Chapter 10

Edited by a person of many names Blood Raven AKA TimedRaven117. Go check out his story Mass Effect: X-Com Theory!

Citadel space, TFS FF-400 John D. Sloat, May/26/2329 AD

"Ambassador Tomas Maghernus… Sounds good, a certain ring don't you think? heheh. Congratulations on your promotion my friend. I wish I could be there with you, but the Colonists at Anternus are getting upset again. I keep telling the Sky Marshall that these issues can't be solved by troops on the ground. But he won't hear none of it. It's like he wants a reenactment of the Sprange Rebellion. Anyways. I hope your super secret mission isn't too dangerous. Still need to celebrate your promotion. The message should come with a gift. I know you're into that homeworld stuff and I pulled some strings with the old manufacturer.

Love, Charlie."

Tomas rewatched the message from his friend. He would have dearly loved to have brought her along for this mission but she had been occupied. Gently he lifted the small ten inch by five, by six box.

"Well may as well. We're almost there." He said to himself as he looked out into the blue nebula that supposedly surrounded the Citadel. With care he undid the tape at the top of the box, and delicately removed the present wrapping. Sliding the box out he smiled.

It was an old plastic collectors figurine from Japan. "GUMI Panda Hero." He read aloud as he observed the rare figurine. "If only I had someplace to put you." He mused with a smile. Looking towards his suitcase he was in the process of carefully fitting it among his personal belongings when he felt the presence of another at his door.

Waiting for the knock he stood back up and waited before his door. People found it creepy when he just knew they were present. "Knock knock." After a second Tomas hit the door button.

"Ambassador Maghernus sir!" One of the Ship's crew, an ensign, saluted.

Returning the salute professionally, he replied, "Report."

"We have been granted docking clearance sir, Commodore Chaves requests the presence of you and your retinue at the Port Docking bay, uh, sir." The Ensign said carefully.

"You have a question?" Maghernus asked as he motioned for the Ensign to enter as he started to send messages to his retinue using his wrist mounted communicator.

"Yes, why isn't the Commodore handling this? No offense to you but she was in charge of talking with the Turians." Tomas chuckled.

"None taken at all. Your what? 20? Fresh out of training, haven't seen much of the galaxy at large? I bet even your grandparents couldn't remember a time when space could bring anything but territory and resources. When we weren't assaulted at all sides by hostile aliens. Thought so. Commodore Chaves is undoubtedly a good commander. But being able to lead, does not mean you're able to be a diplomat. Her work with the Turians was great for a military officer, she maintained her station, showed the facts, kept the unpleasantries hidden, and got their help. But just because she got lucky and met another military officer face to face won't mean we won't encounter a real politician. You know those slimy bastards who can spend hours talking but say nothing." Tomas smiled at the man as he handed him his suitcase.

"Tell me Ensign, where do you come from? A core world? Colony? Outer Core? Maybe even Earth? Well all these disparate planets, all these different peoples need to talk, need to make deals with each other. Dealing with other species is no different, it's a give and take, based upon trust and laws. The military is all take, the word compromise with an opponent is foreign, trust is a dirty word when it comes to sensitive matters. The military is a hammer a warrior, the politician the dagger a rogue. One demands, the other talks." Already he had gathered his retinue and a half dozen people were on their way in the halls.

"So what are you sir?" The Ensign asked, entranced.

"The mage using a quill." Said the telepath.

"Remember, your my foil, connect with the Turians, but be a bit proud, maybe even confrontational, but not too much, let me take the lead. You enhance the flaws of their proposals, while I enhance the good. Agree with me when you hear me give you the signal. Always be formal with me and everyone else, I'll be more informal and relaxed. You're the lightning I'm the rod, and they are the clouds." Tomas said to Erica as they waited for the final docking process.

She was dressed snazzily, full military uniform, with her newest commendations the Star of Terra, given for meritorious actions, and the Purple Phoenix, for Honorable sacrifice. Her entire patrol group got that award, wiping out a significant portion of the enemy landing force and delaying their assault by days.

He in comparison was wearing his SICON dress uniform, with a few modifications, he changed out his peaked cap for a white beret, he wore all white, and he had a small pink ribbon pinned to his collar.

"So you mean good cop bad cop." Erica asked in reply, raising an eyebrow.

"Shhh sh shh. Don't say that aloud! It sounds so unprofessional." Tomas said mock seriously, with a scowl, which quickly turned to laughter. Something Erica slowly joined in on.

"You know I was actually worried you may be a bit up tight like you SICON types usually are." Erica said as their giggles evened out.

"Everyone loves laughter Erica, children, teens, adults, politicians. I didn't get this far without well timed laughter." Tomas said. looking over his retinue, several of them were carrying cases or boxes and dressed similar to him.

"You're also my security specialist here. Your job is going to be stressful enough as is. And after that battle with nary a day of R&R I'm surprised you're still keeping it solid. A little laughter here and there is going to be good for you." Tomas said merrily.

"Do you say that to all your dates Tomas?" She replied informally to his own informality with a chuckle.

"Only the beautiful ones my dear." Tomas replied with a deep sigh, "Look sharp Commodore, take a deep breath and let's get going. Remember, your a war hero now." Flashing a grin as the docking port hissed open and a ramp extended from the Citadel dock.

Stoically, the honor guard from both sides marched out, the Terrans lead by two power suited Soldiers wearing dress berets and holding their rifles at arms. With the last eight normal soldiers, four Petolemaic, and four Human, marching out in perfect parade formation with gleaming dress uniforms, medals polished and gleaming for the paparazzi who absolutely ate that shit up as the rate of photos taken increased.

On the Citadel's half, Four Turians in military dress shells, lacking any ornamentation led the group, next four Asari commandos, helmeted and professional took the center, finally the Salarians took the rear, armored and armed, they stood at attention. Each of them a well respected Spectre or STG member.

'They want us to seem important, to flatter us that they consider us so important. And intimidate with their strength of arms.' Tomas thought as Erica lead the group down, With himself at her left, and the Tawns Commander, Captain T'Phai to her right. 'I bet you butter everyone up like this.'

As they had rehearsed and knew, Vice Admiral Gainus was present. Leading the receiving party was the Councilors themselves, looking proud and regal in their robes. Flanking them was the good Vice Admiral, and their Executor Excersis.

Tomas was facing the Salarian Councilor Cenike, Erica, Tevos, and T'Phai, Gallius. The reporters and paparazzi were asking question after question, trying to get the attention of the new peoples, but they were ignored, to Tomas they were a dull roar.

Standing before them Erica led, extending her hand. This had been carefully chosen by Tomas, they were not to bow, as was tradition for the Citadel species when greeting with politicians and business leaders. To many Humans it showed subservience, even if they both did it. Something the Terran public wouldn't tolerate.

So in a brief communique between the Sloat and the Citadel he had made the request. "Let us shake our hands in friendship". He had asked, and after the brief explanation it was agreed.

So here he gently took the Salarians hand, cold slightly, like petting a frog, or toad, if only he had a better comparison to give. It wasn't slimy, but it felt just slightly sticky.

On the others, Erica and Tevos did so the increasing photography at such a surprise move from the Humans. 'Yes! Eat it up! This is a surprise move from a newcomer huh?' He thought with pride. And despite a brief moment of surprise from the Turian, T'Phai and Gallius grasped forearms heartfeltly.

"Okay Erica! Now's the time, present them with their awards." Tomas sent telepathically.

Erica smiled wide, "Councilors, I greet you heartfeltly, and happily. May I please speak with Vice Admiral Gainus?" Tevos nodded, hiding her emotions well visibly, but Tomas knew she was a bit surprised and interested by observing her surface thoughts and emotions. Nothing harmful of course, but everyone just exuded their emotions, and only specially trained psis like himself could keep them in.

'She's good. Very very good.' Tomas thought.

"Of course Commodore Chaves." She said smoothly. The councilors parted to the side and allowed a bemused Admiral forward. "Be generous" Tomas had suggested to his superiors and he had suggested something that was unusual. So much so the Terran Federation had to make a whole new medal for it and section for the archives.

Everyone around hushed, photos increased to a near blinding intensity, Erica gently activated her voice amplification.

"From the Sky Marshall in Chief himself I'm proud to announce that Vice Admiral Kalio Gainus, and all Units under his command in the Liberation at Shanxi are to be awarded; The Terran Star of Appreciation an award formed solely for your honor, The Allied Forces Ribbon of Extreme Merit, and to the Admiral himself, The Terran Aquila, one of the highest honors there is in Terran Society.

For the Turian Army; the 67th legion, the 28th Legion, and the Marines of the TFS Vanker are collectively awarded the Pennant of Valor, the Campaign Ribbon for the Defence of Shanxi, and the crew of the TFS Vanker the Pennant of Survival, and a commision for a statue in their honor at 'Turian Point' for their meritorious stand in their fallen ship. Each wounded and dead soldier who fought in our defence have been gifted the Purple Phoenix, may the wounded recover and the dead rest peacefully.

For the Turian Navy; the Fallen Eagle insignia for the lost ships; Sky Castle, Primarch's Honor, Aphid, Spear of Romultion, Incongruous, Laughable, and Vanker. In their honor their names are added to the Terran Ships of Honor, and human successor ships, their keels already laid by our finest Shipwrights, will present the Terran Phoenix Reborn on their hulls. For the Indomitable, for five confirmed kills on the fleeing Skinnie slaver scum, and the disabling of a slave ship and the recovery of her precious cargo, she is awarded the Pennant of Valor, Pennant of Honor, and the Pennant of Terran Citizenry. For the First Operational Frigate Flotilla they are awarded the Iron Wheel and Iron Gear, for their spectacular piloting and disabling of three Ptolemaic Raider craft despite heavy and near irreparable damage to all seven vessels.

For Admiral Albirus Varlikam, captain of the Hierarchy's Fist, you have my personal thanks for the destruction of the enemy Dreadnought, the rescue of my patrol fleet from the opening engagement, and for opening negotiations between my people and yours. In thanks you are awarded the most valued of all prizes for a soldier in our forces, Terran Citizenship! With all benefits that apply. You are also awarded the Terran Aquila, and your ship with those of your patrol, two First Contact Xs for your remarkable leadership and skill when dealing with the unknown. You will be referred to by all Terrans as Admiral or the appropriate rank at all times.

To Commander Canus Albiraka, for the selfless act of taking the final shot from the Petolemaic Dreadnought, saving the Hierarchy's Fist from certain destruction from the war machine, and leadership of his downed ship the Vanker, when he landed in unfamiliar territory, and pulled a defence of his craft that will go into Terran Tactical books for decades to come, you are awarded the Medal of Honor, the Terran Infantryman's Badge, and the Pyrrhic Victory pin.

To Colonel Vibius Stradas he and his unit are awarded the Medal of Honor for the defeat of unbelievable odds in the defence of the downed Vanker.

And finally but certainly not least, General Spueus Tiburtus is awarded the Terran Drop Commander badge, for his daring rescue of the Shanxi Defense Force from certain annihilation by landing his forward elements among the enemies lines. A statue of him and his men is commissioned to be made in the first landing zone. There are several more awards that shall be given individually at the award ceremony."

As she said that final remark two of Tomas' aides stepped forward both holding suitcases.

Taking both Tomas stepped forward. The silence was deafening, even the pictures had stopped halfway through, everyone was stunned at such an act, and all the reporters were hastily making sure they got all of it, the Council had been tight lipped about the matter. Now they had an idea of what occurred.

'Oops? Did someone not tell the public about the incident fully? Well silly me.' Tomas thought with a sly smirk. He was going to put them off balance with his politeness, with his gifts, and accidently reveal of things they may not have revealed themselves yet. Just another card on the diplomatic table.

The detail was on purpose. As he pulled out the Admiral's own medals, watching with a smile as he puffed his chest out and accepted the medals and campaign ribbon. Slowly the pictures started back up. Going into perfect attention, Tomas saluted the officer, who saluted back. "I wish to shake the hand of every man and woman who earned these awards Admiral, as I pin on their medals." Tomas declared with evident pride as he offered his hand to the commander who shook it firmly.

The roar returned to a new fever pitch. Questions after question after questions came and came and came. As they started to leave with their honor guard along with the councilors, Tomas hoped fervently that he would get to answer those questions very shortly.

Citadel Space, Citadel, Citadel Tower 2657GS May/26/2329 AD

Councilor Tevos held up the best smile she could considering the circumstances, the Terrans impromptu award ceremony had thrown her off her game a bit, and revealing what had really gone on to the press so quickly was, unexpected to say the least. Thankfully that media circus was over and they could get down to figuring out what to do about the Terrans and the other races of the Verge.

Citadel Tower had been cleared of all personnel that were not needed for this meeting, just the soldiers from the early ceremony and commanders who had participated in the fighting on and over Shanxi. The Terrans had the same complement as they had had at the medal ceremony, and Tevos tried not to stare at them. She was still amazed they had found a species that look so similar to her own, though the military persona they had felt more like the Turians, and their tech…

Tevos banished those thoughts from her mind as the Terran ambassador took the platform.

Ambassador Tomas Maghernus stepped forward with two of his colleagues, Junior Assistant Stone, and Assistant Petrosky, "Thank you so very much for the warm welcome Councilors. Although I'm surprised no one else is in here to partake in this historic meeting."

He was obviously trying to butter them up, the nice words, the award ceremony. Certainly they had enough to be thankful for after the Turian assistance but this was a bit much. Suspicion in her mind she said mock sadly, "Unfortunately as I'm sure you are aware this meeting will contain classified material between the two of us. Information that I'm sure we would all want some time to process and judge our responses... in the coming weeks."

Tomas caught that last pause and hid his smile, "Of course Councilor Tevos, it's just a shame the people will not be informed of our agreements sooner. A once in a lifetime meeting this is for most people's." 'Caught her off guard with the revelation to the press, pause indicates that they were planning a much later reveal of the entire incident. If at all.'

"Yes indeed. Although I must thank your generosity, it was only a minor police action that we accomplished, nothing more than two legions." Councilor Gallius commented as he saw his commanders nod in approval.

"Even so you saved over two million Federation citizens from slavery, something all of them and myself are very grateful for." Tomas replied heartfeltly. 'Genuine surprise and flattery from Turians, interest from the Salarian Councilor and guards, Suspicion growing in Asari.'

"Yes well, onto business shall we Ambassador Maghernus- uh who is that with the camera?" Councilor Cenike, the Salarian, asked as one more Terran managed to slide into the room with a floating drone and the biggest smile ever.

"That is Reporter-Private Ailus Pederson, she was part of the crew complement from our escort, and was present on Shanxi. Unfortunately in my government's rush to assemble this mission they left out a few key things, like a Human record keeper and typist to record this meeting for my government's benefit. Rest assured that any and all footage shall be shared with your censor office before released on the Terran Federation Net. And she is also well aware of the punishment for breaking any of the agreements she has signed." Tomas replied, succeeding in calming the Councilor down from their suspicion.

"Okay, well than, I guess we should have asked that question beforehand then. Before she started to record. But no matter. First I would like to ask a few cultural questions." Cenike asked after regaining her thoughts.

"First off, how long have you been in space, how many languages are utilized by your people, and how politically unified are you?" She asked obviously from a predetermined list. "I understand if this can be hard for you to answer with such a broad question, and especially if the report we received of you are accurate about your people."

Tomas smiled, "Of course Councilors, while this is my first time meeting with a different species on a diplomatic mission, I have reviewed the important things about Terran Culture. My Species, Homo Sapien Sapien as is our scientific name, or Humans as our species is called, has been in space for 113 years. Ever since the invention of Cherenkov Drive, which allowed us to colonize hundreds of planets. We have never encountered this prothean technology, or at least any that I've been told about, but bear with us we may have some hidden files on the subject. At least not until we discovered a secondary class relay and activated it. We have no more information to go off beyond that as the ship we sent out, the TFS Lodbrok Ragnar, has not reported back, and we assume it was destroyed by a hostile power with all hands. If you happen to know where it is, we would like to know where it died so we may possibly be able to recover the dead and the escape pods. We also use about a dozen primary languages with hundreds of minor dialects used across our homeworld and among our planets. But we can all be managed to at least know enough English to get by. Politically speaking we are rock solid in our political unity for the most part when assailed by an outside force. In a federation as diverse as ours, we have our problems or disagreements, otherwise I wouldn't be in a job. But the last major societal disruption was the Sprange Rebellion." Tomas said everything truthfully, leaving a out a few parts here and there. But being truthful meant that they wouldn't have reason to doubt him or lie in the future.

"We ah, found your ship. A miracle depending on who you ask really. The 300-400 relay patrol fleet just happened to be making the rounds when it stopped at 314 and saw it was activated with the TFS Lodbrok Ragnar outside of it. They didn't open fire immediately, but as per standard procedure we tried to communicate and failing that stop your ship from escaping, unsure if it was a… Pirate ship that activated it illegally or a new species." Tevos said as diplomatically a she could. Unfortunately the damage was done she knew, to the Terrans they would be insulted that their ship was considered a pirate, and that they didn't know every single ship type there was. A legitimate grievance when you got down to it.

'Okay Erica look angry, and insulted. But don't say anything.' Tomas telepathically sent to the Commodore, and she made a suitably upset look, which carefully emoted to anger and sadness. Poorly done of course but how would they know that?

"The Ragnar was destroyed after firing upon two Turian frigates, destroying them when they got too close. Admittedly from their point of view it would look like a sudden aggressive act. And knowing your history, we can understand why you fired upon us. However we managed to pick up all the survivors, and are willing to return them and all the seized equipment." Gallius said, and Tomas told Erica to lighten up on the anger.

"Thank you, we would like it if they could be transported aboard our flagship for processing, debrief, and therapy." Tomas said sadly, not true sadness, in truth he was elated. He thought they were ALL dead.

"Now onto our next question please." Cenike said as she brought up the next question, "What is your political alignment and average life of the people in the Federation?"

Tomas smiled, "Well in a word, Turian. Its as if the Turians and we Humans ripped it from the same book. Although we are more of an oligarchic meritocracy, than a more democratic system that many people, especially on the outer fringes, would prefer. But that's a product of the Russo-Anglo-American Alliance-Chinese Hegemony War and the Great Disorder. If it sounds complicated that's because it was. But in the following social turmoil caused by political corruption and warfare, the Human peoples in most major nations overthrew their increasingly tyrannical leaders. Human's don't really like to be oppressed whether real or imagined."

"Now the species in the sector. You mentioned there are four of them correct? We only got minor information on them." Tevos said interested. Tomas could taste the anticipation off her no matter how well she hid it physically.

"There is too much information on the various subjects that I would very much rather sit than stand for it all. But I knew you would ask this so I prepared a report on each of them with notes from myself about information that wouldn't be in a normal report. If you have further questions, I'm sure we can discuss it over a nice lunch." Tomas said with an upbeat manner.

"But the Basics: The one we are at war with currently, the Arachnid empire, is an insectile hive mind who for some reason want the Human species dead and has attempted to do so by invasion and asteroid launches. They managed to land one asteroid hit on Earth and that started the beginning of the war. It's not a Rachni war from what I can say. That or we are better at war than the Asari and Salarians. It's not a question of negotiation, we have talked with them before, they just hate us."

"Next the Coven. This is the one we have the least amount of information on. They look almost identical to humans, with only color differences in their skin. Its like you Tevos put on a wig, and some fake ears. They are a Matriarchy, who have some obviously fabricated claims on being our progenitors. Impossible since we have a very well documented trail of evolution for our species. They are master infiltrators, and all of them have some form of Psionic powers. This is different from biotic powers, which I will explain much later. They are a security nightmare if they capture one of you or one of your leaders. Standard procedure should be forced retirement and close observation for anyone captured by the Coven for more than a few HOURs. Do NOT mistake this for over reaction or propaganda, we nearly lost an entire sector of worlds because of this." Toma was very insistent upon it.

"Next the Petolemaic Hegemony. These guys have never been much a of a problem militarily speaking. They're like pirates and slavers except a lot fewer places to hide. I believe Colonel T'Phai would love to tell you about his people. So I won't spoil the explanation beyond we are in a war of cultures, and after the Shanxi attack, they will be losing a lot more worlds once we finish off the Arachnids. We can't tolerate enemies at our gates, if that's what they want to be." 'Subtle threat, with implications towards the Council if they try anything. Our advantage of only having one relay makes Shanxi a swamp waiting to happen if they come in through that entrance. A door we need to be able to close if it comes to it.' Tomas thought.

"The final species is only known as the Fourth Republic. That was the designation we gave them and they have not been forthcoming in their name. Not much is known, but we do know they are isolationists, and have told us right to our face that they want us to die out. Violently preferably. I've seen them in action exactly one time and there is an old saying on earth for gratuitous amounts of one thing. Ahem, 'I heard you like mechs, so I put mechs on your mechs.' It's silly yes, but on the one battle I saw, there were more mechs then living soldiers. And we deployed over an entire army group."

"Well we shall restrain our questions until after we have taken some time to go over these reports. How does lunch at the Presidium cafe in a week sound Ambassador?" Tevos said, tying in some questions quickly while keeping eye contact with him.

"Of course Councillor, I only hope they have something I will enjoy. My stomach gets very picky when traveling. Quite a burden really." He said that last line in the Asari language, it was supposedly an old joke, a play on words in the language, since Stomach and Child used the same word. Like Bear meant to hold something, and a large mammal that walked on four legs.

It got the prerequisite polite laugh and showed that he was capable ambassador by showing he was more than willing to learn their languages.

"Finally We know it will take some time to adjust and move it through your political system, but I would like to ask if your species is interested in joining the Citadel. You will gain significant benefits-" Tevos was in the midst of speaking Tomas waved for her to stop politely.

"As much as I love to hear your voice Councilor. I would rather not take up your time by going over all the terms. I have read them, and after very careful considerations both myself, the Commodore, the Sky Marshals, and the Governors, and a few select polls among my people all say no. To all counts of your agreement. We cannot become an associate member for we get few too little for it and give way to much. This however does not bar other agreements which I am more than prepared to offer you. Agreements that you would find most suitable and after a brief explanation of why joining you would be a bad idea you will agree." Tomas said carefully, judging each word to be calming.

Now they knew why he had done that award ceremony at the beginning, to make the pain of not having the Humans as an associate slave more bearable.

"First off our history is not conducive to what you demand, you demand us to give you our right to determine our foreign policy. Mainly that to Terminus independent worlds. We would also be denied colonizing worlds as we see fit, as I have seen the Batarians may be trying to edge into our territory if it were to suddenly be open to colonization and raiding. We would also be forced to sign treaties on warfare that we just see no point to following. Especially to your arguments of planetary bombardment, which we find is a necessity to defeating our enemies. Especially in the case of the usage of nuclear weapons. Especially when we are at war every few years with a new opponent? Unlike you who have had peace for centuries at a time, your name would mean nothing to our enemies, it won't be acceptable to you."

"Conversely, if you have us join you, you will need to help us kill off two species, help us conquer a third, and allow us to see fit to do whatever we see fit with the fourth. We would also not tolerate any aggression on us, if we see ourselves being threatened militarily we will deal with it, whatever the means. We will also DESTROY the Asari economy and any economy that relies upon this Element zero with our new technology that would be solely patented to us and our corporations. Not to mention other societal and technological things we have accomplished that would be retroactively banned." Tomas said listing off the well prepared list he had made after careful consideration of everyone.

Councilor Gallius was the next to speak, innerly impressed that he basically told them all to go stay on their side of the galaxy, "Admittedly we don't have the best history when it comes to these things. After the Geth Rebellions and the lack of action on rising piracy and slavery we have been viewed as uncaring. They consider us only caring of what affects us." Tevos had not been expecting Gallius to be the first to throw the entire system under the bus. But he was right, these issues weren't easily solved or painlessly so, and like the Quarians and the Terminus, their ruthlessness and blind doctrine created problems that would last for thousands of years. And with allegations of favoritism for the big three only, their line of, "Its for galactic peace" was laughed at. But that was another times matter.

"What agreements do you have for us Ambassador?" Tevos said as Tomas pulled out two suitcases, one turning into an instant table. The other filled to the brim with paperwork.

"What I have Councilors, is a couple dozen trade agreements, each from individual worlds, a Non-Aggression Treaty or a NAT, an offer of mutual military assistance, in thanks for your work at Shanxi, a science mission to explore each other's worlds, a cultural exchange programme, THAT one I had to dig deep to before first contact for the rules of. And finally the motherlode, a trade agreement that allows Terran Corporations and businesses to sell in your territory with free trade, no tariffs on either side, but we will limit exports into your territory to give your economies time to adjust." Tomas said as he laid out on the entire table, about two dozen thick stacks of paper almost a foot high.

All of the Councilors assistants groaned in pain, even if they weren't there.

To Be Continued