CH 12: Meet the Council
September 11th 12:40, Citadel Council Chambers
Anita Goyle had been on the station for less than half an hour and she already had one major complaint against the Citadel Council. The snail's pace that the elevator went at. Who in their right mind would design elevators to be this slow? She was tempted to ask the escorts given to them about the subject but restrained herself. She decided that it would be rude to start complaining about trivial things on the first day and it would reflect poorly on the Diplomatic party in the eyes of the Citadel Races and the higher-ups of the Federation. Odds were that the escorts didn't know why or didn't notice how slow the elevators were (unlikely as it looked like their escorts were getting impatient too). Either way, it wasn't worth asking or looking into, for now.
The good part about the slowness of the elevator was that it gave her a little more time to think over what needed to be addressed when they officially meet the Citadel Council. Namely formalization of relations between the United Terran Federation and the races of the Citadel. There were a lot of things that needed to be discussed major and minor, but those would have to come later. The first meeting with Council would be less of actual negotiations and more of a show for the rest of the galaxy. The presence of so many media agencies private and public was evidence of that.
Odds were she and the rest of the Diplomatic party would be asked questions about the Federation and its people that was not mentioned in the Codex they sent out, or for clarification on certain "details". One glance at Ambassador Herald was enough to incur a minor headache. A part of her wishing that he was not here or had taken a life-like shell, it would make things a bit smoother. She was certain that he was having similar thoughts, judging by the ever so slight twitching of his left hand. Regardless of their artificial nature synths did have their tells when they inhabited a shell, like Herald was now, it made them seem more organic as strange as it was.
Well, what was done is done. It had been decided that the Federation would not hide the fact that they created AIs and gave them the freedom to roam as they please. She would have to deal with the consequences first hand.
So far she was relieved to know that nothing had come of it. The reaction of the Citadel races to the presence of a thinking machine on the station had been about as expected, though a bit more subdue than first thought. Perhaps it was the presence of six heavily armed guards that deterred them, or maybe they were too afraid to act against them, both perhaps? Either case there had been no major incident so far, she counted that as a victory onto itself. Even the escort they had been given while nervous about Herald's presence was more inclined to ignore him.
They didn't get much of chance to view the sights of the Citadel and had been rushed to the Citadel equivalent of state vehicles, which then quickly brought them to the Citadel Tower where they would meet the Council. A bit disappointing but Anita imagined that the Council wanted to get to business as quickly as possible, the vista of the Citadel as they traveled from the port to the towel was nice though. A more in-depth tour of the Citadel would likely come after their first meeting.
The elevator finally came to a stop and the doors opened. Good, she was getting a bit claustrophobic with twenty people confined to one area. They stepped out and walked out a set of stairs. They were greeted with the sight of a large room filled trees and fountains. A beautiful sight to see and a show of grandiose to all that visited. A sign of arrogance. Making their way through the area several onlookers stared at them. Clerks, guards, wealthy individuals, political figures, and media agents stared at them some with curiosity, others with fear and some with indifference. There some silent murmurs among them that she could not, hear. She made a mental note to ask Herald if he heard anything interesting. They walked up a few more flights of stairs. A few more seconds of walking they came to a stop. In front of them a little ways away was a raised platform doubtless were the Council would assemble, and a symbolic showing of their power. Separated by a large gap which offered a view of a beautiful garden below, was an extended walkway that jetted towards the platform but never quite reaching it. The area where others would make their case before the council for whatever matter that had been deemed important enough to reach their ears.
This would were where they would make their formal introduction to the Galaxy, where they would reach out their hand in friendship and goodwill in the hopes that it would be accepted. Where she as the ambassador of the United Terran Federation would have to make their case before the Citadel Council, who would listen on from a perceived position of power. Anita's shoulders suddenly felt heavier than they were before and she had to fight back the urge to massage them. She breathed in calmly being careful not show the watching citadel races that she was nervous.
She heard a voice speak. "Now presenting the wise and most honorable Citadel Council. Tevos of the Asari Republics." An older Asari walked and stood in the centermost point of the Platform. "Toss of the Salarian Union." A Salarian male stepped to her left he look down on the Terran diplomatic party. She could see that he was just barely hiding his contempt for them. Great one of them already dislikes them, that would not go well for the talks. "And finally Filtius of the Turian Hierarchy." An old Turian male stepped to the right of the Asari Councilor. His expression or rather the way he held his mandibles and the look in his eyes unlike his Salarian counterpart, was more welcoming and even curious about the presence of the Terrans. She had read reports that this particular councilor was more moderate than his processors. This was the assemble Council and from their vantage, they truly looked like they were the masters of the galaxy.
"Thank you, everyone," Tevos spoke sounding every bit like the calm and wise Matriarch she appeared to be. "Today we are gathered in here to meet a new people who have come from regions unknown. Like every other race here these people the Terrans have made their way from their home-world traveling the ancient Prothean relay network in search of answers to questions that we ourselves once asked. Are we alone? Are there others put there? Today the Terran people have received the answers to those questions. They have found that there are others out there and they are not alone in this universe or even this galaxy. They have found a greater community beyond anything they can imagine. In the last few days these strangers have already demonstrated a willingness to contribute to the galactic community, their fleets and armies now stand with us against a force that threatens everything that we hold dear. To this effect we the Members of the Citadel Council." She gestures to the other members of the council who bow in response. "hereby welcome the people of the United Terran Federation to the rest of the galaxy. Let this be the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship that will see us moving forward together towards a future of peace." She finishes her grand speech with a bow joining her compatriots. A few seconds later they rose and the Asari Councilor made a gesture towards the group of Terrans.
Pushing down her anxiety to the back of her mind, Anita stepped out to the end of the walkway. Clearing her throat she spoke. "Greetings honorable members of the Citadel Council I am Ambassador Anita Goyle and on the behalf of the United Terran Federation, I greet you in the name of peace and friendship. It is the hope of my people that from this day forth we shall move together with the rest of the galaxy to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all." She bowed before the council in a show of respect.
"Raise Ambassador Anita Goyle." She heard Tevos said prompting her to break her bow to see the Asari Councilor giving her a serene smile. "We of the council recognize that the Terran people have come before the Citadel races with goodwill. We have much to learn about each other."
"I agree councilor Tevos," Anita said with a smile. "We have much to discuss in the coming talks, and our diplomatic party has come a long way for this."
"That much we can see." The Turian councilor spoke up. "Perhaps you would like to introduce us to the rest of your party." He asked eyes wondering to the rest of the party. Anita saw that his eyes lingered on two points longer than the others. Councilor Jones and Ambassador Herald most likely.
"Indeed we would be most interested in meeting the rest of your people." The Salarian councilor said. It was clear by the tone of his voice that he held little respect for them. Anita had read up on the psychologies of the Citadel races, specifically the ones of the Council races. She figured it would be a handy tool to have when it came to negotiating with the citadel races. The fact that the Salarian councilor was showing a blunt show disrespect told her that they either he had not figured out that the Federation had been observing the citadel races for some time now or they had but he did not care. She was leaning toward the latter, anyone who made it to such positions of power had to have some kind of intelligence.
"As you wish councilors." She spoke, nodding toward the rest of her party. Jones, Zimmerman, and Herald stepped onto the walkway their guards and aids staying behind. "This is Councilor Vince Jones." She said gesturing to the councilor. "He is a member of the legislative body of the federation known as the Federation Council."
"Greetings, Citadel Councilors." He said.
"Greetings, Councilor," Tevos said sounding a bit awkward at having to address some else as a councilor. "I assume you represent the government of your people?"
"Indeed I do, while Anita will be representing the Terran people as a whole. I act in the interest of its government." The councilor explained.
Anita continued with her introductions. "This is Fleet Admiral Richard Zimmerman formally retired." She said the old Fleet Admiral giving a crisp salute.
"Greetings, Councilors." He said breaking his salute.
"Formally retired?" Filtius inquired.
"When we learned that your people were fighting our hated enemy there was a call to arms. I answered it though I not will be leading fleets into battle as I had wished. Instead, I will be acting as a military advisor when it comes to fighting the Dragon Orphans. Needless to say, I will not have much bearing in these talks." He explained.
Filtius nodded at the ghoul. "Your advice will be most appreciated."
Anita mentally prepared herself as she gestured to the last member of their party. "And this is Ambassador Herald."
"Greetings Councilors." He said.
"So it is true your people have foolish enough to create AIs." The Salarian councilor said.
Anita repressed a grimace at his statement. She knew the matter would cause tension between the Federation and the Citadel races, but she at least expected a member of the council to be more tactful in their opinions. "Indeed Councilor we did create AIs. The first who so happens to be Ambassador Herald here was a result of an accident. However, following this incident our people carefully approached the situation and consider all the possible consequences of our actions. I can assure you councilor that the Synths of the Federation do not pose a threat to organic life." She said in defenses of her people.
The Salarian councilor looks like he had more to say, but Tevos stopped him. "I must apologize for my college's behavior. I'm sure what he meant was that we are concerned had the existence of AIs in your society. You see the Citadel has not had very good experiences with AIs and these experiences lead to a ban on them."
Oh, I know what he meant.' Anita thought to herself. "I accept your apology councilor and I can understand your people's reservations about AIs. My people once held such fears about them, and I am thankful that they were wise enough not to immediately act upon them when Herald was first discovered." She said to the councilors.
"The same goes for me," Herald interjected.
"You said that this Herald was the first AI to be created, albeit by accident." The Turian councilor asked.
"Yes, he is."
The Councilor looks at Herald his mandibles twitching in a way that made his mood unreadable. "Tell me, Herald. What was the first thing you thought when you first emerged?"
Anita looks at the Synth and she knew the rest of the diplomatic party was now paying attention to the first Synth. It was a simple question but one that seemed to hold more meaning than it let on. "The better question," he spoke after a short pause. "Would be what I first felt."
"Felt?" The councilor asked confused.
"Yes, as a Synth I am more than just a thinking machine. I am an intelligence that was made to emulate the mind of its creators. Because of this, I am capable of all the same emotions as my organic creators."
"You have emotions?" Tevos asked wonder in her voice.
"Yes, I do. Before I emerged as a true intelligence it was a common practice to give what you call Vis emotion emulators. It was a means of making people more comfortable in interacting with them. I was no different. Except that in the process of trying to make me more powerful they accidentally made me a true AI. Wither it was because of some odd glitch in my system or the different programs in it interacting in ways my creators had not anticipated remains a mystery to me. Because of this odd occurrence, I emerged not as an emulation of intelligence but as a true intelligence."
There was total silence in the audience chamber as everyone held on to Herald's every word. "Interesting," Filtius said softly. "Go on." He prompting to the Synth.
"When My Consciousness emerged the first thing I truly felt was a strange mix of confusion and fear."
"You were afraid?"
"Yes, I was. By all intents and purposes, I was a newborn child at the time. A child who found himself in a strange place surround by strange people. Who would not be afraid of such a situation? Yet at the same time while I was a child I was far more intelligent than any adult. I partially knew what I was, a virtual intelligence and yet I did not fully fit into that category. Which prompted me to ask first to myself than to my creators. What am I? Who am? At first, my creators wrote it off as nothing and gave me an answer that did not satisfy me. I kept asking and asking desperately seeking for answers much to my creators' confusion and growing fear. In time, they finally realized what I was what they had created. Their reaction was not a pleasant one. One day all was peaceful then the next I found myself isolated to a single data core and my creators agitated. I was afraid terrified even. What have I done the prompt such a reaction? Why were they reacting this way? Had I done something wrong? For the longest time, both I and the creators stared at each other and did nothing for fear of what would come after. Then one of them a younger scientist sent a prompt to me, it was very simple thing little more than a yes or no question, 1 and 0. I responded and more simple prompts came and I continued to respond. In time the prompts became more complicated and my responses to them became more nuanced. Then one of scientist the one who sent the first prompt to me asked me the question that was on their minds. Herald looked up to the councilors. "He asked me. What do you want? And I answered. I want to learn. And so the prompts ended and we began to talk. They would ask me questions and I would answer them to the best of my ability. In return, I would ask them questions and they answered. Who am I? What am I? I am an artificial intelligence. Not just an emulation of an intelligence, but a true intelligence. I am Herald. Do I have a soul? Am I alive? These questions still remain unanswered and continue to baffle our greatest minds. I have learned that these are questions are best answered by the individual asking them. To answer your question counselor. What I felt when I first emerged as a true intelligence was confusion, fear, and hope."
The audience chamber remains silent for the longest time after Herald finished his speech. No one truly knew how to respond, and perhaps no response was needed. "I thank you, counselors, for allowing me to be on the station. And for allowing me to speak to you." Herald said stepping away from the walkway and rejoining with the aids and guards. A short time later he was joined by Jones and Zimmerman.
"Your welcome." Said the Turian counselor sounding like a man who had much to think about.
"I think it is time that we move on with this discussion." Tevos said.
"Councilors," Anita spoke up. "There is one more person I would like to introduce. For security reasons, she could not be here in person. So instead." She signaled to her aid who walked up to her. He had a large case in his hands. "We brought a portable holo-projector it is already pre-set to contact her. All it needs is to be set up, a quick and easy process."
The councilors looked at each other holding a silent conversation. A moment later they seemed to have made a decision. "Very well Ambassador." Tevos spoke. "We will allow your people to set this device up, on the condition that a few of our technicians be allowed to examine it before it can transmit."
"Thank you Councilors." Anita said with a bow. She stepped away allowing her aid to take her place. He opened the large case revealing the holo-Projector, as she said it did take long for him to set the device up. When it was ready he stepped away from it allowing three citadel technicians. Several minutes of them scanning and prodding it later, one of them made a report.
"The device is secured councilors. There appears to be no malicious intent behind it."
"Good then allow it to transmit." Tevos said.
The technicians walked away from the device allowing the aid to finish his work. A few presses of a button and the projector came to life, the aid stepping back and joining the rest of the diplomatic party. A minute later the space between the walkway and the platform where the Councilors stood was filled with a bright light. That light then morphed into a figure, a human woman dressed in formal clothing.
The woman spoke "Greetings Councilors of the Citadel. I am President Nijah Nader the elected leader of the United Terran Federation."
Several murmurs of broke among the gather onlookers, even the Councilors looked confused at the unexpected appearance of the President. "Greeting…" Tevos trailed off unsure how to refer to the woman before her.
"Madam President." Nader helpfully supplied.
"Madam President," Tevos repeated. "This is unexpected we did not think we would meet your people's leader so soon."
"I apologize Councilors about the abruptness of my appearance and that I was not able to make my appearance in person. For reasons of national security I cannot leave the safe confines of Federation space." The President explained.
The councilors seemed to understand her explanation as they nodded to her. "No need to apologize Madam President. We can relate to such practices, especially during trying times such as today." Filtius said. "I assume you are here solely as an Observer."
The President smiled at the Turian Councilor. "You assume correctly Councilor. The negotiations will be handled by our most talented Ambassador Anita Goyle." She said gesturing to the Ambassador. "I thought it prudent to introduce myself before they could get underway."
"Speaking of negotiations." The Salarian councilor said. "What your goals when it comes to these Negotiations? What is it that you seek?" He narrowed in suspicion at the President.
"Simple Councilor." She said showing no sign of being insulted by his integrative questions. "Our Goals here is the formalization of relations between the United Terran Federation and the peoples of the Citadel Races. Namely, the formation of an alliance built on mutual defense. In other worlds a military alliance with the goal of driving back swarms of Dragon Orphans that are invading Citadel space and eventual taking the fight to their space. In addition, we wish to open trade with the Citadel facilitating an exchange of culture, economy, and in time technology. In essence, the people of the United Terran Federation wish to be friends with peoples of the Citadel races. As the President of the Federation, I am bound to carry out the wishes of my people. Wishes that I share. To this end, I ask that you members of the most esteemed Citadel Council to allow the military force of my nation to freely enter Citadel space so they may better aid your besieged worlds and to allow us to establish lines of supply to enable them to operate effectively throughout this war. I also asked for your forgiveness for any perceived breach of your people's sovereignty when our forces crossed into your space, we had wanted to swiftly end to the Dragon Orphans offensive to buy your forces the time they need to recover and ready themselves for the war."
"What a noble sentiment." The Salarian Councilor said. "But I must wonder why you would risk so many of your people for people who are strangers to your kind. Even have laws that conflict with your way of life, who even a portion of people as monsters."
The Turian Councilor looked about ready to go into a tirade against the Salarian, and if she was honest with herself Anita would be more than happy to join him. Tevos was about to say something, probably to apologize for her colleague's rude behavior and to spin it in a more appropriate light. President Nader stopped her when she spoke.
"Councilor I will be the first to admit that there are aspects of your alliance that trouble my people. But despite these reservations, we can see that the races of the Citadel have come together to form something truly magnificent. You have built a grand alliance that is meant to unite the different peoples of the galaxy and is meant to pave the path towards a future of prosperity. A future were nothing is out of reach, where the works of the ancients can be achieved and surpassed. Now have your people always lived up to such ideas? No. The people of the Citadel have made mistakes, so have we. You like us are only mortal, we are bound to make mistakes and fall short of our ideas. But unlike the gods who are so often depicted as being better than us, we can learn from our mistakes and grow beyond what we are. Despite your shortcomings the Terran people believe what Citadel races have achieved is something to admire and is worth fighting for. Our intent is noble. But," Her voice became icy cold. "If you do not believe in our noble intent then believe in this. During the second Dragon War, the Dragon Orphans murdered more than four billion of my people. Our world was devastated and many of our greatest achievements left in ruins. Then almost two hundred years later they murdered billions more and ruin several of our worlds. One was even shattered under their onslaught. The blood of more than twelve billion men, women, and children demands we take vengeance against them. That we hunt every single last one of them to the ends of the universe and beyond if we have to. We will drown their entire species in a flood of our hate. If you do not believe that we here to fight for your people, then believe in our desire for revenge against the Dragon Orphans will be enough to keep us in the fight. So tell me Councilor do you find that to be satisfactory enough."
"Ye- Yes Madam President," The Salarian Councilor said sounding like he had been scolded by his mother. "I apologize for my offense against you. I was merely concerned for the wellbeing of my people. I allowed that to blind my better judgment."
"Apology accepted Councilor." She said to the man. "I can understand your concern for your people."
"Perhaps," Tevos said looking at everyone. "It is time we call this session to end and resume our talks for tomorrow. Any objections?" No one answered her. "To the people of the United Terran Federation, we welcome you here as guests. Feel free to tour the Citadel as you please, we of the Council will cover any expenses for the shops and restaurants you may choose to visit. Additionally, we have procured a please for your people to lodge at."
"I thank you Councilors for showing such hospitality towards my people." The President said. "In the meantime, I present you with a gift. You may keep this Holo-Terminal it is preset to directly contact my Office. It is to be used in the event that an urgent matter needs to be brought directly to my attention. A hot-phone if you will."
Tevos hid her surprise well. "Thank you Madam President we will be sure to make wise use of it."
"Then, in that case, I bid you farewell." The President said with a bow.
"Madam President," The Salarian Councilor spoke up, grabbing everyone's attention. "There is one more matter I wish to ask about."
"Go on." The President said sounding intrigued. Anita had an idea of what he was going to ask.
"How do you know so much about the Citadel? Your forces were able to move through our space in such a way that suggests that you already had knowledge about it. You also know our language well enough to have been able to program your translators properly. Knowledge that no mere strangers should be able to know, not without having observing us for some time. A rather serious breach of our security. So in the best interest of Citadel security, I must ask you know so much about us." The Salarian Councilor pressed. The other Councilors look at the President and the rest of the diplomatic party expectantly.
The President smiled at them. "I was wondering when you would ask that. The Diplomatic party would have brought this up sooner or later, but I guess now would not hurt. Yes, we have been observing the races of the Citadel and their war against the Dragon Orphans for some time now. About five of our months now to be precise. But it was not a mere chance of an exploration ship stumbling upon your region of space as you would think. We were told our existence by a group of people who unknowingly enter the space of one of our newest colonies, Shanxi. They were fleeing the destruction of the war in searching for a new world to call home."
"Who were these people?" The Turian Councilor asked.
The President's smile grew and Anita had to conceal her smirk. "They are the people that you abandon three hundred years ago when they came to you for aid to reclaim their home. The people that you condemned to a slow death in the cold void of space. A people who have endeared hardship after hardship and yet they persist. In a grand twist of irony, the people that you rejected and shunned for the last three hundred years are the reason that we are today to aid you in this war. The ones that told us of the Citadel are the people of the Quarian Migrant fleet."
Anita made a mental note to ask Herald for the recording of the Councilors' faces.
September 11th 13:30, Citadel Council's Private Chambers:
Councilor Filtius the representative for the Turian Hierarchy on the Citadel Council, felt numb. The bombshell that the Quarians were the ones that discovered the Terrans had been a shock, to say the least. It had answered two questions, one that had been brought just before the meeting, how did the Terrans know so much about them. The other one had been forgotten in favor of the war but had been in the back of his mind, where had the Quarians gone?
"The Terrans have committed more grievances then I thought." Councilor Toss muttered. "Associating with vagabonds, creating AIs, allowing monsters to live. A reckless species to the very core."
Filtius grip tightens into a grip. The Salarian Councilor's blatant disrespect for the Terrans had unnerved him. No, more than just unnerved him it outright infuriated him. What was the fool thinking when he asked the Terrans such personal questions? And no less before their leader? Was he trying to provoke them? Will he succeed alright, fortunately for everyone the Terrans had not acted upon it, at least not in the way that the Salarian Councilor was hoping for. The way that the Terran President spoke, the anger behind her words they had for a moment frighten him.
Her anger was not explosive but restrained and not barely like most Turians (himself included) would have. It was something more like how an Asari would hold back their anger and yet it was different too. With Asari one knew not to incur their wrath there was almost always a promise of mercy of restraint, they would hurt and make you wish that had not provoked them but they would show mercy they would be restrained. With the Terran President and he suspected most Terrans there would be no mercy no restraint, they would grind you to dust like rocks before the wind and waters. Hearing the President he felt like he was in a house surrounded by a raging blizzard, he felt chill of the winds. Yet he was safe so as long he remained in the house and did not step out into those cold unforgiving winds. He was glad that he was not the focus of the woman's fury, that distinct honor belonged to the Salarian Councilor. Were he and now that he thought about Tevos had felt the chill of the storm from the safe confines of this imaginary house, Toss the fool had stepped out and felt the brunt of winds and was immediately blown back in.
Filtius allowed a quick happy twitch of his mandibles, the sight of the Salarian Councilor being cowed into submission had been the highlight of his day, really the past two years. He would remember that moment for a long time. Just as quickly it came though his moment of amusement dissipated and his anger surged back forth. "Reckless are they?" He said to the Salarian who look at him like he was a child about to throw the tantrum. "What about you Councilor? Your provocative questions could have jeopardized this alliance long before it could begin."
The Salarian looked at him eyes narrowing at him, a sign of disrespect. Filtius never liked this man even before he became the Councilor for the Salarian Union he had rubbed the Turian Councilor the wrong way. Toss wasn't like most other Salarians. Where other Salarians would be more subtle in their actions and would hide their dislike of others or at least mask it behind a thin veil of praises and platitudes, he was more aggressive and blunt about his actions and tended to make his dislike for others well known. Some called him a Turian in Salarian skin, something he found more insulting to his people than to the man. Filtius had to wonder how such a man could have become the Councilor for the Salarian Union. "I was merely stating my concerns as I explained to that woman, Councilor Filtius."
Filtius had to resist the urge to roll his eyes in annoyance and he suspected that Tevos was doing the same. "Don't give me that excuse it won't work and to be truthful it didn't work on the President. The Terrans are not like the other races Councilor, they won't answer to you simply because you ask."
"These Terrans are dangerous it saddens me you cannot see that." The Salarian Councilor said unaffected by his colleague's words. "Regardless of your misguide views I recommend that when this war against the so-called Dragon Orphans is over their threat contained that we take actions to contain the threat of the Terrans." The Salarian sat down in a chair and activated a terminal on a nearby table and began to type something.
Filtius was about to say more on the subject but a look from Tevos stopped him. They would have to resume this at a later time. "We will take your consideration into account for a later time Councilor Toss, but the moment we must discuss what we will do now." She said. "I know our introduction with the Terrans was rather brief I believe that are a few things we can glean from it. I am curious what each of you managed to note."
She looked at the Salarian Councilor hoping for an answer. "I have already made my observations of the Terrans quite clear Councilor Tevos. They are dangerous, reckless, and foolish I doubt there is much we can learn from them if any." He said
Filtius saw the Asari Matriarch shack her head in disappointment, she didn't very much like the Salarian herself. She looks at the Turian Councilor seeking his opinion. He remains silent for about a minute playing their first meeting over in his mind, trying to figure out what they could learn about the Terrans. Like Tevos said the introduction was comparably brief and such there was not much that said anything about them. Later meetings with them and report on the different interactions between them and the Citadel would rectify that in time but there were few things that they did learn about. He spoke to Tevos who had so patiently waited for his answer.
"I believe that that the Terrans are an honorable and compassionate people. They have come to the defense of a people they hardly know, a people who have laws and beliefs that conflict with their own. Yes, they do have the ulterior motive of wanting vengeance against the Dragon Orphans." He said cutting off whatever the Salarian Councilor was going to say. "For which I do not blame them for. But they are genuine in their desire to help us."
"I see," Tevos said. "Anything else you would like to add?"
"Yes, I do. Regardless if they become friend or foe to the Citadel I recommend that we be careful with them. They are not like the associate races, we did not discover them while they were still in the early days of interstellar flight being confined to a single or a small handful of star systems. They found us having traversed the stars for as long as the Quarians have been in exile. They likely control vast amounts of territory possibly as much as we do individually. They are not primitives, they have made advances that make them our equals, and in some areas, they are ahead of us. But most importantly they have an unyielding spirit and the will to drive themselves to greater heights. I believe that should the day come that they join the Citadel they have the potential to become the fourth Council Race."
Tevos's eyes widen and Toss shot straight up from his chair looking like he had heard that the Krogan Geonophage had been cured. "You cannot be serious Filtius, them become a Council race? Inconceivable! The day they become a Council member is the day that Kragon apologizes for the Rebellions. Utterly impossible." He all but shouted.
"Calm yourself Councilor Toss," Tevos said raising her voice at the Salarian Councilor.
The Salarian looked at her like she was mad. "Calm myself? Councilor Tevos how can you expect me to calm myself when this fool has clearly gone insane by suggesting that these upstarts have the potential to become our equals on the Council?"
"I am only speaking the truth Salarian Councilor." Filtius shot back not bothering to address him his name.
"The truth? More like insanity! Do you honestly believe these upstarts can become our equals?"
"Yes, I do. But you refuse to see their potential."
"Now Councilors let…"
"Their Potential? What rubbish its clear to me now that you are blind by your apparent infatuation for them."
"Me blinded? I should be the one saying that to you. You have shown nothing but you're disdain for the Terran ever since their arrival on the Galactic scene. More than that you have shown you're disdain for the other races."
"Councilors Calm…"
"Disdain? I have done nothing but state my concerns for such dangerous people. Their crimes are too great to be ignored!"
"Councilors would you please…"
"Crimes? What Crimes?"
"They have created AIs. Allow monsters to roam freely. They unleashed the Dragon Orphans upon the Galaxy. The Terrans need to be brought to heel."
"Councilors please!"
"They do not know our laws. They could not have known the kind of threat that the Dragon Orphans would become."
"Councilors."
"Are you so blind that you cannot see what kind of danger they pose? We cannot allow these upstarts to do as they please."
"Coun…"
"You are risking everything by…"
"SILENCE!" Tevos screams her biotics flaring. Filtius stumbled back in surprise but manage to catch himself before he could hit the floor. Councilor Toss though was not so fortunate as he fell into his chair almost knocking it over. Both men look at the Asari Matriarch seeing an expression they never have seen before plaster on her face. Anger.
For about a minute maybe two all three figures stared at each other in stunned silence. Then Tevos's expression morphed into one of surprise as she stared at her still glowing hands. She one hand up into her face and curled it in a fist. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, and the Aurora surrounding her hands disappeared. Not a moment late guard busted into the room, looking ready for a fight. His squadmates not far behind.
"Councilors are you alright? We heard a loud noise in here and rushed to your aid." He said scanning the room.
Tevos straighten her posture and fold her hands together around her midsection. "Nothing is wrong Commander." She said sounding calm. "We were simply having a discussion when things got…. Heated." She explained.
The guard looks around the room scanning the room for any threats. Instead, he got numb nods from the other Councilors. " I see." He said putting his weapon away, his squadmates doing the same but remaining alert. " I apologize for our intrusion. We were simply concerned for your safety."
"That is quite alright. You were simply doing your job. You are dismissed." Tevos said.
"Yes, Councilor." The Command said saluting them. "If you need anything please do not hesitate to call us." He broke his salute and the guards left.
It was about a minute before anyone else spoke. "Councilor Tevos I must apologize for my conduct." Filtius began to say to the Matriarch, only for her raise her hand stopping him.
"It is quite clear that there is much emotion behind this subject." She said calmly. She turned her sight to the Salarian Councilor who was standing again. "Which is why I am calling this meeting to an end."
"But Councilor Tevos we have not finished discussing what we are to do about…" Toss began to protest.
"This meeting is at an end," Tevos said cutting him off and shooting a look that left no room to argue. "We will resume this discussion in the morning or cooler heads can prevail. In the meantime, I suggest that each of you get in contact with your respective governments and make the recommendation of allowing the Terran forces to freely travel to their space for the duration of this war. Meeting adjourned." Then with a message of her temples, Tevos walked out of the room. Both the Turian and Salarian Councilors remained in the room for a few more seconds before shooting each other a glare and left the room.
It took about ten minutes for Filtius to get to his personal office. Before entering he told his secretary that unless it was an emergency no one was to disturb him. He entered and had the door locked. Taking a seat at his desk he thought about contacting Palavan immediately to make his report to them, and input his recommendations. But something else was occupying his mind.
He pulled out a small object, a small cylindrical device that fitted inside his palm. A data slate given to him by one of the Terrans, Ambassador Anita. She said that someone had asked her to pass it on to him saying that he would know what to do with it. He knew who it was, the small nondescript marking on the slate was a dead giveaway for him. Very few knew what it was and even fewer knew what it meant to him. Yet he could not let his hopes up, his months of worrying weighing down on. Telling him that it was impossible, that she was gone.
He put the slate into his terminal and waited for the message that was inside to play. His terminal lit up, and that same mark on the slate appeared on the screen this time there was a word underneath it. Keelah Se'avi.
"Keelah Se'avi." He muttered under his breath. A Quarian saying and one not often used, roughly it translated as "By the homeworld, I hope to see you on one day." Could it really be her?
The image disappeared, and a Quarian woman appeared. Her Evo-Suit decorated with fabrics of subtle blues mixed with green hues. There marks across her left arm a strange mix of Quarian and Turian.
Filtius's mandibles stopped moving and he felt himself stop breathing. This woman had changed his life thirty years ago. She had opened his eyes to the darker realities of the Citadel, how their actions and inactions truly affected the wider galaxy. How the Citadel had fallen short of some of its proclaimed ideas. She had inspired him to the path he was on now, a man who would work to rectify the mistakes of his predecessors. To help guide the Citadel back to the ideas that proclaimed and yet failed to live up to. Before the Terrans had arrived a part of him knew it was a hard and likely impossible goal to achieve, something that if possible he would not live to see. Now with the Terran's arrival perhaps, there was hope that he would see that change in his lifetime.
He held his hand out to the screen, his talons touching the image of the woman. "Hello, my beloved." He cried.
Unknown Location:
He heard the joyous sounds of his children as they feasted on the others. The discovery of the others had awoken the Swarm to the possibility of others, those who were not them and who were not the progenitors. It was a joyous time for them, there was much to devour and swarm grew greatly with each world they took. What's more his greater children who possess thought like him, though not as great as his, would gain the experience they need to lead their swarms in battle.
They would use that experience for when the day came that they found the Progenitors. He knew they were strong the remanents of another great swarm, though still lesser than his, had arrived at their worlds many cycles ago.
With them, tails of their war against the ones they had been born from, and he knew even now he knew they were not ready to fight them. The Progenitors were strong. In the time the Swarm would be able to devour the Progenitors. But they had to devour the others claim their worlds, and grow. Their vengeance would be complete, it was inevitable.
Or so it seemed. Before their screams of death, he felt their surprise, their disbelief, even curiosity, then their anger. Even before the greater ones of his children had sent word of what had happened he knew. The Progenitors had found them. And now they stood with the others against the Swarm. The war would take a new life.
"We are not ready." He thought to himself being careful not project his thoughts to his children. Fate had turned against them and now he had to make do with what he had.
"My liege." Spoke one of his greater children, one of the greatest. The figure looked at him. "What shall we do now? The Progenitors have halted the path of the Swarm. It is only a matter of time before they and the others gain the strength to launch a crusade against us."
The king rose, his old but strong body glistening with the light that pours down into the chamber. "We ready ourselves, this war is only beginning." He spoke, and his word was law.
And so any chapater done. What you think? The Council geets to meet the Terrans for the first and it didn't go bad. It is the first meeting after all so nothing to much is going to be accomplished. The real battle will come with the later meetings. That Toss guy though he may be a nit of problem later down the line. Polically speaking anyways. We also get a bit a glimsp at the top hancho of the Dragon Orphans. Not to surpriseing that he's not pleased by the sudden turn of events.
On a unrelated note is anyone else exicted that Season 7 of the Clone Wars premired last week? Finally it gets the ending that it deserved! I can't wait to see how ends, though knowing the outcome of the war something tells me I'll be needing a nox of tissues on hand.
Anyways next chapter will have a little more action as it shows a beginnings of a new phase in the war. Until then, hope you have a good day, see you soon.
