Chapter 13: Shifting Tides


September 15th, 15:10, Palavan, Chamber of the Primarchs


"In addition, I recommend that we increase our recruitment drive." Spoke a Turian general. "We will need all the soldiers we can get for when we launch our inevitable counter-attack."

Primarch Fedorian eyed the man carefully. "How much do you recommend General?"

"My recommendation is that we expand the army by ten percent by the end of next year, then by fifteen the year after that. Then maintain a steady increase of fifteen percent until the conclusion of the war. In which case we can look into cutting back."

"That will heavily tax our economy, which at the moment is already struggling." Spoke another Turian Official. "Especially when you add in the funds for expanding the navy. By wars end, we may find ourselves in a depression."

"What's the alternative then?" The General shot back. "If we don't do this we may find that our species may be extinct by wars end. Between you and me I'd rather be in the poor house then dead, at least in that scenario we have a chance of recovery."

"While I do not like that thought of our great Hierarchy falling into a depression, I have to agree with the General, on this Governor." The Primarch interjected. "I rather find ourselves strapped of cash then be neck-deep in the blood of our people." To be truthful he had enough of his people dying. If he didn't already know that it would endanger the rest of the galaxy he would be looking into a way for his people to withdraw from the conflict. The propaganda of the Hierarchy may portray war as some kind of glorious act, noble soldiers going into battle for a higher cause. It was anything but, there was no glory only counting their dead. "Your expansion of the army is approved. In the meantime, I suggest that we get in contact with the Volus, see if we can draw up a contract on relieving the strain on our economy. If need be we can see about taking loans from the other races."

The governor looked like he was ready to say something against the Primarch's course of action. But he stopped himself and nodded at the leader of the Turian people. "I will see about getting a committee together to study this problem. Hopefully, we can come to an agreement that will satisfy all parties."

Fedorian nodded to the man. "You do that. I want an outline in two weeks time." He turned to the General. "And I want an outline on how we can expand the army in the next two years by weeks end General." He commanded the man, receiving a nod from him.

"It's a good thing that the Terrans showed up when they did." Spoke another Turian general mutter, a woman. "They've given us the breathing we need for such projects." She continued.

On that, he could fully agree on. While their arrival had caused him a massive headache in how much more work he had to do. He did find himself sleeping more soundly at night knowing that they now had a powerful new ally in this fight. It still wasn't a good night's sleep, but most certainly better than a week ago. He was still uncomfortable with this strange new species but he had already given the go-ahead in allowing their forces to operate in Turian space as per the recommendation of Councilor Filtius. At the moment both the Terrans and Turians were hard at work establishing a unified command chain to facility smooth coordination of their combined forces. For now, though there was an unspoken agreement that while both sides would maintain command of their respective forces, the Terrans would defer to the Turians in the defense of their worlds, and the Turians in return would take anything they have to say under advisement.

A simple system that would work until something more concrete was established. "Speaking of which." Spoke yet another Turian military leader. "While I am thankful for their aid. I have to wonder why they have not gone on the offensive or for that matter why we are not insisting on it? Surly between our combined forces we can drive these Dragon Orphans out from our space and bring the fight to theirs. If the Terrans truly view these creatures as their sworn enemy why have they not been more aggressive with them?"

Since the halting of the enemy's advance, many were insisting that now was the time to reclaim what was lost. To show the enemy the true might of the Turian Hierarchy. While the Primarch wanted nothing more to do just that, he understood that such a bold action could jeopardize their current position. Now was not the time for bold action, they needed to maintain the current lines so that they could rebuild their forces than expand them. They needed to get themselves into a better state of readiness. The Terrans had bought them the time they needed to regroup and ready themselves for the next phase of the war. He would not squander that opportunity. "While I understand and share your desire to strike out against our enemies, now is not the time. Our analyst has predicted that while they are powerful, the Terrans are not able to carry out such an offensive even when combined with our forces. They need to build their forces up more, just as we do. Only then can we bring the fight to the Dragon Orphans. Any sooner would court disaster." Fedorian explained eyeing the man carefully. He looked ready to argue back, the Primarch stopped him. "Need I remind you of our previous attempts at such counter-attacks?" That stumped the man and brought a somber to the chamber. So many dead, so many ships lost and for nothing, only more lost ground. Fedorian decided to drive the point home. "Perhaps you need to read over the history of the third Dragon War that the Terrans were so kind as to provide us. The Breaking of Avalon comes to mind." He saw everyone stiffen at the mention of what was the most disastrous defeat that the Terrans had suffered during their war against the Dragon Orphans. Original intended to be a major counteroffensive following the halting of their enemy's advance during the Third Dragon War, while having a promising success initially it had quickly turned into a fighting retreat and they lost a large portion of their attacking force. It almost cost them the war.

Fedorian shudder at the thought of the same thing happening to the Turian armed forces. If they had not received the Codex on the Terran Federation or the information on the Dragon Orphans and all their encounters with them, he would likely be helping to plan such an ill-fated offensive. "Suffice to say, I do not wish to see history repeat itself." He continues to argue. "For the moment our best course of action is to hold the line while the rest of our forces recover and expand. Once we are at that point we can consider options for retaking what is by right ours, and potentially taking the fight to their space. Any objections?" He asked the gathered council of Turian Generals, Admirals, and other important officials. None answered him. "Then I call this gathering of the Primarchs to an end. We will resume in two days, hopefully, by then we will be joined by the Terran advisors." While the Citadel already had a military advisor in Fleet Admiral Zimmerman and his staff, the Terrans had requested that they be allowed to send advisors to each of the Council Race's homeworlds so they may directly aid their respective militaries' war plans. The Hierarchy accepted and so did the Republics, the Union took a little more convincing as he understood it they were still untrusting of the newcomers. "Until then I bid you farewell." Without another word the stood up from his seat and left for his office.

He still much to do, in two hours he would oversee the negotiations between the Citadel and the Federation via holo-transmission. The surprise appearance of the Terran leader and announcement that she would be observing the proceedings by Holo-gram had prompted the leaders of the Council Races to do the same, so as not to appear weak. He suspected that this was what the Terrans wanted, to have their leaders meet as soon as possible and to show the Galaxy a powerful image of unity. He could respect that.

He entered his office he felt his heart dropped. On his desk neatly arranged into several stacks were datapads. Doubtless, each containing numerous documents meant for his eyes, reports on various matters such as the war, the economy, political matters, and foreign inquiries, proposals for new laws, you name it and was most likely there. Paperwork the bane of all sapient life. But a necessary one if anything was to ever get done.

Taking a deep breath Fedorian resigned himself to his fate. He sat down at the desk and began to read over the documents.


September 16th, 12:00, Command bunker on Brytus:


Saren weaved his way through the full corridors of the Command Center. He paid no mind to the people he was moving around, they were either doing one of three things, getting on duty, getting off duty or performing their duty. Either way, he didn't care and simply moved around the people in his way.

For his part, Saren was now getting off duty and was making his way for the mess hall. After several hours of patrol duty making sure that the city was secured and ensuring that there no enemy remnants left Saren was ready for a good meal. So far since the Terrans had come to their aid against the D-Orphans, a shorthand that they used to refer to the monsters, had been push back and their forces scattered. They did suffer sporadic attacks from the creatures, but they were small groups that were easily defeated, aside from that it was quite. The Terrans did advise that they should still be ready for a fight at moments noticed. The creatures would not give up easily if at all, a notion that Saren agreed with and luckily his brother agreed as well.

At the moment the combined forces of the Turians and Terrans were taking full advantage of the calm by reinforcing the defenses on the planet. In orbit, the Turian fleet was busy repairing itself while the Terrans ships took up the role of patrolling in and around the system. The defense platforms were being repaired and new ones being placed by the Terrans. As he understood it the platforms used by the Terrans were more powerful and durable than their Turians counterparts. He once overheard a few technicians speaking about simulations they ran on how Hierarchy ships would fare against those platforms, they were not promising. After that little discussion, Saren found himself wishing that the Hierarchy would never have a reason to invade one of the Federation's worlds.

He came to the mess hall. As usual, it was full of people, mostly Turians but now there was a sizable Terran presence. They weren't isolated either, several tables had mixed groups of Terrans and Turians eating and talking together. Some tables solely had Terrans or Turians but those were rare. It was interesting to see how quickly the two groups got along. Not a week ago they were strangers to each other, and now they were acting like they were old friends. It was as his brother said, battle just as it divides people has a way of bringing people together. Even the presence of the Synths had become something to be ignored, they just melded into the background.

Saren got into the long line and several minutes later he got his food. Looking around the mess hall for a table to sit at he saw one had a familiar figure at it. His mind made he walked towards the table and sat in front of the that saved his life.

Hidaki Kenaki looked up at him and gave him a welcoming smile. "Hey Saren, good to see you." He said.

"Its good to see you too, Hidaki," Saren responded before taking a bit from his food.

It was odd how quickly the two had become friends. Saren swore that the Terran would be more hostile towards him for his previous careless comment when he found out that the man was a dem- half-ghoul, or at least colder. But the man proved to be the understanding type and held nothing against him. Where their first interactions awkward? Spirits above! Yes! They still were sometimes.

"So how was patrol duty? Nothing interested I hope." Hidaki asked taking a bit from his food. Saren still found it odd that people like Hidaki could eat normally.

"No not normally." Saren mentally corrected himself. Synthetic meat, such a simple solution to the ghoul's dietary needs, he had to wonder why no else thought of it. "Fortunately, no. Those Dragon Orphans were a no show. Is that how you say it?" He said trying to use the Terran expression.

He saw Hidaki smile, really his species semblance to the Asari was uncanny. "Something like that." He said. "Though you sounded a little bit disappointed when you said that. Where you hoping to prove yourself again?" The only response he got was Saren's silence. "I see, don't worry Saren one day you will move out of your brother's shadow." He commented.

Saren wanted to protest against the Terran that he wasn't trying to "move out of his brother's shadow" as he put it. But he knew that it would be useless, Hidaki unlike anyone else he had ever meet had the uncanny ability to read him. In the few days since the start of their odd friendship, Saren had learned that there was nothing he could hide from the man. It didn't help that Hidaki could sympathize with him.

From what Saren could gather Hidaki came from a well known and prestigious line. A family of individuals that were able to go far in their chosen fields often being in politics, service, or arts sometimes several at once. Being from such a family Hidaki could understand the feeling of having heavy expectations laid upon his shoulders growing up. Those same expectations are what drove the Terran to join the armed forces, much like they did for Saren.

While Saren would likely never say it aloud the older man was right. He was trying to prove himself in the eyes of everyone around him. He was the brother of one of the most well-known generals in the Hierarchy and a powerful biotic to boot. His own recklessness and oftentimes borderline ruthless actions were attempts to distance himself from his brother, to show everyone that he was not Desolas's younger brother or a powerful biotic. He wanted others to see him as Saren Arterius and no one else. As Hidaki had put it he wanted to "move out of his brother's shadow".

"I admit things have been quiet." Saren began. "Since your people arrived on the Galactic scene the enemy as done little."

The Terran in front of him gave him an odd look, using an expression that he could not quite read. "I'd be careful of what you wish for, Saren." He said after a few seconds. Loud klaxons began to blur bring silence to the mess hall as everyone stopped in their tracks.

"Attention all personal. Enemy presence has been detected in the system and is on a course for the planet." Spoke a man over the coms. Everyone began to move all at once.

Amidst the chaos, Saren heard the Terran release a sigh as he got up. "Because you just might get what you want." He finished his statement. Both quickly left the table.


September 16th, 12:07, HMS. Spirit of Vengeance


"What is the enemy strength?" Admiral Galie order as her command crew scrambled to work.

"Data coming in now sir." An officer said just as a projection appeared. The first thing she noted was that the attacking force was much smaller than the one that had attacked them a week ago. "Reading around seven thousand ships sir. I'm not reading any cruiser type vessels or anything larger sir. The swarm is unusually clustered together so it is difficult to get accurate readings. They're also coming in fast, more so than anything previously observed."

The Turian Admiral didn't like the sound of that. While the force was much smaller than the last one and could be beaten especially now they had the Terrans to aid them now, the enemy was acting strangely causing her to worry. There were few things more worrying in battle than an enemy that was acting strangely, it was usually a sign that they had a plan up their sleeve.

"Contact Admiral McKinley. Perhaps the Terrans know what the 42- What the Dragon Orphans are up to." She orders her coms officer.

Seconds later the projection of the Terran Admiral appeared in front of her. "McKinley here. I suggest that we make this quick, the D-Orphans will be on his within minutes." He said

"I do not doubt that you have observed the strange behavior of our enemy." She said receiving a confirming nod from the man. "I was wondering if you knew what they are trying to do here."

She saw the man stork his beard. "I must admit even I am confused by what they're doing. The attacking force is too small to be an attempt to siege the planet, and it is too big to be a raid on us I don't know what they're doing." He said worrying the Turian Admiral more. "However I can't help but feel like that this is something familiar."

"Familiar?" The Turian Admiral asked.

"Yes, to this effect I'm currently having one of my people look through the database to see if there any recorded instances like this. Hopefully, she can come up with something."

"As soon as she does inform me. The more we known about what's happening the better we can counter it." She said to the Terran Admiral.

"I'll tell you moment she finds something. Keep your coms open."

"Will do. For now, I suggest that we be cautious and engage the enemy." The man disappeared and the Turian turned her full attention back to the coming battle. Whatever the enemy was planning she hoped that they not succeed.


Ma'lanum system, space


With their fleets on high alert, both Turian and Terran warships moved in position their weapons ready to fire. The defense platforms behind them in s similar state of readiness. The Turians a long since learned the effectiveness of a powerful first strike had on the D-Orphan swarms, both from their own experiences and from observing the Terrans fight the swarm. So the minute the swarm had come into the allied fleet's weapons range they fired.

Range is a strange term to use in a situation like this. When it came to combat in space there was no such thing as range. Due to the fact of space's nature as a vacuum, any kinetic weapon such as the ones used by the Citadel races, the Terrans, and of course the Dragon Orphans acted differently then they would in the atmosphere of a planet. Call it what you will Newton's first law, the first precept of Novin's kinetics, or Fano'Tallo's principal of moving and unmoving objects, they all stated the same thing. An object that is in motion will remain in motion and an object that is at rest will remain at rest unless they are acted upon by an outside force. In space there was a distinct lack of outside forces that could act on the kinetic rounds fired by mass effect weapons. They would go on indefinitely sometimes being effected by gravitational pulls until they hit something. That something could be the ship in front of it or the planet behind the ship. It might go off into deep space and hit somebody else in 10,000 years. Either case whenever a mass effect weapon is fired somebody somewhere is about to have their day ruined. So the more accurate way of putting it would be the "effective weapons range" of mass effect weapons. Meaning the range at which one can fire their weapons and reasonably expect to hit a moving target. Knowing this was the key the fighting most battles in space. If your ships had better range than your enemies then you could get off more shots in on them before they could get in range of yours.

In this case, the Dragon Orphans were at a disadvantage. The effective range of Dragon ships was smaller then their counterparts, and such they need to be closer if they wanted to hit their targets with any accuracy. The ships of the Turians and the Terrans held no such restraints, because of this they were able to get off several volleys of weapons fire. Well before the D-Orphans could get in range they lost thousands of ships. For any other race in the Galaxy, this would have been enough to deter them from further attacks on the planet. But the dragon orphans were not like other races of the Galaxy, they did not care how many they lost to their enemies just so as long as their enemies were killed at the end. With this mindset, the Swarm continued on its course for the defending fleet.

The moment that they entered range they unleashed their furious weapons fire. It was at this moment that another strange behavior was observed in their actions. Their attack was extremely concentrated. It was not all that unusual for the D-Orphans to focus their fire on sections of an opposing fleet an effort made to take as many heavier ships as possible. In those cases, though there were usually several other ships firing at random. What was being seen here was that every single D-Orphan vessel was firing on a concentrated point.

The effect was readily apparent, trained to avoid taking damage the smaller and more maneuverable vessels such as Corvettes and frigates flew out the way of the weapons fire, while their larger and sturdier counterparts soaked up the damage. However due to the sheer amount of fire coming their way, several of them were destroyed or crippled. A hole in the defending fleet was being opened, and it was getting larger as the D-Orphan fleet continued their attack. At the same time was that deserved that the swarm with accelerating faster and faster.

They would quickly reach and as the Allied Fleet belatedly realized would go through them. The Turians and Terrans tried to close the hole made in their ranks. But it was already to later. The swarm reached the hole. But whether go through it as they expected the swarm suddenly scattered to all directions and began to engage the allied fleet. Getting over their stunned surprise quickly the Allied Fleet began to fight the Swarm as they normally would thinking this was their objective all along.

They were quickly proven wrong. Up until now hidden within the Swarm three large objects all about a kilometer in length or longer, and about six hundred meters in diameter flew right through the hole in the defense fleet. They accelerated towards the planet. The fleet being too occupied fighting the smaller swarm ships was unable to pursue them. Thankfully the defense Platforms in orbit were not distracted and began to fire on the objects with everything they had.

Unfortunately, the objects proved to be more durable than most D-Orphan ships and only one was destroyed before the other two hit the atmosphere whereupon they slowed their descent.


September 16th, 12:19, HMS. Spirit of Vengeance


"What in the name of the spirits was that?" Admiral Galie shouted.

The Terran Admiral had a crestfallen expression on his face. "I'm afraid that the battle for this planet has entered a new phase." He said.

Galie did not like the way he phrased that. "Explain." She said still keeping an eye on the fleet battle, happily noting that they were slaughtering the remains of the attacking force with minim losses.

"I knew that tactic looked familiar, I wished I had realized it sooner. Those vessels that we saw enter the atmosphere of Brytus are designated as Dragon's Dens, and large ones at that." He explained and just on the name alone the Turian Admiral was already connecting the dots. She did not like the picture that it was making.

"Dragon's Den?" She asked for clarification.

"They are vessels solely dedicated to carrying large numbers of Dragon Orphans to the surface of a planet. They achieved this by crashing themselves into the targeted planet. This unfortunately, has the added effect of providing them with a base of operations from which they can attack and produce more of their kind." The tension in the CC steadily built up as the Terran Admiral explained the functions of this new vessel and implications behind it.

"Spirits, their siege-makers!" She heard one officer mutter.

"That's right." Admiral McKinley said seemingly having heard the Turian officer's revelation.

"About how many of these Dragon Orphans are we talking about?" The Turian Admiral pressed the Terran. "A few thousand?"

"No, if only we were so fortunate." Admiral McKinley responded. "More like that each one carries millions of Dragon Orphans. All of them ready for battle."

Millions! With that kind of numbers, they would be to overwhelm the surrounding areas in shift fashion and establish a long term presence on the planet. And if what the Terran Admiral said was true then they also can replace their numbers without the need for outside aid. Siege-Makers indeed. "We have to inform our forces on the surface, of this development." She said after a moment of silence, the only comfort she had was the D-Orphan Fleet was almost destroyed by now. A small comfort considering that they had achieved their objectives.

"I agree Admiral." The Terran Admiral said his expression neutral, but Galie knew that the man was likely beating himself up on the inside for what had transpired. "He will need to ready himself for a long drawn out conflict for the planet."

Another thought occurred to her. "This is happening everywhere isn't it?" She asked already knowing the answer.

Her suspicions confirmed when the man nodded his head. "While that is a bit of leap in logic. I'm afraid that you are right. The war has entered a new phase." He said.

"Spirits."


September 16th, 16:35, Earth, the Office of the Presidency


Admiral Galie's prediction proved to be true, within hours several more such attacks were carried out by the Dragon Orphans. While the Combined the forces of the Citadel Races and the Terrans did their best to counter it and even manage to repulse it in some areas, the suddenness of the attack combined with the fact it that had been more than seventy years since the Terrans had seen such a move proved to be too much. All across the frontlines there now tens possibly hundreds of millions of Dragon Orphans laying siege to the different worlds of the Citadel.

Within the hour an emergence meeting of all of the Federations top-ranking military officials had been held, with President Nader being in attendance to discuss their next course of action. Thankfully while the attack had been a surprise there were still plans in place for such an eventual, everyone knew that the Dragons Orphans would try to bring more forces to bear on the defense line. They just believed that they had more time to prepare for it, but war, as it was, is an unpredictable thing. Nothing truly ever went to plan in such a chaotic environment, all they could do is adapt and make the best of their situation. After two hours the meeting had been adjourned, and military officials had left to carry out their duties. Chief among them is getting in contact with their counterparts in the Citadel and begin to coordinate their combined forces to counter the Dragon Orphans.

Nader had left that meeting content to known that her forces were hard at work to win this war.

"Again I must apologize for my people's failure to counter this attack." She said to the three figures before her. Standing together with postures that displayed their regality were the Leaders of the Council Races. In middle projecting the calm serenity that her kind was known for was High Matriarch Lyazia T'moci a woman who was likely born around the same that the Renaissance began on Earth and considered to be the de facto leader of the Asari people. To her left the was the Head of the Turian Hierarchy Primarch Fedorian and to her right the Dalatrass of the Salarian Union Neball Onisa. Altogether they were the equals of the Nader Nijah, and she made sure to treat them as such. Though not all of them showed the same respect.

"No need to apologize, Madam President." High Matriarch T'moci said. " We were all caught off guard by this development. The reports made by our people match up with yours, there was little that could be done."

"You said that it has been several decades since the Dragon Orphans have employed this tactic." Primarch Fedorian added. "But despite this, I believe our combined forces did well given the situation."

The Salarian Dalatrass was next to speak. "I assume that your people are already working with ours to counter this bold move by the Dragon Orphans?"

"That is right Dalatrass I would not be surprised if you receive preliminary plans for how to wage the war for the coming days, soon." The President responded.

"Then, in that case, there is no need to apologize." The Dalatrass said. "I am satisfied to know that your people have plans in place and are communicating them to ours. As far as I see it this only a minor setback."

"Minor?" The Primarch said incredulously. "You call several millions of new enemy combatants on the front a minor setback? I think what you met was a major setback." Nader was inclined to agree with him. If this was what the Dalatrass called a minor setback then she did not want to know or see what a major one would be.

"Oh please Primarch Fedorian even before the arrival of the Terran people it was consistently proven that a single soldier can take on sever of these creatures," The Dalatrass dismissed the Primarch's concern. "The same going for their starships. The only true advantage they held over us was their overwhelming numbers. An advantage they no longer hold with the addition of your people President Nader. With your people's knowledge and experience with these creatures, victory is all but inevitable." She arrogantly concluded.

The Turian Primarch looked ready to argue the point. "I do not think so Dalatrass," Nader said beating him to the punch. "The numbers of the Dragon Orphans are still overwhelming even with my people joining the fry, and we still yet get conclusive estimates on their holdings beyond the former Batarian territories. We are holding the line but this all we're doing at the moment."

"I agree with the Terran President," Primarch Fedorian said. "We cannot afford to become arrogant at this point. What we need to do is fortify our frontlines so that the enemy will not be able to break through them. At the same time, we will build up our forces and make plans for a great counteroffensive and later an invasion of the enemy's territory."

"Even so, these creatures are little more than mindless beast." Dalatrass Onisa said. "They cannot hope to beat us by simply throwing themselves at us."

"Dalatrass you have read the codex on the Dragon Orphans that we provided the armed forces of the Citadel?" Nader asked the Salarian leader.

The woman looks at her, eyes blinking rapidly indicating her confusion. "Yes, I have." She said carefully.

"Then you must already know that there are intelligent Dragon Orphans, that act as leaders." The President pointed out.

The Dalatrass hmm'd for a moment as she seemed to mentally go over everything she read in the codex. "Ahh, these so-called Dragon Generals." She said her tone having an almost undetectable note of disgust at the name. "I do not think they have such a large effect on the war as you seem to believe. Your own codex even said that the majority of them have intelligences closer to a dimwitted child of your species and act more as a guiding force for the swarms of Dragon Orphans. They can be taken out with the proper tactics in place and when they are the swarm they controlled falls to chaos for a time. Chaos that our forces can use to whip them out. Truly I am not all that impressed by these creatures."

Nader had to repress a grimace the whole time that the Salarian Dalatrass spoke. She was undercutting the threat that even a single Dragon Lieutenant could pose, those things while dumb as bricks had frighteningly good fighting instincts and could tear whole units apart by themselves. Full Dragon Generals where a whole nightmare to themselves, often requiring an orbital strike (sometimes a nuke was involved) to kill them with any certainty or a crack team of the Federation's finest even then in the later there was only a fifty-fifty chance of them succeeding and less so alive. The less said about the Dragon King the better, yea, in that case, their just going to nuke the whole area. "Dalatrass I believe you're still underestimating our enemy." Nader voiced her concerns. "You're not even taking into account the more advanced versions of the Dragon Generals. Which I will tell you now that there is a high probability that several of them are now leading the swarms on the frontlines. As Fedorian said this is not the time to go arrogant. There still a possibility that they can break our lines even after we fortify them."

"If I may interject." High Matriarch T'Moci said becoming the center of attention. "If what you say is true and that the highest levels of the Dragon Orphans have intelligences that can match fully matured Terrans, is it not possible that we can directly communicate with them and negotiated a peace with them. Perhaps even reach out to this Dragon King if they have one."

Both the Turian Primarch and the Salarian Dalatrass look at her like she had gone insane. If Nader had been anyone else she would have likely joined them or perhaps be yelling at her now. Though some of her Secret Service members look ready to do so on her behalf. One glare from her that promised pain should they do so, silence them. "I'm afraid that is quite impossible High Matriarch. I can understand your desire for peace, war is a bloody messy affair that is best avoided. My people have tried to reach out to the Dragon Orphans to come a mutual understanding during both the Second and Third Dragon Wars, several times. They all failed and left us with more bodies to bury. The same will happen to you." She calmly explained.

"Perhaps with your people President. But perhaps they might be more willing to talk to new faces." High Matriarch T'Moci calmly argued.

Nader held back her annoyance. "High Matriarch, again I respect your desire for peace. But the Dragon Orphans were the ones that started this war. They annihilated the Batarians," She noted the distinct lack of remorse at that statement. "and then proceed to attack the worlds of the Citadel races killing millions. If they were interested in talking they would have done so by now. I'm afraid that negotiation was never an option."

"I agree with the President." Primarch Fedorian said before the Asari leader could make another attempt at agreement. "We must fight this war to its conclusion we cannot waver."

"I also agree with the Terran President." Dalatrass joined in. "We have already tried to talk to them, many times and that ended with dead diplomats."

T'Moci opened her mouth an argument at the tip of her tongue. Then she shut it and nodded slowly to each of them. "I see it appears as though I am out-numbered on this matter." She turned to face President Nader and bowed to her. "I apologize if I offended your people by making this suggestion. This war while only having lasted two years almost three it has cost us greatly. I just wanted an end to this bloodshed." She said her voice genuine.

"Please raise High Matriarch, there is no need for apologies." She said prompting the old Asari to raise. "I admire your devotion to peace and I wish that there was a quick way to end this bloodshed. But there is no such alternative the Dragon Orphans cannot be reasoned with, a deal cannot be made with them, they do not desire peace like you and I. All they desire to do is destroy and devour all things in their path. It is their nature. If the galaxy is to survive we must put an end to their existence."

"I understand Madam President," T'Moci said. "If you have read our history then you already know that the Citadel races have already been forced to destroy an enter species once."

"The Ranchi," Nader commented.

"Yes, the Ranchi, the war against and their extermination at our hands was a tragedy then and is a tragedy now. I just wish to avoid another such tragedy."

"High Matriarch the Dragon Orphans were born from tragedy, they were mold be it. Yes, it would be a tragedy to destroy them, but an even greater tragedy would be to all to continue on their path of destruction." The President stated.

"Then there really is no choice," T'Moci said softly.

"Perhaps it is time that we break communication." Primarch Fedorian suggested giving the Asari leader a sympathetic look. "This has been a long day for all of us, and I am certain that our people have reports for us among other important duties."

High Matriarch T'Moci gave the man a thankful nod. "Perhaps we can resume our talks tomorrow just before we observe the negotiations between the Citadel and the Federation."

President Nader smiled to herself happy to know that they were departing from this sensitive subject. "I would like that very much Primarch Fedorian. Perhaps we can discuss the points on allowing my nation to take in your refugees."

"That would be good a starting point, any objections?" Fedorian queried looking at the Asari and Salarian leaders who gave a firm shake of their heads. "Until then all of you have a good day." His image winks out of existence and was followed by the others. Nader Reach out and tapped a button on her desk terminating her link to the leaders of the Council races.

The President of the United Terran Federation sank into her chair, a tired sigh escaping her lips. She rested her head on her hand feeling like she could fall asleep at any moment.

"Madam President," A nearby aid spoke up, she turns her gaze to the man. He had a worried expression plastered on his face. "If I may be so bold to make a suggestion?"

President Nader raised an eyebrow at his request. "Go ahead." She said.

"Get some rest." He firmly said.

"What?" She said taken aback.

"Madam President we both know that you have not had a good night's sleep in months, and it's taking its toll on you." He said. While they hid it will Nader was certain that the others in the room agreed with the aid.

Nader wanted to protest, saying that she was fine and that she still had much work to do before entertaining the thought of sleep. Then she stopped herself and held her hand to her eyes. Hidden under a well-applied layer of make-up she felt the bags under them. Her aid was right she had not had a full night's rest months now. To be truthful even before the arrival of the Quarians and the knowledge that the most hated enemy of the Terran people was waring against the other races, she had trouble sleeping the stress of leading a nation keeping her up.

She brushed out a few strands of her hair noting that there were a few grey streaks. "I can still do more work if that is what you're worried about." She said knowing that the argument was already lost.

The aid gave her a pointed look, not believing for a second. "I know I'm going to sound arrogant here, but you have one of the best staffs in the galaxy. Not to mention a damn good Vice-President in Jackson. Baring any emergence we can handle the work for a night." He said after a moment.

Nader smiled to herself she had a good job of picking her personal staff, while she was hesitant at first her decision to pick Jackson as her Vice-President proved to be a good one in the long run. "Very well I will take the night off, just allow me to make a few notes so that Jackson knows what I want done." A bit unnecessary the man was talented and thought a lot like her. She just wanted to feel like she was doing something.

"I'll be sure to forward the relevant information to him." The aid said.


September 16th 18:17, city on Brytus, Dragon's Den Crash site


There was blood everywhere, it stained the ground, the nearby buildings, it coated bodies both the dead and the living. The stench of death permeated in the air. To the creatures that filled the street, it was the site of victory, the smell of fresh food to be harvested. The only thing that disappointed them or rather disappointed the one that lead them was that none of the blood or the bodies belonged to the progenitors.

The figure that resembled their hated enemy so much, strolled through the streets his lessers keeping their distance. He gazed at the bodies of those they had killed, they were not the progenitors, they belonged to the others. They had put up a valiant fight but the swarm they had fought was too great and now he and the lessers commanded the metal nest. Those who did not fight, civilians as they would call them where now being hunted down and around up. By his command, they would be gathered at the nest where they would add to their stockpile of food.

Some were already being gathered, he looks at them their strange bird-like visages trembled with fear. Some were looking at him, the confusion evident in their being.

"No doubt comparing me to the progenitors." He thought with disgust at the thought of the hated enemy. Before they had revealed themselves, the war against the others was going so well, the swarm was feasting and they had many new worlds to expand into. The others were strong in their own right and fought the swarm with a ferocity that surprised them, they were most certainly a more worthy prey then the ones with four eyes. But still, they would fall.

He walked up to one of the creatures, Turians they called themselves. Judging by its frame it was a male of the species, and one on the final stages of maturity. The young male looked up at the figure delicious fear in its eyes.

The figure held a hand out to the Turian's face, causing him to recoil in fear. This seemed to upset some of the other prisoners as two of them attempted to attack the figure. Attempt being the keyword as they were intercepted by his guards. One had his neck snapped while the other was torn in two his insides falling to the ground adding to the canvas of death. The others scream in horror and the figure found that it was like music to his ears. His hand touched the young Turian's face his whole body freezing up at the touch.

The figure noted how rough the features of the alien were as he glided his hand upward to the top of its head where he rests his hand. "My what an interesting specimen you are." He said surprising the alien and the others around him. Evidently, they did not expect his kind to be cable of speech. That was true for the most part only those like him were able to speak like this. The Progenitors would call him a Dragon General.

"You, talk?" The Turian said speaking the words of the progenitors.

The figure smiled at the young Turian and for a moment there was a look of hope in his eyes. Then the Figure squeezed his hand and the Turian's head popped. The others screamed and the figures smile grew wider. "Yes, I can." He said.

Once again he turned his gaze to the image of carnage still disappointed that none of the progenitors were a part of the scenery. He long to be the first of his brothers and sisters to taste the flesh of the hated enemy. The enemy that they were born from and the ones that drove them from the great cradle. But soon enough he would taste their flesh and the swarm would one day have its vengeance.

Destiny demanded it.


Another chapter up and the story continues. The Dragon Orphans haven't given up yet and now their making moves make everyone's day hell. Not to say that the Federation isn't sitting idly by and waiting for enemy to come to them. Next chapter we'll see a few of the things they do to keep the D-Orphans from throwing everything they have in one push.