CH 16: A Job Well Done


November 20th 14:00, Citadel Space:


Today marked another historic event in Citadel history, a frequent occurrence of late as some would note. One of the relays near the Citadel came to life indicating to all that a ship, possibly several were about to come through. The local defenses fleet took note of the activity but made no moves in response, this was a scheduled event and the commanding officers were happy to know it was happening on time. Several blue streaks of light shot past the ancient construct and morphed into ships. Seven in total and the largest was barely big enough to qualify as a frigate. More observant individuals would have noticed that only three of the ships held any design similarities while the others were completely different, as though a different species made them.

The seven vessels moved together in a tight formation, at first it looked like their destination was the citadel. Then the vessels came to a halt their formation still being held, a military mind would have realized that the ships were acting in a screening role and were securing a safe perimeter for another ship. Another blue streak shot passed the relay and was replaced with a ship. The three hundred meters long ship moved into the center of the seven ships.

Communications were traded between the small group of ships and the Citadel fleet. Minutes later the small flotilla moved towards the Citadel they made no aggressive moves and held to a predetermined flight path. Once they got within three thousand kilometers, the seven escort ships stopped and held their position as their target continued its course.

The ship soon cut its engines and switched over to maneuvering thrusters. With guidance from an array of traffic control workers and the skill of its pilot, the ship moved into one of the countless docking bays of the Citadel. Once safely nestled in the ship shut down all propulsion and seconds later several docking clamps came down of the vessel and magnetically lock it in place. For the first time in over three hundred years, a ship of Quarian design had docked with the Citadel.


November 20th 14:30, The Citadel, Docking Bay 132:


Rela'Tedal stepped out form the airlock of the Haema, the ship that had ferried the original delegation that had plead with the council for aid against the Geth. It felt strange to be here now, not as a young woman on her pilgrimage or as a "thieving beggar" as some would put it. She was here as the Quarian Republic's official Ambassador to the Citadel. A long-winded title that in reality meant nothing to most, she was here as little more than a token effort to create and maintain relations with the rest of the galaxy. Truth be told, the Quarian people had little interest in interacting with the galaxy. Centuries of discrimination and shunning from the other races had caused the Quarian to grow resentful towards them. If it had not been for the urging of the Terrans then odds were she would not be here right. Well at least not as a representative of the Quarian people, she had personal reasons that would have driven her here.

"Madam Ambassador," A Turian C-Sec officer said walking up to her. "My team and I have been assigned to escort you and your delegation to the Citadel Tower." He said as he bowed to her. If Rela said that she didn't enjoy the feeling of satisfaction at seeing a Non-Quarian giving her a sign of respect, then she was lying. For a moment she wonders if the man was genuine with his respect or was being tortured by the display. Her more vindictive side very much enjoyed the idea of the later. She push the feeling down, she had to remind herself that not everyone in the Citadel disrespected the Quarian people.

"Of course Officer, I and my people humbly accept your offer of an escort." She said with a bow of her own. Her aid and two guards followed suit.

"Then let us be going." The Officer said, gesturing for her to move. She stepped to the side of the man and with a nodded the two began to walk together. "I should also inform you that outside the docking area is a large crowd of media people waiting for you." Doubtless, they were waiting with all sorts of questions for her. The media no matter where in the galaxy you were was always looking for the next big headline. "If you like we can take a more discrete route and avoid them." He offered.

Rela was tempted to take him up on his offer, Quarians never did well with crowds. "Think you for the offer, officer. But I believe it's time that people start seeing Quarians in a different light. We can't keep running." She said to the Turian.

She saw the Turian nod. "That I can agree with." He said surprising her. "I always believed that the treatment that your people receive from others was unwarranted, lady Tedal."

She almost stopped dead in her tracks. "You know who I am?" She asked in a whispered tone.

"Of course I do." He responded as they entered an elevator. "The Counselor speaks of you often. Especially after he found out you were still alive. I must admit when I first met the man I never took him for a married man or even one that was wed to a Quarian."

Rela's eyes narrowed from behind her mask. "Is there something wrong with that?" She said carefully to keep the edge out of her throat.

The C-sec officer gave her a rather apologetic look. "That did sound offensive didn't it?" He said. "I apologize, I was just surprised that man of his position would be so open with his marriage. Such things could be used against him."

Rela calmed her expression she supposed that it wasn't fair of her to make assumptions. "Its okay officer, I shouldn't be so quick to judge. I did bring the same point up with Filtius, he wouldn't have any of it." Ancestors bless his heart that man refused to hear any word of hiding their relationship.

She heard the man chuckle under his breath. "He does seem like the stubborn type that way." He said. "He's a good man." He finished.

Rela could not agree more, she was a lucky woman to have him. Granted their relation didn't have the best of starts, she had to wonder what were the odds of marring the man whose first words to her where "You're under arrest". She wagered not often, and to this day she still held it over him. Her musings came to an end when the elevator came to a stop. Through its transparent doors, she could see a large crowd of people waiting outside. Most of them had a recording device of one type or another. They were held back by a line of C-sec officers.

"We can continue this later." The officer said. "For now it's your time to shine. Show them how your people have changed." He and his team walked out, their posture telling her that they were being vigilant for any trouble that would arise.

Seconds later after taking a breath to calm herself, Rela and the rest of her party followed behind. Almost immediately she was assailed by a stream of questions from the crowd.

"Ambassador this T'Vana of GNN. How does it feel to know to be here on the Citadel as the official representative of the New Quarian Republic?"

"Madam Ambassador what is the nature of your people's relationship with the Terran Federation?"

"This one asks if the Quarian people intend on reclaiming their homeworld?"
"Will the Quarian people demand that their former embassy be re-opened?"

Dozens of questions came at her all at once that it was almost hard to keep up with. She didn't slow her pace as she tried to answer the questions. "It feels strange knowing that my people for the first time in over three hundred years now have a chance to give voice to their concerns on the Citadel and that I am the one to represent them. But it feels good. Our relations with the Terrans are that of close allies any other details I will be more than happy to give at the press conference tomorrow. The same goes for our views on their feign policy. Our plans for Rannoch remain indeterminate but as far as I know they remain unchanged. As for our intentions to maintain relations with the rest of the galaxy that too will be answered at the press conference." More questions came at her and at one point the C-sec officers had to push back an overly eager reporter. The relief she felt when they finally got to the Citadel tower could not be more pitiable.


November 20th 18:47, Citadel unknown location:


"Is everything ready?"

"Yes, commander." Said a subordinate. "Everyone as been outfitted with armor and weapons, explosives have been distributed to the specialist. The gunship as finished its maintenance checks and the technicians report no problems. All teams report that they are ready to move out."

"Good," Jeoss said his four eyes blinking in satisfaction. "We start the operation as soon as they return to their embassy. Those Terrans will never know what hit them. It is time that they paid for their crimes." Months of planning and scouting out the area would soon pay off. Soon he would have his revenge against the Terrans.

Ever since he learned of their connection to the monsters that ravaged the Hegemony, he felt nothing but hatred towards their kind. It was their fault that the Hegemony had fallen, it was because of them that his family was dead and all that belonged to him destroyed. It was their fault that he been forced to scrape by like a filth suit-rat just to live every day. He would see to it that paid for their sins a hundred than a thousandfold.

He first had hoped that the Council would rightfully punish the Terrans for their crimes against the galaxy. The council should have demanded that the Federation submit itself to the glory of the Hegemony and have their ghoul and synth populations purged from existence. He should have never let his hopes up, if the Citadel did not have the wisdom to submit to the rule of the superior Batarian race, then how could they have the guts to destroy the clear and present threat of the Terrans? Fools all of them.

If they were not willing to take action then he was more than happy to do the job for them. He had gathered as many like-minded individuals that were willing to take a stand against the Terrans. He had about thirty men under his command for this operation, plus an old gunship that he got from an old friend on Omega. He also hired a dozen mercenaries to aid them. He had enough forces to ensure that the mission would be a success. "Once we have control of the building execute all of the demons and purge the systems of all AIs." He ordered his assembled men. "After that, we make our demands to the Terrans." It was surprisingly easy to sneak all of these resources onto the Citadel, just a few forged documents and bribe or two had done the trick. He didn't know if it was incompetence or arrogance created such lack of security on what was the proverbial center of Galactic Civilization. Perhaps after this, he could establish himself as a new crime boss in the Citadel wards. A tempting prospect and one he would think about later.

"My lord." One of his men spoke up. "What should we do about their women?" He asks his tone of voice if heard by any other species would have driven them to disgust.

For Jeoss it only caused his smile to broaden. "Do as you wish to them. Considered it as a bonus on top of your promised rewards." He said knowing that he was condemning those women to what they would consider a horrible fate. Nothing short of what they deserved. "But leave the Ambassador be, she is mine." He had to admit for a Non-Batarian she was alluring, she would make for a fine plaything. That woman should feel honored that he would grace her with his magnificent presence.

He saw all of his men smile at his orders. "Yes sir. We will see to it that they are treated properly."

"Remember men we do this not for ourselves." He began to say to them. "We do this for the greater glory of the Batarian people. Do not believe the lies of the Council and their lapdogs, the Hegemony will rise again stronger than ever to claim its rightful place as rulers of the galaxy and beyond. For the glory of the Hegemony may it rule for all time." He shouted raising his weapon to the air.

His soldiers followed him in his actions. "For the glory of the Hegemony." They all shouted.

He was about to say more when a voice interrupted him. "May you burn with the rest of your decrepit empire." He turned to the direction of the voice furious that someone would dare to speak out against him and insult the glory of the Hegemony in the same breath. Up on some crates, he saw an Asari dress in combat armor. She was holding something in her hand.

"Some get that Asari bitch," Jeoss said pointing his rifle at the woman. He wouldn't kill her, instead, he had different plans for how to punish her. He heard his men move to follow his orders. He pulled the trigger on his weapon. Then the world was filled with fire and thunder as he was thrown forward.

November 20th 18:51, Citadel, Abandoned Warehouse:

As the warehouse's water system activated Tela wasted no time as she throws the detonator away and jumped down to the floor below. The blast wave had knocked the disgusting Batarian and his cohorts to the ground but they would stay down for so long. Using her Biotics she slowed her decent enough to make a safe landing. A blink of an eye later she throws up a barrier blocking a stream of kinetic rounds aimed at her head. She wiped out her pistol and three shots to the head later the offending Batarian was dead.

Ducking out of the way of a punch she performed a half spin and brought her biotically powered first into the gut of a Turian mercenary sending him crashing into some crates in a dead heap. In front of her, three more enemies were sprinting towards her, their weapons raised and ready to tear into her.

"How cute." She thought to herself sadistically, she threw her arms out to the fools and shot a powerful blast of biotic energy in their direction. The three had enough time to stop themselves before they were hit and sent flying to the ground. Just as quickly she was on top of them and used her pistol to finish them before they could recover.

By instinct alone, she threw up another barrier to stop the kinetic rounds from riddling her body. She turned to face her attacker, seeing the leader of the group. His four eyes were filled with fury directed at her and his rifle was aimed at her. He fired again, her barrier held.

"All units this is Commander Jeoss, an intruder is attacking. A single Asari converge on my position now." He said tapping his communicator, then his brow furled in frustration. "Someone respond now!" He said angrily.

Tela had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. The idiot had not put two and two together. The explosion had come from their makeshift barracks killing most of his men. Hold on there should be a second explosion coming from their gun- Both of their heads turn to face the direction of a nearby fireball that had erupted several meters away. There it is, no doubt whatever remained of his men were panicking and would likely make a run for it. Sadly for them, they'll run right into a trap laid by C-Sec forces.

She turned her attention back to the Batarian leader, he had not recovered from his stupor. A mistake that she capitalized on as darted towards the man. The flicker of movement snapped him back to reality and he fired his rifle at her, she used her biotics to give herself a sudden burst of speed. From the perspective of Jeoss, it would have looked like she had teleported right behind him. She dropped down and swung out her leg to trip the man, he fell flat on his face.

Tela shot back up and whirled around to face two of his men that had recovered from the shock wave. Before they had the chance to attack her she shot both of them in the head. Before their fresh corpses hit the ground she turned and smashed her foot into the chest of the Batarian command before he could reach for his weapon. He howled in pain, his eyes looking up her with anger. She pointed her pistol had his head. "I suggest that you surrender, Batarian scum." She said in a cool crisp voice. "Otherwise I'll be forced to use less than pleasant methods to subdue you."

The Batarian's glare intensified. "Never, you Asari bitch. The Hegemony will rise again and there's nothing you or the fools on the council can do ab-"

She had about enough of his rambling. She lowers her weapon and shot the retch between his legs, ending any plans he had for heirs. He screams at the assault, but it was cut short as Tela presses her leg down harder on the man's chest reducing the sound to a gargling noise. Seconds later he faints from the pain.

Tela smiled to herself and looked around to make certain that all hostiles had been dealt with. Seeing that the area was clear she put her weapon away and brought her foot off of the man. She activated her communicator. "This is Spector Tela Vasir I have secured the warehouse and apprehended the leader." She said.

"This Commander Kel'Tin of C-Sec Special Forces well done Spector, we appreciate your assistance in this operation." Responded a voice.

"I'm glad to help." She said to the commander. "I take you had some success on your end too?"

"Affirmative Spector, about dozen tried to flee the warehouse. We have them in custody now." Came the report. Sounded about right between the gunship, barracks, and those she took out personal that accounted for all targets. "By the way, was it really necessary to set the place on fire?" The Commander asked agitated. Tela chuckled to herself.

Half an hour later the fires had been put out and the rest of the Terrorist group had been rounded up. The Asari Spector was making her report to the Council. "Of the Sixty enemy contacts, forty were killed when I set the explosives destroying their barracks and gunship, the rest surrounded to C-Sec forces once they realized the futility of their situation. I personally captured the leader though he did sustain severe injuries that will require surgery if he is to survive." A part of her was hoping that the bastard would die in the process, but the Council would want him alive for questioning.

"Could the injuries have been avoided?" Tevos asked, her eyes containing an almost undetectable trace of suspicion.

"I'm afraid not Councilor. He forced my hand in the situation." She lied. If hadn't been for her orders to capture him alive then she would put a round between his four eyes, after the legs.

Tevos looked like she wanted to press the issue but was stopped by the Turian councilor. "Regardless of the injuries that were inflicted, you did manage to capture him. Once he recovers enough we can have him interrogated for any information he as on the Remnants of the Hegemony." She doubted the idiot knew anything substantial. Odds were the men under his command were pirates and not Hegemony soldiers, not that there was much of difference. But as a Spector, she had to carry out the will of the Council even if at times it seemed idiotic.

"Then again," She mused to herself. "He could have something major. Stranger things have happened."

"Either way congratulations are in order," Filtius said bringing her out of her thoughts. "I must admit at first I was worried that your plan would end with a major diplomatic crisis. One that we could ill afford at the moment. I'm glad to say that I was wrong. Not only did we prevent crises that would have undermined our authority and several damage relations with the Federation but we manage to capture several dangerous criminals in the process. Good Job Tela Vasir."

"I agree with the esteemed Turian Councilor." The new Salarian Councilor said. "It was a job well done, my predecessor shared the same concerns. I did not."

"It seems that we are all in agreement." Said Tevos seeing that any concerns she had would be ignored. "Though your actions here will not be publicized, a commendation will be left in the Spector records."

Inwardly Tela smiled at the praise she received. It was true that her plan was a risky one and could have had disastrous consequences. STG had gotten wind of Jeoss's plans to attack the Temporary Terran Embassy in the Thessia Sunrise Hotel, in its early stages. Seeing that an intergalactic crisis would happen if it was allowed to go through the Council took immediate action. They wanted to stop the man before he had the chance to step foot on the Citadel, but Tela brought a proposal to them. Allow Jeoss and his men to make their preparations on the Citadel and catch them all at once. She argued that if they engaged him anywhere else he could slip away and become a thorn in their side for goddess knows how long. But by setting up a trap on the Citadel they could bring all of the forces they need to bear on him. They could also trace any communications he made to other accomplishes and make plans to capture them after the operation. Understandably the Council was hesitant to go through with it, even she had to admit that it was a risky move on their end, one wrong move and the media would have a field day while the Terrans would demand their heads. But after hearing all other plans of action for dealing with the Batarian, the Council gave their blessing for the operation. An operation that turned into a success. "I'm honored by your praise Councilors." She said bowing to the three. "However I am but a humble servant of Galactic Civilization, I was merely doing my job."

"Your humility is appreciated but unwarranted Spector Vasir." The Turian Councilor spoke. "You did a good job today, accept that."

"Of course Councilor." She responded with tact. "I assume the necessary actions have been taken to cover this up? We can't have the media getting their hands on this." She asked the Council.

"Do not concern yourself." Councilor Hutow said. "All the public will ever know about this incident was that a simple fire started in an old and abandoned warehouse, and the emergence teams were quick to respond. They already talking about it on the news as we speak" She finished.

"What if someone finds bodies?" Tela asked referring to those killed in the explosion.

"They will be chalked up as vagrants intruding on the premise at the time. We could even spin so that they were the cause." The Salarian Councilor was quick to respond. "Them being Batarians no one will have a reason to question the story. Regardless, what happened here won't be found by anyone, not else we decide to tell."

"That's good to hear. We can't afford any mishaps right now." Tela said. "Are there any indications that the Terrans are aware of what's happened?"

"We do not believe the Terrans ever learned of Jeoss's plans," Tevos said. "If they did, they haven't said anything to us."

"Either way we should keep this under wraps," Filitus said. "Vasir do you have anything else to report?"

"No Councilors, nothing else to report," Tela said.

"Then you are dismissed, Spector Vasir. Once again we of the Council thank you for a job well done." The images of the Councilors faded away. With little reason to stay the Asari Spector left the area trusting that C-Sec would be able to handle the rest.


November 26th15:30, Citadel Audience Chamber:


"By the powers invested in me by the Federation Council and the Office of the Presidency I Anita Goyle sign this Treaty." Ambassador Goyle said aloud for all to hear. "By signing this historic document the United Terran Federation agrees to abide by all the terms laid out therein. So as long the Citadel Alliance agrees to abide by those same terms. As the Official Ambassador of the United Terran Federation, it is both an honor and my duty to sign this document." With the audience now captivated Anita Goyle turned back to the table that had been set for this occasion. All of its seats were filled. On her end was the Terran delegation plus the holo projections of the President, Vice-President, and the Head of the Federation Council. On the Other end facing them were the Three Citadel Councilors and the leaders of the Council races in holo form. Her hand picked up the stylist and with a few quick flourishes, she had signed her name on the document laid out on the table. In that one single motion, she had concluded months of hard work in three seconds.

The treaty had already been scrutinized and ratified by the Federation council and had gone through the same process with the Asari Republics, the Turian Hierarchy, and the Salarian Union. With its ratification, the Citadel Alliance would recognize the Federation as a sovereign entity separate from them but would be allied with the Citadel races. The Federation would also agree to sign some of the different long-standing treaties that been in effect among the Citadel races long before man had achieved interstellar flight. Mostly ones that were considered reasonable and held in line with Terran beliefs, such as the restricted use of WMDs and other wartime practices. The Treaty of Farixen, however, was quietly shoved aside during the talks, no doubt the issue would eventually come to light, but that was a long ways off from now, however as a sign of good faith the Federation did inform them of how many dreadnoughts they had and how many they planned to put into service. Though if what the FSS (Federation Strategic Service) found was correct then the Council was strongly considering suspending the millennia-old treaty for the duration of the war. Aside from those agreements, a Military alliance had been established and trading relations opened between the two parties.

She put the stylist down a flood of relief washing over her at the conclusion of months of hard work. She had established working relations with an alliance of several alien nations, an act that would see her name go down in the history books. She had to suppress a chuckle at a recent conversation she had, her old high school was in the process of renaming itself after her, Anita Goyle High it had a nice ring to it. "With this action, we conclude these long talks." She said. "The United Terran Federation looks forward to working with the rest of the Galaxy, and we hope that all of us can move forward to a better and brighter future for all beings." There was a round of applause from the audience, for a brief moment, the Ambassador had allowed herself to be swept up in the moment and let herself forget that this was only the beginning of her work. The treaty here was only an agreement between the Federation and the Citadel races as a whole, there was still the matter of having to deal with the individual governments that made up the alliance. Not to mention how all the major corporations on both sides were going to be tripping over themselves to get to whole new markets and demographics never before tapped into. A whole new series of headaches that luckily for her, she would not have to worry about until the Federation finished construction of his Diplomatic enclave, not embassy as that had a different meaning between the Federation and the Citadel. That would take about a month to do, she looked forward to her vacation.

Her of moment reprieve came to end when the Asari Councilor rose and began to speak. "People of the Citadel and the United Terran Federation the last two months have been a light in the darkness that has been the last two years almost three. Before then we had been faced with an enemy that knew no concept of mercy and compassion, an enemy that is the antithesis to peace. This enemy pushed back the combined might of the Citadel, ravaging our worlds, millions if not billions have perished in their senseless path of destruction. For a time it seemed as though the dream of a peaceful galaxy was about to die, and even if we did survive the galaxy would bare scars that would never heal. Then hope came in the form of our new friends the Terran people. At great cost to themselves, they flung themselves into frontlines of the war, and miraculously they held the line against the enemy. Their actions have saved countless worlds and the millions and billions of lives on them. Now we stand together and through the light of our courage and might of our warriors we will drive the darkness back and destroy it utterly. We will rebuild the destroyed worlds and the light of civilization will shine brighter than ever, never to be threatened again." The audience cheered louder than before almost becoming deafening. The Asari Councilor waited several seconds for the crowd to quiet down before she began to speak again. " With the signing of this historic treaty, we lay the first stones that will pave the path to a better future. I know this has been said many times over the past months but it does not make it any less true or meaningful now. The people of the Citadel races welcome the citizens of the United Terran Federation to the Galactic community and we thank you for the contributions that you have already made."

The Turian Councilor rose next to her. "While some may not see it, your arrival as heralded the coming of a great many changes. Your people have challenged several long-held beliefs that until today were considered irrefutable fact. Now debates that have been closed for generations have re-opened and old facts re-examined to see if they hold up today. New questions have arisen on what personhood means and how it should be handled. They are not easy questions to answer and it may take years or even decades to find the right answer. Perhaps most distressing of all, there may be no truly right answer to these questions, only ones that change with the times."

The new Salarain Councilor rose and spoke. "But one thing has been made clear through your arrival and the war against the Dragon Orphans. Wither it was through intentional design or a series of events spanning the millennia that have unknowingly accumulated to our present state, it is clear to all to see that the races of the Citadel have fallen into a state of stagnation. This stagnation almost destroyed everything we knew. This must change if we are to survive. Even before the Terrans entrance to the galactic scene changes were occurring but were slow to be implemented because of those who felt threatened by them. For them, they preferred the safety of what they knew of what was and is, not the uncertainty of what was to come. They did not care if this mentality would only leave a lifeless galaxy, all they wanted was to remain in their little bubbles content in the knowledge that nothing could touch them." The crowd had long since fallen silent hanging on to every word spoken by the councilors. Even Anita was curious to see where this was going. The reports she received did tell that the Citadel races were experiencing considerable social and cultural upheaval, not unexpected with a major war going on and them having to deal with first contact. The same thing was happening back home, though in some ways better and some ways worse, to say that they live in interesting times would be the understatement of the century. Goyle had to wonder if the Councilors genuinely supported the changes or if they were taking advantage of the current climate and would later try to back paddle.

"We can no longer afford to remain like this." The Asari Councilor said. "We can no longer hide in our corner of the universe believing that nothing will notice and come for us. We must change if we are to survive the trials to come. The truth of the matter is that both history and nature show that stagnation is the pathway to destruction. It has been shown that only those who can adapt to changes in their environment can survive and grow. With this in mind, there is one change that has occurred but we of the Citadel have reacted poorly to." The Terran Ambassador listened more closely realizing that the Councilor was leading to the point of the speech. "The Terrans once had to contend with this issue and as their history shows had it not been for the actions of a few, it would have destroyed them, and created their worst enemy. I speak of course of those who have become demons or to use the correct term ghouls." So that's what they were leading to. Anita shifted in her seat slightly it seemed that their deal would come to light a bit quicker than expected. "We have long since viewed these people as monsters in the same vein as the ones that are laying siege to our worlds now and from which they were born. They are creatures to be feared and to be out down unworthy of mercy. The Terrans have proven otherwise, they are not the monsters we fear them to be, they are victims who have been placed into a situation that has forced them to take drastic actions to survive. But instead of helping them like the civilized being we are, we reacted with fear and shunned them for something they could not control. It is inexcusable but understandable, history as shown time and again that fear as a way of blinding us to the proper course of action." The Asari Councilor looks to her.

Knowing that was her cue to speak, she rose and turned to face the audience. Several records narrowed in on her, countless trillions would be watching her now. "But now the people of the Citadel have a chance to amend this mistake and began to heal the wounds that have opened over the issue. Ever since we learned of the existence of Xeno-Ghouls the top minds of the Federation have worked tirelessly to come up with a solution to aid these poor individuals. I am happy to announce that almost a month ago our scientist have managed to create synthetic meats that can be consumed by Xeno-Ghouls and will provide them with the nourishment they need to live." Murmurings began to rise in the audience. "We have begun distributing this substance to the Xeno-Ghouls that have made their way into Federation space." The announcement of Xeno-Ghouls appearing in Federation territory created a reaction in the crowd as they were now openly shouting at her and to themselves. The chamber guards took a step forward to keep the crowds at bay. It took several minutes before they calmed down enough for her to continue. "They are not the monsters that they have been made out to be. As the esteemed Asari councilor said they are simply victims that have been put into a frightening scenario. All they wish is to be able to return to their normal lives, we have provided them with a means to do so. To this effect, the higher-ups of the Federation asked me to reach out to the council and ask them to aid us in our efforts to help these unfortunate souls. In exchange for lifting their orders to hunt and kill Xeno-Ghouls we would start to ship out large quantities of synthetic meats to be consumed by the Xeno-Ghouls and to show the races of the Citadel how to produce their versions." She turned to face the Councilors in question. The ball was in back in their court.

"We were surprised by the Ambassador's sudden proposal." Tevos began. "At first we had considered rejecting the Federation proposal, believing they had blinded themselves into thinking that our ghoul populations were like theirs."

"Then they started to tell us of each citadel ghoul's stories," Filtius said. "Stories of their hardships as ghouls, of the fears they constantly fear. From their mouths, they told us of the constant struggles they faced in wanting to survive or uphold their morals."

"The Terrans had also taken the liberty in getting us into contact with the friends and families of the effect individuals." The Salarian Councilor added. "They told us of how the Federation re-established contact between them and their loved ones. They assured us that the ones afflicted with this condition were still the individuals they knew and cherished, not the mindless monsters that had taken their form."

Looking over her shoulder Goyle saw that what the council said was affecting the crowd. Some were unconvinced, others impassive, or seemed to consider what was being said, but most seemed showed signs of sympathy. A good sign that what was going to happen next would not receive an overt amount of backlash. "The stories of the Citadel Ghouls plights have touch our hearts and moved us in ways we did not think possible," Tevos said bringing the Ambassador back to look at the Asari Matriarch. "Spurred by the Federations heartfelt actions we of the Council urged the leaders of our respective governments to not only take their proposal seriously but to accept it." She gestures to the after mention leaders.

All three figures rose, Primarch Fedorian cleared his throat before speaking. "With the considerations of the Council and the accounts given to us by the Terran Federation we thought long and hard about the decision. We even look back into the collective histories of the Citadel races, mostly about minority groups and the discrimination they once faced. We found parallels that were deeply concerning. Ultimately we came to one conclusion."

The Asari High Matriarch pick up on the Primarch's line of thought. "That our actions were not fitting of an enlightened and civilized galaxy. When we should have reacted with compassion we instead showed fear and disdain for those who were forced into circumstance beyond their control. We plunged a knife into the backs of those who cried out for our help and instead of offering a helping hand. This is a shame we will bear for a long time." The Asari bowed her head in a sign of regret. The other councilor displayed their ways of showing the guilt they felt over the subject, though Dalatrass's looked a bit forced from the perspective of the Terran Ambassador.

"But it is not something that we cannot try to undo now." The Turian Primarch spoke up after a minute. "To begin with as the leaders of the Council races I Fedorian the Primarch of the Turian Hierarchy."

"I T'Moci the High Matriarch of the Asari Republics." Joined the Asari leader.

"And I Onisa the Dalatrass of the Salarian Union." The Salarian leader joined her voice.

"Hereby rescind the kill order on all Citadel Ghouls!" All three said at once. For a moment Goyle thought she felt a chill down her spine.

"From henceforth," The Primarch continued after the others had fallen silent. "If anyone is found to have killed a Citadel Ghoul without probable cause then they shall be tried for murder and persecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Murmuring began to rise all around again as everyone took in the turn of events. Media agencies all across the galaxy were going to have a field day with this. While others at the table began to given their thoughts on the matter and tried to direct the event to its conclusion Anita mentally prepared herself for the wave of questions and demands that would come her way.


November 26th 17:00, Temporary Terran Embassy, hallways:


Anita Goyle half walked half shambled her way to her suit. The day's events had been more tiring then she anticipated, almost immediately after the signing of the treaty and surprise announcement on Xeno-Ghouls she had been flooded with questions from crowds of people waiting outside the Citadel Towel. The questions ranged from everything, some on the signing of the treat, others on her thoughts on the Quarian's historic return to the Citadel, but most pressing were on the newfound issue about rights for Xeno-Ghouls. She did her best to answer the questions as simply as possible and at the same time being diplomatic in her responses.

She entered her room and laid her briefcase on a nearby table. It took a good hour before she could get away and return to the hotel/embassy. She almost fell into the comfy couch, letting out an exhausted groan. Finally, she had a chance to relax. She was very much aware she still had a lot of work to do in the coming days. Though the negations with the Citadel had at long last concluded and that the Terrans would not be making deals with the other races until their Enclave was built, she knew that there would be no end to the line of politicians, businessmen/women, activist and other influential figures that would try to make back door deals with her. Similarly, she did not doubt that a mountain of paperwork was waiting in her office. A strange term considering that everything was digital now, that didn't stop it from being soul-crushing work.

A lot of work coming her way and she would have little time to herself. But at the moment it was the furthest thing from her mind. She closed her eyes almost falling asleep. "Perhaps in a bit," She thought. "When I have the energy I'll try taking a dip in that pool they have here." A swim sounded good to her. Her mind drifted into sleep as more thoughts of relaxation came to mind.

"Madam Ambassador." Reality came crashing in like a crazed bull in a fine china shop.

Her eyes snapped open and her mind made a U-turn. "What is it?" She said keeping the irritability out of her voice.

"We have a guest who wishes to see you, Ma'am." The aid said over the com. "Shall I send them up?"

So it begins. Goyle was tempted to tell him no and to send them on their merry way. She decided against it, best to see them now and learn what they want. "Go ahead." She said getting up from her seat and making her way to the kitchen. It was only polite the serve their guest. "Who is it?"

There was a brief pause that worried her. "The Salarian Councilor Ma'am. The new one." Sometimes she wished she had never taken this job.


And so the talks finally come to an end, of course Goyle's job isn't finished yet and may never be but hopefully she'll be able to enjoy a brief break before she gets swamped by a mountain of paperwork. As you can see certain elements in what remains of everyone's favorite four-eyed punching bags do not like the Terrans very well and even blame them for their current predicament. For obvious reasons this won't be the first time that they'll try to cuase some trouble, the question now is if they will get anywhere with it.

On a unrelated note, that ending to the Clone Wars, yea. About as heart wrenching as I expected it to be and then some. May need some therapy for it. Maybe watching Palpatine be thrown down a shaft or be electrocuted by his own lighting should help.

See you in the next chapter.