1-28-2174, 1347 hours (Alliance standard time)
HSS Superiority
Dreadnought
Private Quarters
General Turik' Han awoke to his quarter's blaring alarm, opening drowsy eyes to stare at the metal ceiling above him. The cold air embraced his body like a lover would its partner, allowing him to rise despite a drained existence. He stretched as he got up and began equipping his armor all the while remembering the past.
Like always Han once again lamented his past failures and trials, a routine that began each day. Time had been kind, allowing him to increasingly release the ghosts that haunted him over the disastrous raid. He had lost many good friends and better men, but ultimately it was he who had delivered righteous justice onto his tormentors. Despite being forced to cooperate with the enemy, Han could not deny the respect he'd developed for the young upstarts. As proficient, capable, and adaptable opponents, Han understood the humans and their raloi allies to be far more powerful than anyone could or would admit. He found it ironic that only the legendary 16th fleet shared his views, though hardly anyone would voice it out loud.
'Legendary? Are we even seen as such anymore?' The dark thought resonated in his head, before admitting the truth.
'No. We are no longer such a thing.'
Abandoned, rejected, disavowed, the Hegemony had all but washed themselves of the 16th . After decades of loyal service, the autocrats of Khar'shan were quick to shove all blame to a rogue fleet – rogue fleet operating under Khar'shan's own orders. Despite their loss in face, pride, and loyal soldiers, the 16th was far too strong to be smothered from the face of the galaxy. With just near two hundred ships left, Rear Admiral Ban was quick to organize the remaining survivors and guide them towards the safety of the Terminus Systems.
Han felt truly blessed in following the great Admiral, being welcomed back with open arms into a wounded fleet that has since been regaining its glory. Had he returned to the Hegemony, he would have no doubt been executed or worse, stripped of his possessions and forced into the bottom caste, before being put down like a common varren.
While his heart was heavy at the near destruction of the 23rd infantry, Han took small comfort from the nearly hundred survivors. With them he had the best chance to rebuild his Order to its previous strength, the result of two decades of hard labor and rigorous training.
The fleet's numbers had been replenished from loyal volunteers from various colonies and stations. While at first skeptical of the fresh troops, the volunteers had proven themselves in various raids. It became one of the only ways the fleet could hope to support itself, exchanging captured slaves or labor in exchange for credits, but more often than not the fleet found itself acting as a glorified surveying unit scanning for minerals in uncontested planets or searching for artifacts.
"General Han, you are requested to the command deck."
Han exhaled a sigh, already predicting the cause for the summons. 'I swear those two battle each other more than they do the enemy!'
Per Ban's orders, the various leaders of the ground forces were each assigned to a specific vessel; however, gatherings and proceedings were to be held on the flagship of the fleet when stationed in a friendly system. The fleet, now stationed in the Sahrabarik system, was deemed safe or what could pass as safe in the Terminus Systems.
Han made his way to the command deck, passing engineers and technicians seated at their stations. The mighty vessel he traversed had undergone retrofits, replacing damaged gun batteries and armor sections. The ship once again bore its name with pride. That pride had an edge to it, as the moment he entered the command deck he could hear the two Generals bickering meters away.
"In case you've forgotten, it took two decades for us to properly build back our numbers and yet you demand to seek out battles across the Terminus Systems!?" Garak stared in disbelief at Salim, one of the more callous Generals in the fleet.
"Our numbers yes, but not experience. While I agree the novices are skilled, they're merely a pale imitation of the great soldiers we once had! Only in battle will the strongest among them rise to our standards." Salim countered.
"Do you think we have the security of sustaining losses or have you forgotten we've been abandoned by the Hegemony?"
"All the more reason why we should weed out the weak! If we allow ourselves to be held back by fear – "
Already, Han could feel a massive headache coursing in his head. How he'd become the de facto mediator between the two polar leaders was beyond him.
"Enough!" Han's interruption seemingly caught the attention of the two. "Garak, I understand your reluctance in wasting lives, but we cannot let it cloud our judgement," He spun to address the other General. "And Salim, how many losses can we suffer until we run out of men?" He gave both leaders a long stare, daring them to refute their own words; then he delivered the one undeniable factor. "Ultimately it is not our choice to decide. We follow Ban's orders."
Despite the logic of his words, a long, tense silence followed. The two Generals stared into the other's eyes, seemingly challenging each other or perhaps gauging the strength of the other's convictions. Yet it seemed they both acknowledged Han's words.
"Agreed," Garak conceded after a long pause. "It is pointless to continue firing on a dead varren."
"Very well. We will take this matter up to him to decide." Salim nodded before departing. "I will continue to hone my men nonetheless. I cannot allow them to be nothing less than the best."
Omega
Docking Bay
Terminus Station
Welcome to Omega, the station's official slogan glowed proudly at its entrance to eager new arrivals. Of course, Ban and Ib-ba knew better, the true nature of the unofficial capital of the criminal underworld. Located deep in the bowels of the Terminus System, Omega was the dark, twisted twin of the Citadel. Its purposeful existence was an open secret nobody in Council space wanted to admit, yet everyone knew full well.
Like a darkly lit gem, the nights never came to an end. Every street was coated in dirt, stained with either the blood, sweat, and tears of the living, or the haunting secrets of the dead. Brooding neon lights cast a harsh light down every path. Their colors were myriad, equal to the drugs and trafficking of every kind flowing through the shadows they cast. With the constant roar of traffic that never ceased, so did the lives of its inhabitants move inexorably forward.
Yet the station had its own anomalies. Here the predators socialized with the prey, the strong cuddled with the weak, and guilty lived with the innocent. People came here for a variety of reasons: whether they were just naïve, desperate, or a special kind of stupid passed off as brave. It was the place to seek power, escape the chains of the Citadel, grasp the last opportunity one had, or create a new destiny. If one could handle the burden such a life carried. If they could handle walking down the streets and alleys filled with sin and suffering while never looking back, one could be transformed into something either far greater, or something so abominable as to make the bravest shudder.
'Welcome to Omega,' Ban thought again, smiling. The land of opportunity, hive of secrets, heart of evil; creator and destroyer of lives. A land Ban and his crew were strong enough to survive, free to walk its sordid paths with no fear in his eyes.
The duo had not even crossed five meters before being confronted by a batarian. "Welcome to Omega, Admiral Ban," the words hissed with mockery.
"I would recommend showing respect," Ib-ba growled. The giant batarian moved to confront the greeter before Ban's lazy motion halted his progress.
"Seems your master has trained you well," the greeter sneered.. Foolishly, the greeter tilted his head to the right, portraying a confidence Ban knew was ill-founded. He just smiled, and raised one fist a fraction.
Before the greeter could respond, a concussion blast seemed to discharge into the batarian's midsection. Blood vomited from the staggering batarian, an expected reaction from the almost invisible attack from Ban's stone fists. The greeter cowered back, gazing upwards. Ban's shorter stature seemed to magnify in size.
"Arrogant," the Admiral sniffed the air, nares flaring at the coppery scent. "You presume our standing is equal? That you have earned a right to speak with me, eye to eye?" The predator stalked his prey, circling the weaker batarian.
The greeter gasped, effortlessly turned and held in place by Ib-ba's massive hand. Slow pressure forced him down to his knees, no matter how he struggled.
Ban took one step closer, disgust at the lesser being's weakness evident in his every move. His head tilted to the right, a mocking smile baring tooth in the proper display. "Those that earn that right have far more scars than you, lost one of the Hegemony. Only my men have earned that right – and they have learned that my orders are absolute. If you wish to be my equal, follow my command: what is your name?"
" … M- … Moklan …." The kneeling batarian gasped past dry heaves.
"And your purpose?" Ban demanded, frustration continuing to build.
"A-Ar-Aria … wa-an-ts … to know … what brings … you to … Omega. … No one … keeps her waiting."
His smile widened to reveal razor-sharp teeth in their full glory. Ban responded with a finger click, sending Moklan lower as Ib-ba placed an armored foot on his back, forcing his face into the dirt-covered deck plates. "Well then it's a good thing I'm not no one. Unlike you, I am someone. Someone who actually has priorities. Fortunately for you, I actually have need of your boss."
He nodded to Ib-ba, who lifted his boot clear, and wiped it against the deck as if it had touched a foul mess. The two officers walked through Omega, its shadows dissipating before them. "Even our warships are cleaner than this place," Ib-ba commented. His eyes scanned the floors and walls, showing offense with their current state. "Would it kill them to clean this place?"
"No." Ban grunted. "However, I very much doubt I can say the same for the hired cleaners. With all the hazards this station has, I doubt the antiseptics would last very long."
"It's amazing this station has lasted centuries. It looks like it could crumble at any time."
Ban gave a nod as they moved through the station. "Perhaps, but the pirate Queen is renowned for her robust nature and I believe the station reflects that … even if its soiled structure mirrors her as well."
When the two batarians reached the front door, made obvious by the massive neon sign, they could see a crowd of patrons waiting to be let inside. The gate to Afterlife was blocked by a single guard, a massive elcor towering above the crowd. The bouncer seemed to recognize the two, allowing them to enter without delay. The envious looks cast upon the batarians were obvious, but one specific customer had either missed or ignored the warning signs.
"What the hell, how come your letting those four-eyed freaks inside when we've been waiting for hours!?"
Immediately Ban stopped in his tracks, a few steps short of the hallway ahead of him. Teaching, one of his oldest occupations, took priority. Evolution was a cruel mistress, allowing his own species to attain the superior optical proficiency; only when one allowed their eyes to extract the full truth of a situation were they free to opine. Sadly, the lesser races allowed stupidity to exit their maws before accepting truth through their limited perspective.
The galaxy would be a much nicer place if people just knew when to shut up.
"Ib-ba," Ban did not need to finish the sentence. He held his hands behind his back, not bothering to offer the insect the courtesy of turning around.
"At once, sir," Ib-ba said, giving a slight bow of respect before turning around. He headed straight towards the imbecile who dared to voice her ignorance. Ib-ba promptly put the turian in her place by striking hard enough for the echo to be heard through the entire station before grabbing her unconscious, fallen body and flinging it meters through the air, straight to the back of the line. The batarian's strength stunned the crowd into silence[LV1] .
It was a shame as she was formerly fourth in line, and now would have to wait hours more before she could enter the gates of Afterlife, assuming Ib-ba hadn't already sent her to it.
"Would anyone else like to voice their idiocy?" Ban questioned the crowd, still keeping his back to their view. Silence was his answer. "Fortunate. You have mastered the art of holding your tongue," he said before taking his first step into Afterlife with his friend at his side.
"Seems the inhabitants believe surviving Omega makes them equal to us," Ib-ba commented as they walked through Afterlife's halls, letting the entrance slam shut with a lout clang.
"Surviving is merely the start. True strength comes from mastering your fears," Ban replied. "The conviction needed to continue will bring one to glory and beyond."
Having entered the much sought after club, Ban eyed the high level near the back where a private lounge was erected. It boasted a balcony from which one could gaze down upon the patrons as they indulged on their desires. A pair of simulated torches were installed on the sides, giving the club its much-deserved name.
'Afterlife, how appropriate.' Ban didn't dwell much on his thoughts making his way to the exclusive lounge, but his eyes fired like random photons, observing, considering, evaluating his surroundings. When he arrived, there was no mistaking the lone asari standing at the top. The various guards surrounding her only confirmed what he already knew.
"Mind telling me what caused the great and legendary Rear Admiral Ban to come to Omega?" she questioned, turning around to face the pair.
"It's Admiral now," Ban clarified. He accepted her tacit gesture of respect, and raised his chin in response.
"Ha!" Aria laughed. "Self-promotion, why isn't that interesting? So tell me. Why are you here?"
"Opportunity." This caused Aria to laugh even more, but Ban wasn't sure if it was directed as an insult or an expectation. In the end, it did not matter.
"Omega offers plenty to everyone," she raised her arms over the club floor ,much like the Pillars in the ancient texts. "But few are willing to take them."
"Then you know by reputation that I stand at the peak of those few," Ban said. He matched Aria's stare, gaining her respect if her smile was any indication.
"Indeed," she said, sitting down and reclining on her leather couch, a thronelike bit of furniture that raised her above the surrounding seating. "So, what do you want? I'm sure this wasn't just a welcoming visit."
"I want to offer a partnership with me."
Immediately following Ban's words Aria uncharacteristically began laughing in what seemed genuine delight. Had the Admiral not been witnessing the events before him, he would have believed it nothing more than mere rumors. He glanced at Ib-ba, who shared his astonishment with the slow rotating blink around both sets of eyes. It took almost three minutes – a considerable amount of time under the circumstances – before the pirate Queen was able to compose herself.
"It has been a long time since someone has made me laugh that much, but I don't see any benefit for me in this 'offer'. In case you're unaware, I have Omega, which means I have the entire Terminus systems in my grasp. I don't see what I gain with aligning myself with you other than more enemies. You know I don't play well with others."
"Then it's obvious you don't look too far," Ban retaliated.
"What was that?" Aria's voice dropped, a subtle venom obvious to those with eyes to see it.
Ban inwardly smiled, but refused to show it. Knowing the risks meant knowing the rewards, too. Angering the pirate queen was a dangerous game that few survived. "It is obvious that your foresight does not equal your reach, if you cannot see the obvious benefits of the partnership I offer. But let it not be said I am unfair … if you wish, I will take my offer with me as I leave."
It seemed he'd caught her attention given how Aria leaned forward. "Choose your next words carefully, Admiral, because I can assure you, they may be your last."
Illustrating her point, Aria's body engulfed itself in a blue aura, the early stages of true mastery in the ancient Huntress techniques. It confirmed some of Ban's suspicions; only the upper tier biotics were capable of such a feat, and of those a select few in the Huntress ranks understood the abstract concepts needed to encase one's self in the burning fires without disintegrating. It gave proof to the stories floating throughout the Terminus; her strength as a biotic and intellect as a superior mind quelled challengers to her throne for centuries. Defying her rule meant challenging Omega itself.
Ban however was unfazed, even ignoring the slight Aria had thrown as if she were an equal. No military leader of his caliber would deceive himself with false hope; he'd come here with the possibility of knowing his fate would end. This was the true secret of Omega, realizing it could be the death of anyone and choosing to continue onward in spite of knowing. He gave her an genuine smile, evoking comfort in the middle of a battlefield; it gave Aria's bodyguards pause to see such a casual display in the face of pure fury in asari form.
"It's quite simple. You have every mercenary group in your pocket, but are they loyal to you or to the credits you feed them from your palm?"
"What loyalty credits can't buy, their fear of me, of Omega, brings them into line," the queen replied. Her incandescent flames dimmed, leaving her to sit in a demure posture. "My rule is simple, and they know not to break it: 'Don't. Fuck. With. Aria.'"
Ban pondered her words, tapping one set of fingers in a thoughtful manner. "Fear of you? An ancient strategy to be sure, but how long will it last? Of more importance, how well did fear work for your predecessor?"
The mere reference of the events from centuries past seemed to trigger the queen's wrath, sending her biotics into a massive flare that tossed entire pieces of her lounge flying in every direction. Her own guards were caught in the crossfire, both they and Ib-ba staggering under the force of shattered fragments of leather, metal, and glass. Whatever activity Afterlife's ground floor was experiencing ceased as they bore witness to its ruler erupt in fury. The only one seemingly unfazed was Ban, remaining sitting in the only piece of the upper balcony not completely destroyed.
Aria appeared before Ban, her face separated from his by mere inches. "What are you proposing?" A mere whisper was all that escaped from the enraged Asari, her scowling face ready to tear out Ban's own with her pearl-white teeth.
"I offer the service of my fleet, within reason, in exchange for loyal troops, ships, materials, and a safe haven to continue building my fleet far beyond what it was in the past." Far from intimidated, Ban leaned in, reducing their distance to fractions of an inch. "Any target you have will be my own. A fair agreement wouldn't you agree? The power of a professional, fully armed fleet as your ally, in exchange for resources and passage?"
Aria contemplated the words from Ban, seemingly torn from either accepting the servitude offered from the Admiral or tearing out each eye socket in grotesque fashion that would only satisfy her desire. She rose, thinking hard – the entire club holding its breath. Long seconds passed until her biotic aura disappeared, a sign of acceptance.
"Very well."
"I'm gla –"
"Helyme, Zelene system, Crescent nebula. The Eclipse Captain Vorleon appears to be delusional, believing that she can contend with me. The Eldfell-Ashland Energy Corporation abandoned their large mining operations after she took control of the planet. She has been a bit of a … problem. Too small for me to care, but large enough that has caused some people in Eclipse on Omega to talk."
Ban watched her slow regroup become more animated – a cultural weakness he could exploit. Allies did not mean ignoring opportunity after all. "And you fear they will turn on you?"
"Hahahahah, afraid? Please don't insult me. More like agitated," Aria said turning her back to Ban, "I want to make sure they understand who owns Omega, who is Omega."
The Admiral smiled. "You do not waste time."
Giving a slight turn of her head, Aria continued "And I hope for your sake neither do you.."
"My fleet will make short work of them," Ban said, rising to leave.
"Don't be so sure, I'll make sure they'll know you're coming."
"To test me?"
"To be certain this deal of yours is worth my time," Aria answered, a smirk on her lips. "They'll be gathering any available ships at their disposal to defend the planet. Let's see if you will truly live up to the name of your ship."
"Indeed?" Ban turned his shoulder to her, and shrugged. "I hope so. I have been in need of a challenge these past few years. A true challenge, not the banal rigmarole I've suffered."
"I hope you understand that betraying me means the end of your already pitifully short lives," Aria turned to face the main floor, keeping her own head half-turned, matching Ban's posture. "Business, I am afraid." .
"I would expect nothing less from the Pirate Queen herself," Ban said, offering a rare bow of respect. "It leaves me with a single question, if you would not mind?"
She remained silent, a silent nod granting permission.
He dropped any pretense of joy, straightening in the cold manner that had carried him through endless war for his entire career. "I do hope you don't mind if the good Captain has no survivors left to follow."
Without waiting for an answer, Ban and Ib-ba left, descending the sweeping staircase in good order. They ignored the blatant stares following their wake, half-terrified, half-worshipful of their accomplishment – facing down the Omega Queen's wrath and living.
He heard her voice echoing throughout the quiet, resonating in a way a commander of armies could appreciate. The little peons failed to recognize what a potent leader was in their midst, part and parcel of Omega's culture of deception and self-delusion, he supposed.
"Well what is wrong with you people," the reigning monarch's voice boomed. "This is Afterlife!" Energy seemingly flowed from the Queen as life began uplifting the club once again encouraging the patrons to indulge. Perhaps a low-level Domination technique, but designed for the masses … and used for merchants? How like an asari. Brilliance and twisted genius, applied to their pocketbook. Small wonder the Volus had cleaved to the turians instead.
Far behind, and out of hearing, one of Aria's chief enforcers dusted a piece of broken plastics from his pauldron. "Are you sure it was a wise decision?"
It was a question Aria could recognize as an attempt to help, not betray her position. "We'll know soon. Get me a line to Vorleon, she'll want to know what she is facing. And Bray, have someone clean this mess up. I was meaning to change the color anyway."
"Understood."
Citadel
Presidium
Alliance Embassy
Ambassador Anita Goyle glanced between the data-pad currently held in her hands, examining it prudently, and Etos Marae, the Raloi envoy referred to as a Electoree. She had to admit Etos was not only meeting her expectations, but was exceeding them by significant margins. The Raloi was charismatic, enigmatic, and a master craft of his profession. Despite his species short lifespan in comparison to the unnatural life expectancy of the Krogan and Asari, Etos certainly could rival most Asari matriarchs when it came to the art of diplomacy. It was no wonder the Confederacy had chosen him to represent their people on the galactic stage.
"Electoree, how is it you are confident in lending five entire special operational detachment teams, and enough accompanying staff to exceed that of an entire battlegroup?" Goyle stated incredulousness in her tones. She had to be careful in navigating the masterfully constructed maze. As a diplomat she held great respect for her opponent, welcoming the challenge before her, but as a representative of humanity, suspicion and skepticism were the de facto states, hidden by a welcome smile.
Etos looked at Goyle before giving her a cut nod and a smile of what she was sure was of equal value. "The greatest of strategies are those that prevent conflict altogether are they not? It's no secret, the Hegemony lacks traditional allies and uses subterfuge to compensate. Adding additional personnel would prove only beneficial in contrast to the price we humbly ask. The great Electore Phaux himself put this proposal forward and it passed with a majority vote."
"And I imagine his most trusted advisor offered support correct?"
"Indeed, but I am only a single voice of many and one voice, no matter how trusted, can be drowned in the sea of others."
"I agree, but you already know both the Alliance's own Systems Alliance Intelligence Service and the UNAS's JSF already handle this responsibility."
"But they are responsible for doing so among the entirety of other human worlds," Etos countered. "And would serve as second-hand sources; batarians hardly trust anyone outside their species unless assured of one's loyalty."
'Not the case with the existence of Fourth Echelon, Voron, INTCEN, and MSS,' Goyle thought, however she had to agree. The Big Four would place first priority upon their colonies and deploy their assets accordingly. Still there was no reason to suggest the Raloi wouldn't act in the same exact manner.
"But, not to put too fine a point on it, would not the Confederacy's place its own citizens first?" Goyle questioned.
Etos seemed to expect this. He looked at Goyle before giving her a curt nod and small smile. "Raloi make up over a quarter of the Elysium's population. The Confederacy will de facto be putting its own citizens first. I will not lie to you, I merely present you with the opportunities available to you."
Goyle glanced around her desk, then took the second data-pad Etos had brought and activated it. She turned once again to look at Etos, curiosity in her eyes.
"We could hardly believe it ourselves, even after running the results eight separate times with different VIs. With this deal, our trading in the system will more than triple. This is just another example of the Confederacy prioritizing its interests first. However, we don't ignore our allies and we do remember them."
"Go on," Goyle insisted, trying to understand the full scope of the Etos's intentions. He was noble, Goyle would admit, however she suspected ulterior motives. There were two possible conclusions, elevation of his party's influence within the Confederacy or personal advancement to become Electore. He certainly wouldn't be the youngest, but would be among them.
"In line with the new reforms my party has proposed and currently is debating in support of, Phaux remains indecisive as to how extend our influence. I cannot criticize him for I am unsure myself, but I am certain Vekil's position of slow advancement will not be feasible in the long term. By the time we choose to be active players … I fear our opportunity will be lost."
"I sympathize how you feel. Humanity and the Raloi found each other by staring down giants, and now we are learning how to survive in their realm."
Etos nodded before speaking at length, with genuine concern. It was here where she saw the true Etos Marae, the same one who had contended with the Council during their first encounter. His dissertation wound down at last to a conclusion: "With many opportunities to succeed hide many choices to fail. With greater discoveries come the shattering of delusions once held dear by previous generations, generations who could only fathom and imagine what the truth really was. To live in such an age means to see a new era of peace and unity and the creation of more formidable bonds not just between governments, but by the very same people those same governments represent. Only then will we be able to abandon our old hatreds and be able to make peace with each other, better prepared to make a future, void of the mistakes of the past. Prepared to make a future together."
Goyle sat in silence. She privately considered the possibility that the Raloi before her truly was of noble heart until she wakened herself from the same trance Etos's own words had induced. Caution kept its place however. 'Until that day comes, I will continue to remain skeptical. It has kept humanity alive for ten thousand years and it will do so for another ten thousand,'.
"You speak well, Electoree," Goyle started, using Etos's title with great respect. A slight tilt of his head signaled his acknowledgment of the compliment. "But even the greatest of eyes cannot cover the vastness of space. To ensure maximum security on Relays, an additional taskforce will be required."
Etos remained motionless, seemingly deep in thought before finding his answer. "I must admit I seem to have overlooked that small detail. In my opinion, Admiral Talal's group is best suited for the job. He has had the most extensive contact with the Alliance and will no doubt be excited to be part of such significant role in the ascendancy of the Confederacy."
It was Goyle's turn to smile. "Then I suppose we are in agreement?"
"Far more I argue," Etos said, standing to his full height. "I will depart immediately to make the proper arrangements."
"As well I," Goyle said, shaking her hand with Etos's talon. "I hope you take great care."
"As do I, old friend. May we craft a far safer and secure future among our peoples." After the brief exchange, Goyle watched the skilled diplomat leave her office.
What many scholars would have considered sweeping victory, Goyle could now see nothing but defeat. To the untrained eye, an additional fleet to secure the nexus of Relays along with five entire Raloi Shadow Hunter detachments was a great boon; how could anyone consider this a loss?
'Etos, I doubt even the wisest of Matriarchs can defeat you.' Goyle thought. It was his departing words of safety and security that signified something deeper. Whether it was a sign of respect acknowledging her as a worthwhile opponent, or simply genuine care for their friendship, Etos had finally given her the final piece of the puzzle.
Etos had gotten everything he had come to obtain from her, a launching point to conduct strikes deeper in the Attican Traverse, a full fleet to conduct naval engagements to protect trade routes, and a lucrative trade deal on one of humanity's oldest colony in the system. All she had received in return for this was additional security. A three to one gain ratio in favor of Etos.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait everyone, but we are finally back! I hope you can forgive us, but between school and the current circumstances I think it is understandable why it took us this long to finish this arc.
So we have alliances being made, both in public and behind the scenes. To those curious I can assure you this will have a snowball effect into the main plot of ME 1 and beyond. I imagine some of you fear the overabundance of characters is too much as there are the canon characters we know and love and the ones created by the staff, however be assured all characters in the story will be developed as best we can and aren't there just for dressing. Of course we can't cover all the characters in ME canon, let alone the entirety of Clancy universes both in literature and in canon. I know some of you were wanting to see Etos again and I hope I have delivered. Characters introduced in previous arcs will pop up again, some in major roles and others as secondary support characters in the story.
I don't want to give people the wrong impression that canon event A will occur on planet A because that is how it happened in the canon timeline, which we have taken liberties with anyway. I did get a few reviews asking when the next chapter will be up, of course due to the poll which the readers of the story decided to have the arc be finished first and then receive regular updates instead of having irregular updates as soon as each chapter is finished.
Anytime I have a poll, I highly suggest you guys vote on it since the results do matter.
Trivia
1. We get to see the return of Admiral Ban and see why he and Ib-ba are a dangerous combo.
2. This chapter features the debut of Aria, Omega, Bray, and Moklan, who gets his ass handed to him.
3. The gestures described between Moklan and Ban are a reference to the culture in batarian society. For those of you who have read the codex in detail, you'll know why Ban was insulted.
4. As mentioned before, we see the return of Etos for all you Raloi fans. True to his nature, Etos can certainly talk and be inspirational even with the most mundane of topics, hence why he is such an excellent diplomat.
5. The interaction between Goyle and Etos was made both for crucial plot lines that will emerge later in the story. Just not in the way you think.
6. The discussion between Goyle and Etos was made as a replacement for the interaction between Goyle and the Council over the whole Sidon facility scandal and Anderson being a possible SPECTRE candidate. I honestly did forget and am a bit embarrassed, but this is easily dismissed since there isn't as much friction between humanity and the Council. There is also the issue that while the codex does highlight the Council has been a player in the diplomatic arena far longer than humanity, Samara herself mentions how humans are highly unpredictable due to our nature. Since humans are unpredictable it doesn't make any sense for the Council to know everything the Alliance wanted going into the discussion, though I do imagine they would have an idea.
7. If you guys have been on the profile page, 2/20/20 is the date we have received our 666th review. Not an important to anyone who isn't superstitious, or even to those that are, but we all remember that crazy batarian preacher on Omega.
8. Title of the chapter is indeed made as a meta reference of the writers, but hey quality needs time to flourish