Author's Note:
It's time to see how good I can speak like a Geth. I played the trilogy many times over, so at least I have that. I want to thank all the reviews, followers and favorites I have been getting. It lets me know I am doing something right at least.
Disclaimer: The following story is not used to make a profit or advertisement. Mass Effect was created by EA/Bioware. I take no credit for any original characters, possible dialogue, story, or elements I may put in this story.
Unknown System, At Relay 314
Unknown Ship
To say the marines were speechless was an understatement. Massani had just about reached for Jessie, his rifle that had been with him since the beginning, but Trenton held up his hand, not that he could blame him. Lieutenant Jackson was holding his breath the entire time until the red synthetic spoke again, its voice echoing off the walls of the room.
"The Geth have been expecting your kind to make contact for two of your planet's orbits. The Geth have observed humanity and have found it acceptable to make contact. We had to ensure your species was not a threat to us. We will accept any restrictions you may impose if it will ease tensions."
"You have been watching us for two years?" Jackson asked in disbelief. "How is it possible that we have not seen a trace of you until now?"
"We have developed many advanced stealth systems on our vessels that have allowed us to monitor humans at a safe distance. Such technology for you is currently unknown. We also picked up many of your communications so we could understand your speech function. After we monitored the MSV New York's communications prior to your arrival, we achieved a consensus that we would speak in what humans call English. We observed human history, customs, cultures, religions, different novels, behavior, and advances in technology. We judged your species was acceptable to make contact."
"So your saying that you have our secrets, is that it?" Jackson asked, now more on edge than ever.
"We did not uncover all classified data, but we did monitor your ship designs, military doctrine, weapons, tech, and even the massive super structure that is currently being constructed in the system you refer to as "Arcturus," as a safety precaution. The Geth would be willing to offer much classified data if that will ease your concerns." The giant synthetic then moved toward the console on the opposite side of the bridge and punched in a few codes and a bridge extended. All three geth moved toward them until they were in front of them. The marines stepped back a few inches until the large Geth held out its hand.
"The Geth would be willing to coexist with humanity if your kind would be willing."
Zaeed and Jackson looked at each other in shock while Captain Trenton boldly, yet slowly, walked up and took the geths hand. It was cold and hard, but the three digits grasped gently around his five. The geths shake was stiff, but it gave Trenton some comfort.
"I am still a little suspicious about you, but we would be willing to listen to what you have to say."
After an awkward couple of seconds, the giant geth dropped his hand to his side and spoke
"If you wish to receive information regarding the Geth and about the other races that inhabit the galaxy then please follow this platform." "We will copy any data that will not compromise the safety of the Geth as a whole when you all leave onto an OSD. It is quite similar to your own data storage devices. Rest assured that the Geth will give more classified data if your race proves it is ready."
"Wait; go back to the other races." Trenton said, completely blown away. "How many races are there exactly?"
"There are many races which inhabit the galaxy and have been using mass effect technologies for centuries. Your kind is actually pretty late to have made this technology. The Geth have been using this technology while your kind was about to enter its 21st century. There are about 15 well known races with several other races that are just now being discovered who have not developed space travel currently. There is much data that will be exchanged if you will follow this platform. We have set up an area with the purpose of exchanging data."
The three geth turned and began walking toward the door.
"Should we follow them sir? They seem nice enough and they haven't put a knife through my back yet so that's a good sign." Jackson asked.
"You're so quick to trust Paul, replied Massani, or have you forgotten they literally stole classified data and know some of the most classified data we have. I say we alert command of this immediately and get out of here while we can."
"Why would they tell us about it then, asked Trenton, when they could have kept us in the dark and even probably destroyed us. On another note, they promised to give us much of their classified data in return. I say we go."
"How do we know if the information they give us is accurate, sir? Jackson asked. I mean that many races. It seems pretty farfetched to me."
"We don't, but for now, let's go along with it."
"Sir," they both saluted.
The three men finally caught up to the giant geth and walked in silence. About a minute went by that was very awkward.
"Hey…giant geth…What do we call you?," asked Massani
"Geth," it replied without turning to acknowledge him.
"No, I mean you, the individual in front of me?"
"Geth do not title an individual platform or program like humanity and other species do."
"Well that's fantastic," he murmured.
"The Geth are a single entity comprised of virtual intelligence programs that are networked together. One program alone is not capable of many functions, but, combined with others, it creates intelligence capable of reasoning. Each functioning platform has programs that make it up. Most platforms only have 10-100 programs. Once programs are in a platform, they are cut off from the geth hub unless contacted by communication nodes. Once programs are uploaded into geth severs, their experiences become the Geth's. This platform has 5,067 programs. This platform was chosen to hold this many programs as a geth prime is a major control center for geth around it. It was also given a massive amount of programs to guarantee cooperation with your species. We would not be able to converse with you otherwise."
"Don't you guys get traumatized by some of the experiences you share?," Trenton asked.
"Geth cannot be, as you say traumatized."
"So, Geth can't talk to each other without a massive amount of programs?," asked Massani
"No, geth speech travels faster than the speed of light. It is the same with the exchange of data among the Geth. Your kind would have great difficulty understanding our communication."
"How many programs are there exactly? Jackson asked.
"There are currently 10,137,123,967 billion programs in the servers, not including the 2 billion in 5 million platforms. New programs are added regularly."
They walked down a hall similar to the one they entered. The humans took note of the different types of geth platforms working. They were different colors with some gray while others were orange. Finally, the geth prime spoke.
"Your kind may give this platform a title if it will make coexistence easier." The prime said.
The three marines were again taken aback. There was a silence for about a moment. Finally, Trenton spoke.
"Well, you are programs combined into one. How about Plura?"
"Plura, found in Earth language, Latin, meaning many. This platform will be referred to as Plura."
"Plura?! That sounds like a girls name. Is that really the best thing you could come up with?" Massani whispered to Trenton trying to hold in a laughing fit.
"It's all I got. It doesn't sound like a girl's name to me." Trenton whispered back.
"Geth have no gender, but if there is a conflict with this platforms voice box, this platform can change the communication to sound like, what humans call a female or male at any time. We have studied enough of your ways of communicating to have this function available."
"You're kidding me right?" Massani asked, feeling very awkward.
"Geth do not, as you say kidd you," Plura replied.
No, that's fine," The captain replied, feeling really embarrassed.
The marines didn't say anything, but were all red in the face.
"Great way to make a first impression," thought Trenton.
The humans continued to eye the ship with awe until they reached another door that led to a room that had a big round table in the middle with chairs waiting around it. The chairs were made out of the same material as the outside of the ship and were bolted to the floor.
"Geth do not normally use these, chairs, but consensus showed that it would further cooperation. Please, as humans say, take a seat."
Author's Note:
Let me know what you guys think. The geth have been monitoring humanity for 2 years so they are far better at communicating than the geth in the game, but they are still meant to speak like them in ways and act like them. I actually enjoyed writing this chapter. Let me know of any improvements that can be made. For some reason, I couldn't stop writing so this chapter is the longest yet. Hope you are enjoying the story so far.