Act I: First Contact
Chapter 5: The start of something
Nineteenth day of the third month,
Galactic Standard Year 2387
Asari Councilor's Private Chambers
There was no other way to explain the feeling that Tevos was enduring. The memories she had once buried, re-emerged from mental cage she kept them in. Like many others, Tevos and her associates where the heart of Galactic Council. A Supranational state that pushes the idea of cooperation, strength and unity amongst the population. Now she was on the verge of a mental breakdown. Old fears were becoming nightmares.
Tevos downed another glass of wine, attempting to once again bury down the encroaching dread that clouded her mind. As the alcohol burned her throat, her omni-tool came to life. The flashing light that resembled the notification alert quickly died, as Tevos answered the call.
"This is Councilor Tevos." She said in her best tone of voice, trying to sound as if she hadn't drank half a bottle of Thessian Ale. "What is that you need?"
"Elyria. The Council of Matriarchs has requested your presence in the holo room." The line went dead.
Tevos didn't say anything. Nor did she want to.
-xxx-
Turian Councilor's Private Chambers
Holo Room
Councilor Sparatus and Primarch Fedorian were not alone when discussing recent events. Those who commanded the defense of Palaven and its colonies were present as well, via holo-communications due to the fact that commanders can't just up and leave their posts.
"I can already assume that all of you know why you've been called to this meeting." Sparatus Began. "If any of you would like to speak before we begin, now would be the time to do so." The room remained silent. Most gave each other curious glances, as if they were eager to see if anyone would comment on the current topic.
"Very well then. Let's begin with the current topic at hand." Sparatus continued. "As most of you are aware, the conflict that is being centered around Relay 314 and Its home system has been going on for a few days now. Within the first few moments, the 7th Recon Flotilla initiated the first contact. Not long after, hostilities between both parties ensued."
Many Turians shifted in an uneasy manner. Most members of the Citadel Council often hoped that first contact scenarios will end up forming new alliances with species who've just entered the galactic community. Situations like this on the other hand rather irked many groups, as the consequences of unnecessary conflicts were really another way of wasting time and resources. Whether they wanted it or not, the Turians have entered another conflict that could possibly evolve into a full-scale war.
Sparatus acknowledged the sound of silence as he continued. "From what the Salarians can decipher from the data banks that 12th Fleet recovered from the captured mining station, these Humans have established an empire within a secluded part of the galaxy. For how long, we don't know. What we do know is that there is a definite probability that word has gotten back to their homeworld. A planet whose location is unknown to the eyes of the Citadel Council. A location that will send their ships and its soldiers to prevent the Hierarchy from doing the very thing we were tasked to do."
Sparatus hardened his voice as he finished. After a few seconds of silence, the Turian Primarch came to a logical standpoint.
"A firm assessment, Councilor." The Primarch declared. "It is logical that the fleets at present will obviously come into contact with a hostile force, intending to take back what they've lost. But why should we move more fleets to this system? The with the reinforcing power of the Tenth to support the remains of the twelfth, there is no reason to re-position more fleets into System 314." Fedorian noted, making a reference to the written assessment that Sparatus and a few other military commanders agreed upon.
"To devote this many ships to a minor conflict will leave gaps within the border of the Council Space and the Terminus Systems. Nevertheless, this would give them ample opportunity attack worlds and outposts left undefended if were go with what you're suggesting, Councilor."
Those who agreed with what the Primarch said took the opportunity to voice their support, causing an uproar of commentary. Before they could continue further, Sparatus stood his ground to voice his concerns.
"And to ignore this threat will be the beginning of an era of misgivings. If we do not deal with this threat here and now, who knows what destruction they will bring upon the Council. Have you forgotten what happened? The tragedy that fermented across the name of both the Council and the galaxy!" Sparatus argued.
There was a short pause of silence between both parties. Those who stood before Sparatus, aligning themselves on both ends of the Turian Political Spectrum waited for the Primarch to respond to such an abhorrent accusation. Fedorian made a low growl, obviously irritated by the Councilors' comment.
"We both know that no one. Not a single individual will forget about Haran. The lives of thousands of Council citizens taken for what purpose? For what agenda?" Fedorian questioned. The same silence stood ever-present in the room. Fedorian stood confident as he continued.
"That is the question that every council citizen wants to know, Including me, Sparatus. But at what cost should we find this answer when we are the brink of another Terminus Incursion? If we move the majority of our ships to as I quote from your report "An immediate threat that will eventually destabilize the entirety of Citadel Space" it will leave the galactic border open to attack, the Patrol Fleets ill-prepared and overwhelmed, and as a result, we will have a war on two fronts." Fedorian then turned to the rest who were present at the moment.
"This is a risk we cannot afford to take." He then turned his sight back towards Sparatus. "Sending a force that size you recommend would only be a waste of resources. No gain would be achieved if we rushed into another war."
"That is, if we send inexperienced forces." A general spoke up. "If we are to contain this debacle that is sure to become a thorn in our side, then we should send those who are hardened from combat. Not the other way around."
"To what end do you think sending valuable manpower to deal with minor conflict will suffice? Soldiers with experience needs to be out defending the Terminus border! Not to dealing with wayward species that needs to be checked." An admiral declared.
"And when will those who've barely seen combat get their moments of glory Therian? You boast of your youngers about being fresh out the academy, fighting during the Second Terminus Incursion, yet here you are denying that same experience to those who want to serve the Hierarchy just like you." The General countered with a smug tone.
The aging Admiral growled irritably, his mandibles forming a Turian equivalent of a scowl. It was at this time where Fedorian decided to once again play the role as the mediator. "Therian and Kylion, as members of this summit I expect both of you to act like the leaders you sought out to be. Not like cadets getting into some petty argument!" Fedorian boomed. Both fell silent as Fedorian turned his gaze back towards Sparatus.
"Councilor Sparatus. I assure you that your concerns have been noted by the Consensus. But I'm afraid that a majority of us believes the diverting fleets to single system will cause unneeded consequences." Sparatus fell silent when spoke to him in this manner. "We cannot be blinded by vengeance nor send valiant Turians to a conflict that has lesser importance than that of the Terminus Systems. Out of all people, I assumed you would be the one to understand that Sparatus." Fedorian then pushed his voice far enough for all who were present to hear.
"If anything further comes up, Unitary Command will be the first to inform all of you. Until then, this meeting is dismissed." On that note, the current members of the Turian Consensus went back to their assigned tasks. Hoping that the decisions that were set in motion won't become bad fruit to bear.
-xxx-
Salarian Councilors Private Chambers
Housing District
Valerns personal apartment
"What have we learned from the prisoners we've recovered from the station outside the 314 Relay?" Asked the Dalatrass of the Salarian Union.
"Only basic information of the sort. Names, species designation. General Purpose of what their mission was within the system." Valern stated. "We were able to attain this information due to translation VI's present.
"Anything worth mentioning?" The Dalatrass inquired,
"Nothing out of the ordinary. Simple mining operation. Tasks require personnel to extract minerals from local asteroids, planets and gas giants and return them to support colonized systems.
"A routine operation. You mentioned colonized systems? Was there any chance that the mining station had data references to locations of said systems?"
"We've found a large set of coordinates within the stations data files. Unfortunately, heavy encryption prevents us from accessing it."
The Dalatrass paused for a second. "How long will it take? Is there an appropriate estimate?"
"An estimate is not certain. The algorithmic system that these Humans possess is new to the STG."
"Tough to break?" the Dalatrass questioned.
"To rush this process will ensure mistakes and errors. If we are to ensure the location of their colonized systems, specifically their homeworld, then we must take this at a pace that will not result in major conflictions."
"That is a agreeable statement." The Dalatrass commented.
"Indeed, but priorities should be put in place. The rising tensions between the Council and the Terminus Systems have become a worrying topic. Ever since the individual that calls themselves the "Great Khan" managed to gain the support of the major terminus gangs, Terminus Incursions into the Attican Traverse have become more frequent. If we are to ensure the safety of Council Space and what remains of the Attican Traverse, the attention of Citadel Fleets should be focused on the Terminus systems."
"And what of these Humans?" Valern asked, returning to the previous topic. "if we ignore them, then we will have a two front war appearing on our doorsteps."
"That's why a small task force will be sent to assist Citadel Forces already present in System 314. Objectives are to subdue this race and form an investigation. The tragedy of Haran is something that shouldn't be ignored."
"That is a fair statement. Even within the average Salarian lifespan, an event such as that shouldn't be swept under the rug."
"If anything new comes up, you'll be the first to know." With that the hololink ended. Valern returned to his personal desk and went over the files relating to the incident all those years ago. Looking over the details, he could see that there were acute differences.
The first thing that stood out was the enemy's combat tactics. Valern was no strategist, but he could see the lack of proper training within these individuals. Within the footage that was taken from the ruins of the colony, most of the troops acted like Vorcha; Brutal and ruthless towards everyone they see. Compared to the reports from the 314 System have shown, enemy combatants there have shown proper military tactics all around.
Next was their naval capabilities. The ships that attacked Haran were feeble in terms in hull support, lacking in Kinetic shielding and seemed to be held up by constant assimilation of spare ship parts. Weapons systems on the ships were similar to those that the Humans used in the 314 System. Similar in aspect, but appeared more older in design.
Lastly there was that one line. That one line that was picked over Colony's Comm Relay.
"Death is no Disgrace." A war chant perhaps? Nothing seemed to match the data they've gotten from the Humans. Valern sighed. It was going to be a long night.
-xxx-
Asari Councilors Private Chambers
It took Tevos a great deal of control her calm expression as the Council of Matriarchs had argued amongst each other for what seemed for several hours. Despite being in a powerful position that represented the Asari Republics, Tevis was still under the thumb of Thessia's ruling authority. Luckily enough for her, those who ruled over Thessia were too busy arguing amongst each other about recent events.
Whenever a new species joins the galactic community, the Asari would use their positions to play ambassador. This way of galactic tradition would eventually lead to the trade of the technologies between the Council and the new additions to the galactic stage.
But this scenario was different for not only this species weren't newcomers to the galactic stage, there were related to the incident that occurred decades ago. Compared to the accused who had sacked the colony, these Humans were more organized and 'civil' in terms of warfare. They had established their own territory in the galaxy and with how the ongoing conflict was going, the Matriarchs were right to assume that their offer to Humanity to join the Council would be all for null.
Tevos could only listen as the Matriarchs bickered amongst themselves. For years, each and everyone of them had spent centuries securing these positions, only for them to be trapped in a circle of deadlocked politics. Tevos wondered why she was here again. To listen to endless bureaucratic nonsense? Was it to watch the very same council that had been the reason why Thessia had gained the title of the "Apex of Democracy" fall apart slowly do to the splintering factions that grown within the polity? Tevos could only guess as she looked over an STG report from Valern.
The warships that the Humans possessed were impressive, but the unknown factor of how many they wielded was the more concerning. From what Councilor Sparatus had informed them, the Human's naval fleet were durable against the Council's forces, but had eventually capitulated under attrition tactics. On a technological scale, the Humans sported specific advances in certain fields. from energy weapons to advanced kinetic shielding, this organized group of Humans could pose a problem in future dates.
The only possible solution to prevent a protracted war between the Humans and the Turians was to bring peace talks on to the table. More importantly, Tevos wanted closure about something important she lost on Haran. For most of her life, she has kept her relationships professional, her emotions calm and assertive when in comes to the role of politics. She would put the welfare of Asari Space over that of her allies. But now, all she focused on was giving justice to those who deserved it dearly.
"Councilor Tevos?" Her train of thought was then broken as she noticed the eyes of the Matriarchs gaze upon her. "What do you suppose we do in order to prevent this conflict from escalating?"
"I thought we were in an agreement to let the Turians deal with these Humans." Another Matriarch stated loudly.
"Against forces we don't know the fullest extent of yet? The intel we've recovered from Council forces has shown us the unpredictability of the Humans. I take it they you've read the battle reports that the Fleet Commanders shared?" The Matriarch who spoke up before then sat down in annoyance. The lead Matriarch shifted her gaze back to Tevos. The room went silent as those who governed the Republics awaited a solution from the individual who represented them on the galactic scale.
"We need to send something to show as a stepping stone to cooperation," Tevos started. "To show these Humans that the galaxy isn't filled with species that slaughter their people and reduces their society to ash. I suggest we send an ambassador, one with the aptitude to calm down the aggressors of both parties and bring out the peacemakers."
"How about a Justicar then?" Another member added. "While they do know nothing other than the Code. An Asari of high status will make it her duty to right this mistake while proving that the Republics still play the part in maintaining peace throughout the galaxy."
The Head Matriarch thought about what her colleague said. "A sound decision. But who will the be representative?"
"I have a list of suggestions. If I may, I could forward them to you?" Tevos suggested.
"Hm. Very well. Show us what you have and we'll continue from there. As of now this session is adjourned."
Hierarchy Capital Ship Vanker
High Orbit above Shanxi
As the Tenth Fleet organized themselves with the remnants of the Twelfth, Admiral Equida Viccus looked over the battle reports that was forwarded to the ships Command Center.
It seems that the Twelfth Fleet aren't as incompetent as I thought. She said to herself. Few days into the invasion and they already managed to create a foothold, despite facing harsh resistance.
"Lieutenant Tervius, establish a connection to Admiral Titus. The reports I've received are commendable but I would prefer to speak face to face with the individual in charge of this operation."
"Yes Ma'am." Tervius replied. Equida continued to look over the battle reports before the Bridge officer notified her that the Admiral Titus was on the line. Equida turned to a console off to the side. Its projector lit up, constructing a holographic head of Admiral Titus.
"Admiral Viccus! I'm glad to see that you've joined us. Have you already looked over the battle reports we've sent you?"
"The pleasure is all mine, Titus. I have looked over your battle reports and I have to say, your progress is...adequate." Equida commented. Titus raised the Turian equivalent of an eyebrow.
"Adequate? You say that it like it's surprising that we've made progress here."
"You have and yet here you are, still struggling against a race of primitives." she countered. Titus' eyes burrowed. "Your naval forces have taken more than a handful of losses and your ground forces have taken nearly a week what the Tenth could've done in a day."At this moment, Admiral Titus became furious.
"Admiral Viccus, even though your reputation succeeds you, may I remind you that I am your senior. I do not need lectures while we have more important matters to worry about."
"We are discussing important matters. I am merely critiquing your performance to this campaign. If you had done what is expected of a proper Turian Admiral, these primitives wouldn't have been such trouble for you and your forces." she quipped as it was evident that Titus was becoming more irritable. "Nevertheless, my forces are here to support you, my ships will reinforces the holes in your fleet and my troops will support yours. Once they arrive, this battle will be swift and will we continue to enforce the Councils laws until we reach their homeworld.
Titus remained silent for a few seconds. Then he spoke, "I thank you for your support, despite your preferred manners of speaking. I shall return to my duties and overseer your reinforcements." With that, the line cut shortly after. Viccus smirked. She then returned to her personal monitor before the ship sirens suddenly went off.
"Status report!" She ordered, "What's happening?"
"Ma'am, multiple ships sensors are picking up multiple unknown energy signatures appearing starboard from our position!" Tervius explained. Viccus shifted her gaze towards the holoprojector displaying the fleets position within the system. it showed several markers that labeled the Tenth and Twelfth Fleets and several more labeling the anomalies. Enemy reinforcements? So soon? well then, let's see what these humans are made of.
"Alert the fleet! Prepare your battlestations! Enemy reinforcements are arriving shortly. Let us show them the might of the Citadel and the extension of the Turian Hierarchy!
AN:
Bing Bong Blyat
Another overdue update for act that needs finishing.
I would've posted this chapter sooner if it weren't for the sudden loss of files that set me back several months. College has also taken up most of my time and for what it's worth, I doubt you'll see another chapter before summer comes around due to this being my last semester for my AA before I move on to get my Bachelors.
I'll see you all whenever the next update rolls around.
Your Pal,
~Mazzi
