WARNING! I CHANGED SOME THINGS IN THE STORY, NO LONGER A SELF INSERT, FELT AS IF IT WAS GOING TO FAR FROM THAT SO IT WILL BE AN O.C. WITH A LOT OF FIRST PERSON VIEW FOR THE PARTICULAR O.C. OBVIOUSLY I CHANGED HIS NAME
Chapter 3
When all else fails, I guess scaring the literal shit out of your opponents works pretty good. At least it did for myself! With Sparatus finally cowed and in a new pair of pants, Tevos leads me and my council into a more private chamber. Mainly because my little display shorted out all electronics and partially melted the platform we were on... Oops... Anderson decided to walk and talk with me, while Shepard had followed us as well.
"So, Lord Hood had started to explain how your Humans were different from my own humanity. Care to elaborate for me?
"Yes, for starters, thanks to gene therapy, my people will actually outlive you all by at least a couple hundred years. I myself am actually still young, but there are some in my army that look like me but are actually twice my age!" I respond happily, It's true though. After jumping through those previous universes, and living complete lives in them, I was dropped here at the age of 29.
"How old are you if I may ask?" Piped up Shepard.
"I'm actually as old as you are." With that said, the shock of it all registered on Andersons and Shepards faces! As we entered a smaller, more private room, I can see a long table with four seats on one side, and one on the other. "Not used to dealing with more then one at a time huh?" As I say that, I let Lord Hood sit, he is older then I am so it only seems right. As I stand next to him and my Advisers stand behind and besides us both, Tevos looks at my quizzically.
"Are you not the Leader of your faction? Normally the single seat is for the Leader of whatever race or group is talking with the Council."
"I am, but the old man hear looked as if he needed to sit down." I say with a smirk on my face. Hood just looks up at me and snorts.
"I may be old but I could work circles around you, boy!" This was a common thing when we are out of the public eye. My Councilors relax when its just us, and I suppose they do not care if the Citadel Council sees them like this.
"But anyways, back onto topic. We will not destroy our AI, they are a valuable part of our society. In fact, each of our ships has at least one dedicated to it." What I said shocked them.
"How can you trust them so much? They're AI! Aren't you worried about them turning on you?" Tevos was worried herself about that. With a sigh, both me and Hood raise our right hands, palm up. That's when Lenny and Roland decided to pop in on us.
"Sooooo, is the lizard-bird thing, going to freak out again, or can I talk?"
"Well, It's not like we don't have a 5 Kilometer long warship pointing its two main guns at us right now." Nonchalantly spoke Lenny.
"So these two, are AIs? They seem different from the Geth, almost like..." I interrupted Tevos before she could finish.
"Us, yeah, the have there own personalities and all that mumbo jumbo. Oh, Sparky, no need to be so shy!" as I said that, my Ghost companion popped out on my shoulder and did his little twirl he always does.
"Hi, um I'm Sparks, or as he calls me, Sparky." The little Ghost sounded nervous. Huh, guess he doesn't like new people ha!
"And what exactly are you?" Questioned Anderson. It seems him and Tevos would do most of the talking after that shitstorm outside.
"This is my Ghost, he's an AI yeah, but he is more or less a part of me as well. Okay, we're getting off track... again. We came here to negotiate a treaty, or a partnership more or less with the Citadel races."
"You do not wish to join us? Preposterous! We are the governing body of the galaxy, as well as the most powerful entity!" Sparatus looked genuinely offended at this! It was kind of funny that he thought that though!
"Correction, were the most powerful. Now, that's us. Unless you have a weapon that could destroy a small moon in one shot that is." The main guns on my personal ship were upgraded dramatically! That's not even to mention what my Mech forces can do to an army! Anderson decided to answer him.
"We are not here to have a measuring contest, Councilor Sparatus! If they do not wish to become a Client Race then so be it, we shall entertain the notion of this Alliance with them. Now, Iron Lord, is there anything specific you wish to talk about?"
"Yes, actually, there is a few points that I wish to discuss, first off, the boundaries of my people. We do not need the Mass Relays to move about the Galaxy quickly, so we wish to claim rights on any non-connected systems that are yet to be claimed by any of you, within reason that is. Does any of you have an issue with this?" The Councilors all looked to each other. Valern looked as emotionless as he always did in the games, Sparatus looked like he was going to have an aneurysm, Tevos seemed to be actually thinking, and Anderson seemed eager to get back to learning about us.
"Iron Lord, may we ask how you came by this technology you use?" Tevos asked me. I gave the best, smartest, and most thought out answer to her question, ever!
"No." Everyone in the room either cracked a smile, or gained a blank look on there faces.
"Good sir, we just wish to-"
"The answer is no. I will not give you my technology, or will I reveal our secrets to you." Tevos seemed taken by surprise. "Have you told your fellows about why you are so much further advanced, back in the temple of Athame? Or you, Sparatus. Have you let them know about your doomsday bomb on Tuchanaka? Or, was on Tuchanka, until me and my people found it and disarmed it. Valern, have you told them about all the experiments your people are doing? Or how you plan to uplift the Yahg? No, none of you have. In fact, the most honest Council race right now, would be the Humans." The Citadel council all looked shocked! I had just dropped a massive truth bomb on top of their heads! Serves them right for all the headaches they are going to cause! The tension was broken by the booming laugh of Anderson as he stepped around the table and held his hand out to me.
"That my friend, was the best political move I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing! The Alliance will recognize your autonomy and will even provide assistance whenever necessary!" I smiled and reached a hand out to shake with the man. Once again, I always did like the character! I'll be doubly sure to see him through the shit storm that is going to hit the galaxy within the year. In fact, I had some plans to delay the Reapers even more, thanks to another gift from my strange benefactor.
"Councilor Anderson, you are rushing into this! We should all converse over this offer, not become split up over it!" Tevos was trying to repair what little cohesion her and her cohorts had.
"There is nothing I believe we need to think about. They wish to assist us, but not become one of us, so I say we extend a hand in friendship." We released each others hands, and Anderson seemed to think he was finished. "Iron Lord, please do send a delegate to my office, I will speak with them over the matter of our Alliance." The man left after that, and the other councilors jaws hit the floor!
"Councilors, I will leave a delegation, as well as a protective element of five ships and there complementary ground troops. They will hammer out the details of an alliance. Fair warning, the speakers will be far older and more experienced then you in the world of politics. The head of the security detail will not put up with any threats what so ever. He has my full permission to use any force he deems necessary to secure the safety of Assembly personnel. That includes anyone that tries to hack or access any of our equipment or facilities. They will have an advanced AI providing cyber security, so you and your STG, or Spectres for that matter, will not be able to get any of our secrets, or they will be met with lethal force." The Council members all seemed shocked and a bit worried at everything he had just said. He basically told them he is going to change the face of the galaxy, and there is nothing anyone can do anything about it!
"Iron Lord, we will not stand for any of our people being harmed!" Sparatus seemed to be really steamed about that.
'You should have no issue keeping your talons out of our business then, turian.' Artanis spoke, using his peoples odd thought speech to convey his message. Tevos decided to answer for them.
"That shall be fine, Iron Lord. I would very much like to speak with them myself as well." Ever the polite one, she is. Just wait until the Reapers take the Citadel and kill everyone on it! Wait, no, I'm going to prevent that actually. I hope at least.
"Certainly, Councilor. I'll be in touch. Now, if you will excuse me and my Councilors shall retire. Shepard, your ship is under lockdown. Miranda had tried to explore..." I turned around and just walked off after that, knowing my friends will follow, and guessing by the extra boot steps, Shepard was with us as well.
Anderson entered his office, and was surprised to find another entity already inside! The figure was tall, taller then himself even, and wore long white robes. The figure was definitely a female from the shape, and the long almost pure white hair flowing down her back. Anderson could see two pointed ears poking out through the hair, so this must be an Eldar female. How she got in here without his security notifying him, he had no idea.
"Hello Councilor. I trust you had made a good impression with the Iron Lord and Assembly Council members?" Her voice was very melodic, but possessed an undertone of great wisdom to it. She turned around to face Anderson, and he was struck dumb by the view! Her facial structure was so perfect, it was completely alien! Slightly pale skin, full lips, and a pixie nose, with eyes set at just the right angle! Perfect heart shaped face as well. Her eyes were a bright golden color, almost shining! Anderson looked her over, and could see the armor she wore was a form fitting plate suit with the white robes over top. The plates were silver, and had very familiar looking motifs carved into each plate. He looked back into her eyes, and was astounded with the depth of wisdom he could see in them!
"Ugh, Yes, I do believe I have. I suppose you are the delegate from him?" She casually nodded and walked over to a seat across his desk from where he sits. He followed her lead and took his own seat.
"Would you like some water or anything else? And how may I address you?"
"Water would be nice, yes. I am Farseer Maetris. I fulfill the role of being the Iron Lords personal assistant, Therapist, or any other title our people would refer to me as. John, even though he did not foresee the completely unnecessary tensions, had known you would be the most welcoming one, so had sent me ahead of time to await you here to speak. So go ahead and ask any questions you wish before we get into the details of our alliance."
"Well, Farseer, I would first like to offer up my gratitude that you and your leader are so trusting of me. Secondly, I can offer my complete support of your Assembly. A good friend of mine in the Alliance military will see everything my way as well, and together, the Alliance will willingly support you as well. Will you be the ambassador?" Maetris took the offered cup of water and took a sip before smiling.
"No, my job requires me to watch over the Iron Lord as much as I can. It will pain him to have me so far away from him as we speak, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make to prove his level of trust in you. The actual ambassador team will consist of a Sangheili elder, a Protoss elder, another Farseer, and the oldest human representative."
"The Iron Lord mentioned that his people are able to live much longer then my own, may I ask the age of the representative?" Maetris laughed slightly at that and set her water down.
"He did say you would be curious about that kind of thing. Something about how you were middle aged. But to answer your question, Ambassador Clayton is actually eight hundred and thirty two earth years old. he is nearing the end of his span, but he is a great political player in the field, as well as great chess player and flatterer." Anderson was stunned to say the least! 832 years old!
"By God! He is older then many Asari in know!"
"Oh? Then it will be an even greater shock to learn just how old I am." She had a tone of playfulness in her voice, which worked to calm down Anderson enough to focus.
"If it isn't too impolite, I am actually curious now."
"Hmm, I am currently one of the longest lived Eldar left. I had just 'celebrated' my two thousandth and second birthday. The Iron Lord is an interesting man to say the least. He had gotten his entire flagship in on it, and had set up a large celebration now that my people are no longer in danger of attracting... unwanted attention."
"Your people were in danger?"
"My people are not from here. Back home, their is a great evil. So terrible was our fear of it, that I couldn't even enjoy the simple fruit more then a few times a week. If it ever gotten a hold of us, we were doomed for eternity. But alas, we are free of that now, and it can not follow and haunt us here. The Iron Lord has seen to that."
"He is something. So young, but to wield such powers! That little trick with his fire was amazing as well."
"I can also teleport." Anderson jumped and looked behind him in surprise! The Iron Lord was standing right behind him!
"How did... When did... You know what, I'm getting to old for this shit." He massaged his temples as John walked around and stood next to the Farseer. Anderson could see an almost pained and panicked look in his eyes while he smiled.
"Maetris, I require your help. It is getting to much." She nodded and looked on in concern as the Iron Lord closed his eyes and controlled his breathing for a second. Anderson looked for an explanation.
"The things and events he has witnessed and partook in, would leave any of the other Councilors a wreck and burden on others. For him to be able to focus, I can use my powers to help hold off the memories side effects on his psyche."
"I will be taking her away, Councilor Anderson. I have directed the Ambassadors to come directly to you to finalize everything. You will also have free passage into our own embassy when it is set up. Have a good day, David Anderson." With a flash of light and what looked like pixels, the two disappeared from Anderson's office as he stared in surprise at the now empty space!
"Well, whatever plagues that mans mind, I hope can be resolved."
John and Maetris appeared in what was John's personal cabin, and he just seemed to break under some invisible weight! The Eldar woman had to physically support him to sit in a fine chair by a table.
"Please, John, calm down, I'll help you as I always have!" Maetris felt his hand squeeze hers as his eyes screwed shut tightly. She went and touched his temple, and in a push of her psychic powers, she was in his head with him.
She looked around, she had never been in this particular memory before. She watched as the familiar olive armor of a past life of his walked through a completely dark ship, followed by a squad of the smaller humans. She had a guess of what this memory was, but was surprised completely by the sight of a horribly more twisted human form then normal! The body was rotting more then the 'flood' ones normally more, and it had two long arms coming from its shoulders. It was covered in a strange tattered armor she was unfamiliar with, and was constantly twitching at extreme speeds! John and his party hadn't seen it yet.
A human woman, wearing some sort of civilian clothes, was practically hugging the back of John in fear. She was rightly fearful of what she couldn't see. She watched as John stood up straight to say something, and in a flash, the vile creature was in front of him! With an amazing feat of strength, John was batted aside like a fly, and hell had come to the other humans!
In the span of a few seconds, the thing ripped through them all, sending blood, body parts, and organs flying everywhere! It seemed to slow for a second in front of the unarmored human, and the proceeded to absolutely brutalize her! In the few seconds, John had stood, and charged the being as it knocked aside his weapon. It was so busy tearing apart the screaming human that it never noticed John slam into it with enough force to break off one of its arms inside the woman's stomach. The thing turned to him, and to her surprise, stabbed through his armor! Right on the right side of the chest, close to the shoulder. She now knew where that mark came from on the armor on a stand in his chambers. He seemed to have gone into a fit of rage, and proceeded to rip apart the nightmarish creature. He dropped the remains, and she could feel the memory turning into a waking nightmare. He turned around to see the woman had gone through a change, and now looked completely different, and was wearing a hospital gown. She also seemed much younger. His mind was playing tricks on him, twisting his horrid memories that had even given her nightmares. She marched forward and stood in front of the olive armor, and placed her hand on the face plate.
"John. It's just a twisted dream. It's trying to burrow deeper into your mind. Just let go of your grief. Release the feeling that you could have done something different." She pushed with her psychic powers, and watched as she managed to get his attention. His helmeted head turned towards her, and in a dim flash of warm light, he was gone. Maetris turned around, and was startled to see the transformed woman standing in front of her, staring up into her.
"MEDDLER. YOU CAN NOT PROTECT HIM FOREVER. HE WILL BE MY SLAVE ONE DAY, I AM PATIENT. HE IS ONLY A MERE HUMAN."
The voice was deep and demonic, one of the worst things she had ever heard in her long life.
"He is no mere mortal human, creature of nightmares! The living nightmares he has fought against make you pale in comparison, daemon!"
"DAEMON? I AM NO DAEMON, FARSEER." The creature changed again, except this time, stood taller then her! Her eyes widened when it stopped changing, and she felt as if she was staring at John! It looked exactly like him, except the armor was a wicked copy of his Iron Lord set, and the eyes were pitch black orbs, with a spider web of cracks that told of some red light behind them.
"I AM HIS INNER SELF, THE PRODUCT OF HIS BURDENS AND HIS FEARS. ONE DAY I WILL BE LET OUT, AND WHEN THAT DAY COMES I WILL ENJOY FEELING YOUR BONES BREAK UNDER MY HANDS!" With a swipe of its hand, Maetris was forcibly pushed from his mindscape. She opened her eyes in the real world, and could feel blood trailing down her own face. John was sleeping, but he looked peaceful at least. Sparky popped into existence next to his Guardian, and looked to Maetris in what looked like concern.
"Farseer, are you alright?"
"It was much worse this time. It finally spoke to me, and it is a greater threat then I had imagined." The Ghost transmatted John's armor, leaving him in a pair of loose fitting sweat pants and shirt. Maetris used her powers to move him to his bed while she cleaned the blood off her face. She methodically took off each piece of her armor and robes, and placed them carefully in a container, leaving her in an undersuit. She walked over towards the bed, and laid down next to him. His body turned towards her, and reflexively pulled her against himself. She reached up and touched his temple while closing her eyes and relaxing. She used her powers to once again enter his mind, but this time, was watching his dreams. It was simple. A child sat on an old wooden dock with a fishing rod in hand, and happily fished next to John. The child was a girl, and had long bleach blonde hair that reached her lower back. Maetris smiled as she watched the scene, knowing that in this, John was really happy and at peace.