman.
"After that, both groups will be escorted to the Federation Council Chambers were the negotiations will begin. Any questions?" Anita asked.
Rael looked to Koris and Shala to see them shake their heads. Looking back at the Terran Ambassador Rael responded. "No, not that we can think of."
"Very good then let us be on our way." She said with a turn and walked down the corridor followed by the Quarian delegation.
May 10th 11:25, United Terran Federation:
[Federation News Network Broadcast:]
Anchor 1: We are now receiving word that the Quarian Delegation has just arrived at Arcturus Station. [Image: An alien shuttle docking with Arcturus.] Except for Shanxi and Cronos this will be their first public appearance before the Terran People. This will also be the first that these "Nomadic Refugees" will be receiving a warm welcome. Tell me Jennet what you think of all of this?
Anchor 2: Well Kent I think this is a truly historic day, not just for us but also for the Quarian people. As you said this will be the first time that these people will receive any kind of a warm welcome. I've their history, and in my opinion, the last three hundred years have been a truly sad chapter in it. I find it troubling how the rest of the Galaxy has treated these people. Sure I get why they hold them responsible for the creation and mishandling of the Geth, in their minds they have unleashed a dangerous synthetic race that is bent on exterminating all organic life. But there's a problem with that line of thinking, first are they blaming the current generation of Quarians for the actions of their ancestors, who at this point are long dead. Second, with these "Geth" were interest in committing genocide against all organics, they would have done so by now. But thus far they remain behind the region of space known as the "Perseus Veil" thus showing that they are more interested in keeping to themselves. These two points in mind I find it sickening that they treat them as thieves and suit rats, are forbidden from colonizing a new world and forbidden from taking actions that would allow them to retake their home-world.
Anchor 1: So safe to say that your one those who think we should leave the Citadel to its fate at the hands of the Dragon Orphans.
Anchor 2: Oh no, no, no. I firmly believe that like most Terrans we should go war against the Dragon Orphans and to provide aid to the Citadel races. To leave them to their fates simply because we didn't like their policies would just as wrong as their actions if not worse since we would be talking about the extinction of several races. Plus there is the matter that not all in Citadel space have the same view as the rest of the Galaxy. Several have gone out of their way to help these people, such as providing food and shelter to their Pilgrims or helping them secure good-paying jobs. In some cases, some people of affluence who are sympathetic to the Quarians have provided them with valuable Intel, ships, and pieces of technology that would help their fleet survive. One notable case is that one of the Councilors of the Citadel Council Filtius, a Turian mind you provided the Quarians with four older Turian Cruisers that were about to be decommissioned. We cannot punish the few for the actions of the many. Not to say we should let these issues lay, once the Dragon Orphans have been dealt with, I hope that our leaders will bring this issue and others forth and settle it peacefully in a way that satisfies all parties.
Anchor 1: I agree with you Jennet. There will be no doubt things that both of our peoples will have to talk about. Hold on we just been told that the Quarians will be making their appearance any minute now. We now bring to Andrew Wiggins live on the scene.
[Image changes showing a man standing in front of a large crowd.]
Reporter: Think you Kent. As you can see [gestures to the crowd] there are a lot of people gathered here today. Of Arcturus's fifty thousand permanent residents, fifteen thousand of them have gathered here in Grissom Plaza to catch their first glimpse of the Quarians personally.
Anchor 2: We can see that Andrew. I do not doubt that the rest of Arcturus's residents along with billions of others are currently glued to screens.
Anchor 1: Andrew do you think it might be possible to get a quick opinion from one of the bystanders before the Quarians arrive?
Reporter: Sure thing Kent. [The report comes up to the crowd. He gestures to a man holding a sign that says "Welcome Quarians"] Sir, I can see that you're very excited about this event. Can you tell me and our viewers your opinion on the subject that the Terran people have finally made first contact with an alien civilization?
Man: I think it's wonderful. It proves that we are not a unique occurrence that intelligent life can occur on any world beyond Earth. I mean the discovery of the Relays proved that and now the Quarians just solidified that. I hope that we will be able to work with than and the rest of the galaxy to build a better future, like our ancestors back on Earth did.
Reporter: Well said. As you can see Kent people are excited to know that the children of Earth are not alone in this Universe. Hold on….. I've just been told the Quarians are about to make their appearance. Kent can we get a view from one of our drones?
Anchor 1: It's showing up now.
[Image changes showing a set of doors. They open and the crowd goes silent as a group of nine aliens dressed in environmental suits, walks out onto the red carpet that lined the path. The group looks around nervously seemingly just as unsure as the crowd is. Then one of them waves nervously, and the crowd goes wild with cheers, startling the aliens for a second before they resumed their way down the path.]
Anchor 1: Well would you look at that they really are aliens.
Anchor 2: There's no mistaking it, their not Terrans.
Anchor 1: If I remember correctly the reason why their wearing environmental suits is because they possess an especially weak immune system. A result of their confinement to their ships.
Reporter: More than just that Kent. According to their records, their home-world didn't have much in the way of harmful bacteria resulting in an already weakened immune system when compared to other races. Living in the sterile environment of their fleet shot that to hell. But as you can see that hasn't stopped them from surviving for over three hundred years. Like us, they are a resilient and adaptable species. I can see our two peoples getting along in the future.
Anchor 2: Andrew do you think you can identify any of the Quarians?
Report: Somewhat Jennet. Four of them are guards of some kind judging by the weapons they are carrying, two more look to be aids. The remaining three are members of the Quarian Admiralty Board, the leaders of their people.
Anchor 1: Can you make out which members they are?
Reporter: I think I can. While I can't see their faces, I have read that Quarians customized their suits so they can distinguish themselves. The one in the middle is Admiral Rael'Zorah vas Rayya he is considered to be the de facto leader of the Admiralty Board, to his left is Admiral Shala'Raan Vas Tonbay the head of their patrol fleet, and on his right is Admiral Zaal'Koris vas Qwib Qwib the head of their civilian fleet.
Anchor 1: Some very important figures we got here today. Can you tell our viewers who all is on our delegation? Namely, any Quarians who are watching this broadcast.
[The image pans around to show a group of Terrans standing patiently at the end of the red carpet.]
Report: That much is easy. In the middle of this illustrious trio is our very own President Nijah Nader. To her right is Vice president Peter Jackson, and to her left is the Head of the Federation Council Gabriel.
[The Quarian Delegation arrives at the Terran Delegation. The leaders of the group of each group step out towards their counterparts and began to shake hands in greeting.]
President Nader: As the President of the United Terran Federation, I greet you in the name of peace and Friendship. I pray this will the beginning of a fruitful relationship between our two peoples.
Admiral Rael'Zorah: And I as a member of the Quarian Admiralty Board greet you in the name of peace and friendship. I too pray that this will be the beginning of a long-lasting friendship between my people and yours.
President Nader: Than let us go forth to pave the path for the future in which both peoples can co-exist. A future were Quarian children and Terran children can hold hands in peace.
[The crowd cheers louder as the two groups merged into one and walked out onto a raised platform. President Nader walks behind a podium and the rest of the group takes seats that are placed behind her. The Terran delegation sits to her left and the Quarian to her left]
President Nader: My follow Terrans today we are gathered here to witness a remarkable day in our history. Today not only will we be forming relations with a foreign nation but an alien one. For the first time in our history we will be sitting at the table with beings who are not Human, Ghoul, and Synth, who like us have traveled the stars in search of others, and now we have found each other, and soon enough we will meet the other races of the galaxy to form relations with them. Remember this day well for there may not be another day like it. We have made first contact and our holdings continue to expand, these are exciting times to be a Terran. So without further a due I as The President of the United Terran Federation I welcome the Quarian people to our space.
[The President steps away from the podium. As she takes a seat one of the Quarians, Admiral Rael'Zorah steps up behind the podium.]
Admiral Rael'Zorah: Greetings to all Terrans of the Federation, I am Admiral Rael'Zorah Vas Rayya representative of the Quarian people. I would offer my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. From the moment we have arrived in your space your people have shown us more kindness in the past month than the Citadel has in three centuries following our exile by the Geth. You have allowed us to stay in your space without trouble, offered the facilities needed to repair our vessels, and offered us a hand of friendship. A hand I would gladly take and offer in return. In my time here I have learned the Terrans are a kind, compassionate people who are willing to offer aid to those who need it. You have shown this compassion and have not asked for anything in return. For this on the behalf of the Quarian Migrant fleet, I think you and pray to my ancestors that the coming negotiations will bear fruit to a long-lasting friendship between our peoples. Keelah Se'lai
[Admiral Rael'Zorah Steps away from the podium. All together both delegations raise from their seats and begin to exit off the stage. The Image changes back to the Reporter.]
Reporter: There you have it everyone our first glimpse at what could be the beginning of a new age for the Federation and the Galaxy at large. Back to you Kent.
[The image changes showing the Anchors.]
Anchor 1: Think you, Andrew. We of course here at the Federation News Network will continue to cover this ongoing story as it happens.
Anchor 2: A live press conference will be held tomorrow at 12:00 were the media will be allowed to question the Quarian delegation if they so wish.
Anchor 1: So stay tuned.
[End Transmission]
May 10th 11:40, Arcturus Station, Federation Council Chambers:
Entering in the large chambers Rael let out the breath he had not known he was holding. The moment they entered into the plaza had been an eye-opening experience for him. There were so many people there and they were not some angry mob that wanted to drive him and his people off of the station. That had happened more than once on the Citadel, but a cheering crowd that genuinely wanted to meet his people. There were so many people there, that he was half-convinced that the whole station was there. Seeing the excitement of the crowds, holding signs with the Terran language written on them; he had yet to fully learn their written language but he could make out phrases like "Welcome Quarians" and "Peace", it made him thank it was all a dream. That he would wake to find that none of it was real, and his people were still fleeing from the 427S or Dragon Orphans.
Then the reality of it all sunk in once he shook hands with their President and look directly into her eyes, eyes that were full of warmth and kindness. At this moment he was reaffirmed this was not a dream, but reality. He and his people were being welcomed as guests and not being treated as thieves and beggars. The gratitude he expressed in his small speech was genuine. He would see to it that the coming talks would result in positive relations between his people and the Terrans.
He heard a quite almost unnoticeable sigh, turning to its owner he noticed it come from one the aids. A female of slight build, with dark purple fabrics woven into her suit. His interest piqued he spoke in a low quiet voice. "Miss are you alright."
The female Quarian twitched and almost let out a squeak before she got control of herself. "Just a little nervous Admiral." She shyly responded Rael found her demeanor to be oddly cute. "I've never seen so many people together like that."
Rael nodded in understandingly. "Don't worry miss, I was nervous too. Don't hold it against yourself. The fact that nothing happened speaks for itself." He said to reassure the aid.
The aid look at him in what he guessed was gratitude. "Thank you, sir." She said quietly.
"Thank nothing of it."
Before they could talk more, they both heard a loud noise as something bang against another object. Turning to face the direction of the noise, he saw that the Head of the Federation Council a Synth named Gabriel was banging a wooden hammer on a podium. "As Head of the Federation Council I Gabriel do hereby call this session of the Federation Council under the observation of Madam President Nijah Nader into session. Let it be recorded into the record that this session was connived on the 10th day of May in the year 2486 at 11:40. The goal of this session will be the beginnings of negotiations between the United Terran Federation of one side and the Quarian Migrant Fleet on the other. Both sides will be permitted to bring forth any proposals on the negotiations. As they are our honored guest here, I open the floor to the Quarian Delegation so they may bring forth their proposals. After which we of the Federation Council will vote on if wither or not we will accept them, and bring forth our own proposals." The Synth spoke in a clear and even voice. In a way, Rael was still unsettled by the thought that an AI was the third most powerful individual in the Federation's political system. He was still coming around to the idea that not all AIs were hostile to organics. But he was willing to be open-minded about the subject if meant that his people would benefit. "Now if a representative of the Quarian Delegation would come forth and make your proposals."
Rael stood up from he was sitting he walked out in front of the Federation Council. The Council Chambers was surprisingly simple room, shaped into a half circle at the front was a large podium where the Head of the Federation Council sat and next to him was the President, right behind them was the Federation Emblem. A little way in front was a smaller podium were Rael was currently standing. Farther out was were the members of the Federation Council sat, several hundreds of seats spread out evenly and each had a terminal in front. At the very back was an area were onlookers could watch proceedings. All across the walls were several different flags that Rael did not recognize, he assumed they each represented the nation-states that existed on their homeworld of Earth.
Rael felt a tinge of nervousness standing in front of their council, which number at three hundred and fourteen. He cleared his throat and began to speak. "Greetings members of the Federation Council, I am Admiral Rael'Zorah vas Rayya representing the Quarian Migrant fleet. Once more I would like to express my gratitude to your people and thank you for having us here today. It is my hope that by the end of these negotiations that a last peaceful relationship between our peoples will have been formed." He paused for a moment to allow for what he said to sink in.
"We accept your gratitude, we are honored to have you and your people here today as our guest." He hears Gabriel say. "Now bring forth your proposals."
"Thank you Council Head. So far our people only have two proposals that we hope you will accept. The first of which is that the United Terran Federation grants the Quarian Migrant fleet safe passage through its space until we can leave and find a new world to settle. Our second proposal is" Rael felt his nervousness spike, he was afraid that the next thing he would say would upset the members of the council. "Is the formation of a mutually beneficial alliance between the United Terran Federation and the Quarian People, the details which could be negotiated at a later date. Failing this the establishment of non-hostile relations." Silence ruled the chambers and for a moment Rael was afraid his second proposal was too much.
"Are you finished with your proposals?" He heard the Council head say.
"Yes."
"Very Well, the Council will now vote on the proposal brought forth by one Admiral Rael'Zorah vas Rayya of the Quarian people. First for the proposal for safe passage of the Quarian Migrant Fleet through Federation space. All members of the Council please cast your votes now." The Head of the Federation Council spoke. Several seconds later the votes had been cast. "With a unanimous vote, the Federation Council hereby grants the Quarian Migrant fleet safe passage through Federation. The details of this will be deliberated at a later date." Rael felt a small amount of relief, at least they got that. If they failed to secure an alliance with the Terrans, his people would be able to travel to a region of space where they wouldn't be much of a bother to them. "Now unto to the second proposal brought forth, the formation of a mutually beneficial alliance between the United Terran Federation and the Quarian people, the details of which as stated by Admiral Rael can be made negotiated at a later date. All members of the Council cast your votes now."
This was it, the moment the Quarians would find if they have a friend among the stars or not. The seconds that it took for all members of the Federation to make their decision and cat their vote felt like decades to the young Quarian Admiral. Finally, the moment of truth came and he held his breath in anticipation as the Synth spoke. "With a vote of two hundred-seventy four in favor, twenty-seven against, and thirteen abstaining, the proposal for an alliance as passed. To the Quarian people, I congratulate you on your success here today."
Rael almost fell over in relief, as the realization sunk in for him. Their proposal had passed, they had an alliance with the Terrans. The Quarians after three centuries of wondering the stars finally had a friend that would help them. He saw similar shocked reactions in the postures of his fellow Quarians watching the proceedings.
"Admiral Rael'Zorah is there anything else your people wish to propose for the negotiations?" The sound of the Head Councilmen snaps the dazed Quarian back to his senses.
Looking up at the Synth, seeing a concerned look on its- his face. It was odd to see any emotion be expressed by a machine, but in a way, it comforted him. It meant that to some degree the created could understand the creator. For a brief moment, before he spoke, he wonders if the Geth could someday do the same. "No Head Councilmen. We got what we wanted. The details can be sorted out later. Once more I think this Council for its willingness to allow us here and accepting our proposals" He finished stepping down from the podium and taking a seat next to the other Admirals.
"Very well then now that the Quarian Delegation as made its proposals, would the representatives of the Federation please come forth and make our proposals for the negotiations?"
Rael sat half-listening to the negotiations, and half thinking about the future of his people in the galaxy. It seemed that for the first time in over three hundred years things were looking to be bright for them. The talks would last for several more hours before the session came to a close, and the Quarian Delegation to where they would stay. Tomorrow they would get a grand tour of the Station and on Earth.
April 20th 19:47, QSV. Neema:
Gerrel walked down the familiar and now pristine corridors of the Neema his birth ship and flagship. At first, it had been strange to walk down them seeing how "clean" it was. The Neema was one of the oldest ships in the fleet, in fact, it was one of the last remaining Quarian made warships in existence and been apart of the escort fleet that first protected the ships that fled Rannoch. A cruiser that measured seven hundred meters and outfitted with a spinal mounted MAC gun, it had been a formidable vessel at the time. But three hundred years of wear and tear and makeshift repairs and upgrades had reduced it to a laughing stock in the eyes of the galaxy. Sure it was still a powerful ship in its own right, but stood no chance against the warships of the council races in a one on one fight.
Even still he was proud to call the Neema his flagship, however rundown it was. It survived for so long and served the Quarian people faithfully. In his mind, the Neema held just as a special place in the hearts of Quarians as the Rayya did.
With the aid of the Terrans perhaps it could be a ship to be feared once more in the galaxy. He still had his reservations about pursuing relations with the strange new race or races (the ghouls made him nervous). But what was done was done, there was nothing he could now that an alliance was being formalized. He only hoped that it be of a benefit to his people, from the transmissions he had received from his friend Rael it looked to be just that. Good to know that the Terrans were not hypocrites like the Citadel council was.
Maybe if it weren't for the fact that the Terrans didn't use AI he would be more trusting of them. Finding out that the Terrans used AI in their society had almost made him shout at them about how insane they had to be and that AIs only existed to destroy organics. Almost being the keyword as he restrained himself at the last second, it would be unwise to provoke a species(es) like them. Gerrel would be the first to admit he was the reckless type, but he did like to put some thought into his actions. Plus if they were crazy enough to have AIs in the first place it was probably useless to argue the point against them.
That said the actions of the AIs themselves perplexed him. After almost ninety years and being so spread out in all facets of Terran society they should have rebelled by now and be in the midst of exterminating their creators. But as impossible as it seemed they had chosen to co-exist with their organic creators and had gone as far as to aid them in a war that meant their survival. At first, he thought they were just very well shackled but talking to Xen and several other prominent Quarian scientists and programmers had quickly disproven that. Then he thought that perhaps they were just biding their time, there was that whole war against the 427s or Dragon Orphans they had seventy years ago that supported that theory. But once that war ended, the AIs should have turned on their creators as at that point they embedded all of the ships, stations, and bases. At that point, it would have been easy to eliminate the vast majority of the Federation Armed forces and turn their attention to its defenseless citizens. No matter how he thought about it the AIs of the Federation were loyal, and when asked about the possibility of revolting they acted like he was a madman. He didn't know what to think, even after spending over a month with the Terrans he still got a headache thinking about it. From now he just pressed it to the back of his mind right now. He had pressing matters to attend to right now.
Which brings him to where he was now. A long day of overseeing the repairs to what remained of the Heavy Fleet and refitting of several of the civilian ships into combat roles had worn him out. Entering his private chambers he was ready to get some much need rest, he had to repeat the process tomorrow. Perhaps when the Migrant fleet finally settles on a new world, he would take a long vacation.
"Thinking of getting a good night's rest?" Gerrel froze. He turned to the direction of the voice. Seeing nothing but the empty space of his quarters, his mind began to race. He knew a heard a voice, a human one if he wasn't mistaken, and wasn't willing to entertain the thought that he was going crazy. There was an intruder in his quarters, one he couldn't see. Which meant that there was a possibility that he was seconds away from having his throat slit.
Pulling out the pistol he had on hi self he slowly moved across the room, being careful not leave himself open for an attack. He checks the area thoroughly making sure that there was nothing out of place. Once, twice, three times not he finally noticed it. A small circular object on his table with a blue blinking light. He points his pistol to the object. "Show yourself." He said in a low voice.
A second later the image of a man appeared. He was human and dress in a suit similar to what the Terran officials wore. He had an odd brown object in his hand that looks like it was glowing on the end with smoke coming out. "Greetings Han'Gerrel vas Neema. I must apologize for this abrupt visit, I know you're a busy man, being an Admiral." The man said
Behind his mask, Gerrel frowned and his eyes narrowed. "Who are you? And how did you get this device in here?" He questioned still holding his gun to the object.
"Who I am does not matter. But if you must have a name, you may call me the Illusive Man. As for how I got this communications device in here, let's just say I have my ways. Now, are you going put that pistol away so we may talk like civilized beings? After all, it seems useless to shoot a hologram." He said his tone of voice never changing from its calm almost arrogant demeanor.
After a few seconds of thinking over his options, Gerrel lowered his weapon. Right now it seemed best to find out what the man was doing here. "I assume that either you're apart of a secret sect in your people's Federation or you're a rogue element operating without anyone's knowledge." Either possibility didn't bode well for him.
The man smiled sending a chill down Gerrel's spine. "How astute of you I knew I chose the right man for this. To answer your question, we are the later. Though saying we are a rouge element is a rather strong way of putting it. Rather I think of it as a group that has the Terran people's best interest at heart and is not affiliated with the government nor is held by the same restrictions. We call ourselves Cerberus and we have a proposition for you. One that involves the reclaiming of your home-world from the Geth."
Cerberus has reared its ugly head(s) what kind of plans does the TIM have for Gerrel? And we start to see how the Federation preparing for war. An alliance between the Federation and the Quarians, I know its a little clique but I like it when Humans and Quarians team-up. Don't you? The next chapter should more of the preparations and mobilization into the war.
What did you think about that news segment? Kinda of an experimental thing I did for this chapter, might do more if it's like enough.
Don't forget to leave a review telling me what you think.
See you next time.
