Hi there guys in this chapter we are going to see the negotiation with the council's representatives and see a rather unexpected demand from humanity. Also to all those guys who have reviewed the story thanks and carry on your advice will not go unnoticed. Also there will be no codex this chapter.

Rise of the commonwealth

Chapter 4

Widow system: serpent nebula

Star Date 27th June 2157 (Council Standard time)

Citadel: council chambers

Councilor Sparatus walked down the hall cursing the thrice damned STG to a hellish oblivion, he had hoped for the matter with the Humans, as had been told they were called, to have been dealt with before they discovered the situation. But that was clearly too much to hope for, so as he walked down the corridor he was blurting out a torrent of swearing and cursing at such a massive volume that it would make a Batarian slaver blush. He came to the private council room and had calmed himself down enough that he was able to walk in like his normal self.

Inside were Councilor Tevos of the Asari Republics who was the unofficial leader of the citadel council and Councilor Irelith of the Salarian Union. They were standing around a large table with a holographic interface, they looked at Sparatus with looks of great disappointment etched on their faces, "this isn't going to go well" thought Sparatus.

"Ah Sparatus I was wondering when you would get here, we would like you to help shine a light on the… disturbing reports we have been getting from STG HQ" said Councilor Irelith in a stern voice.

"Yes we have been told some disturbing things by the STG we have invited you here, old friend, to explain to us what is happening" said Councilor Tevos in her usual smug and measured tone.

"As I'm sure the STG has told you the Hierarchy has deployed a fleet to relay 314, this was dispatched after a battle group was engaged there."

"What happened?" asked councilor Irelith

"We had sent the battle group under the command of captain Tonn Actuss to the relay after Intel from STG that a group of Batarian slavers was planning on using it."

"Yes I authorized that they send the information to the Hierarchy to begin policing action, please go on."

"While another battle group under the command of General Desolas hit their base we sent Actuss's battle group to cover the relay while there the relay was activated from the other side, the battle group sent a message saying they went through to begin policing actions, they were forced to retreat."

"I see so then the Hierarchy saw fit to send a fleet through to subjugate the race and take their technology before we found out?" inquired Tevos.

"Yes Tevos they did"

"Well I think that will be all, we will dispatch a diplomatic craft to them to open up negotiations, as for the hierarchy, the council has seen fit to reduce their military strength."

"WHAT you can't do that we are the peace keeping arm of the citadel council"

"Who has blatantly flaunted the law and ruined the trust of the other council members, we see this as fitting punishment for your species actions, you are to reduce your fleet size by 50% by the end of the year, and remove all fleets from human space or the Asari republics and Salarian union will sever all trade, and economic pacts that we have drawn up with you and we will 'convince' the volus to do the same" Sparatus was dumb struck he hadn't thought that the council would react this badly to the news of what was going on, and to make matters worse he had been ordered by the primarch to come clean about the situation going on beyond relay 314, "they're just going to love this", then a thought struck him "Perhaps I can use this to my advantage".

"councilors I understand your position but hear me out, after we sent the fleet through we got this message back, it was a video of enemy reinforcements arriving after a 3 day siege, I think it may change your mind about our fleets" he left out the orbital bombardment, he didn't want to give the council anymore fire to throw at him, Irelith waved her hand.

"Proceed" Sparatus nodded and brought up the vid taken by the Dreadnought Palavens Will, the dreadnought which led patrol group Martus, the vid showed empty space for all of five seconds before portals sprang to life and expanded till they eventually stopped when they stopped expanding ships came through, one from each portal. The other councilors gasped in shock at the size and number of the ships, well over half the enemy fleet was dreadnought weight and greater, the rest were cruiser weight.

Then came the capital ship.

The 5km long behemoth was the largest ships either councilor had seen it dawarfed all other ships around it, then the dreadnought moved to engage the fleet, chatter could be heard in the background, then the enemy behemoth fired, the slug raced through space and smashed through the shields and into the hull, the last thing the councilors saw was a grey sludge make its way over the camera.

Tevos looked on wide eyed, while Irelith muttered something about eezo and impossibilities, eventually Irelith spoke up.

"Surely this cannot be right, what… what did we just see."

"You both saw the arrival of an unknown fleet admittedly to reinforce their own system but surely if they were peaceful they wouldn't need ships that big, if you cut my species space forces in half we may lose a tactical advantage over them, and by the looks of their ships and technology, we can use any advantage we can get."

"Agreed, but we still need to implement some kind of restrictions so as to ensure that this sought of thing does not happen again."

"I have an idea" suggested Tevos "We could force the Turian Hierarchy to pay heavy repirations to the unknown species, if they are peaceful, if not then after they have been dealt with you will reduce your fleet size by 25% does this seem reasonable Sparatus"

"Yes it does my fellow councilors, thank you I will take my leave"

"But we will still be sending the diplomatic party through Sparatus." Sparatus hesitated then nodded again

"Of course Councilors."

Commonwealth space: Shanxi System

Star Date: 29th June 2196 (commonwealth standard time)

CWS: Human Hope

Newly promoted Rear Admiral Jessica Shepard looked at the viewing screen at out there she could see nearly 35,000 ships over half the human navy getting ready to launch a counter offensive at the Turians, they would follow the pre designated plan, but slightly modified, 15,000 ships would fly straight at Palaven to attack the Turian home world, meanwhile the remaining 20,000 would fly through the relay and then split into 4 groups of 5,000 ships and head in different directions to attack Turian colonies and commence purge operations, destroying all installations and killing every Turian that points a gun at them, this would be revenge for the invasion of Shanxi. Or it would be if the next few minutes went badly.

"Ma'm an Asari craft has just entered the system, it's squawking on all available channels, quote, "We come in peace, please don't shoot" Jessica looked at the viewing screen again.

"Open a comm channel; let's hear what they have to say."

UNKOWN SPACE

Star date: 29th June 2157 (Council standard time)

ARS: Light of Tranquility

"By the goddess just who did the Turians pick a fight with" Matriach Luithia stared out the window at the mass of ships hanging in orbit around the home world of these new aliens, "No this isn't their home world" she realized as she looked closely "If it was there would be heavily industrialized regions and space docks, this is a colony" the Matriach was shook from her thoughts by the voice of her aide Ariana.

"Matriach the Humans are contacting us"

"On screen" the screen changed from a view of the fleet to the image of a human, all the Asari onboard gasped in shock "they look just like us" was the thought running through everyone's mind then to shock everyone even more the Human spoke in high Thessian.

"This is Rear Admiral Jessica Shepard of the Terran Commonwealth Navy; state your business in our territory or we will use lethal force."

"I am Matriach Luithia of the Asari republics on board the ARS Light of Tranquility, we are here on behalf of the council to negotiate a ceasefire." The human seemed to think for a moment

"Give me a moment to consult with my superiors."

"Of course, should we stay put?"

"Yes please a frigate will be moving towards you to guard you, please do not make any threatening moves"

There was silence in the Asari frigate for about 3 hours waiting for a response, the atmosphere in the ship was tense then the response came.

"ARS Light of Tranquility do read over?"

"We hear you" said Luithia

"You are to dock with the capital ship Human Hope"

"Which ship is that?"

"The 5km ship making its way towards you" Luithia looked at the behemoth making its way towards the comparatively tiny Asari frigate the Light of tranquility made its way forward slowly on half burn when it was near the ship it was directed to the hangar bay on the bottom of the ship, the pilot thanked the voice on the other end and then made its way to the hangar.

Commonwealth space: Shanxi system

Star date: 29th June 2196 (commonwealth standard time)

CWS: Human Hope

Rear Admiral stood in the hangar bay in her best dress uniform; it had not changed from the Royal Navy uniform it had been derived from, except it was crystal white. Behind her in a lose line stood her brothers squad of ENDERS all stood to attention in MKXIV powered assault armor. The powered assault armor was multiple layers of titanium and steel with an outer layer of one inch thick adamantium covering it, it had built in hydraulics to help it move and many other features such as life support, magnetic boots and jump jets. The ENDERS held their plasma weaponry across their chest looking straight ahead her brother stood by her side, his helmet tucked under his arm. They looked out towards space as the Asari craft commenced docking procedures, they stood to attention as the Asari exited the craft, they looked on as six Asari exited, two were dressed in formal robes that looked beautiful, the others had a skin tight suit on and were armed with shotguns and assault rifles, Jessica stepped forward and spoke to the council representatives.

"Welcome to the CWS Human Hope my name is Rear Admiral Jessica Shepard newly appointed commander of battle group terror of the Terran Commonwealth Navy. May I ask who you are"

"Of course, my name is Matriach Luithia this is my aide, Ariana and my bodyguards Asari commandos, Trulitis, Brumilna, Porveria, and Nilna. May I ask who your friends are?" Jessica smiled slightly

"Of course this is Zulu squad of humanities ENDERS program, we have, Sergeant Jonathan Davis, Sergeant Major Natalia Lezinski, Major David Anderson, and the man stood beside me is my brother and commander of Zulu squad, Colonel Marcus Shepard." The Asari nodded to each of them and the ENDERS replied in kind.

"Before we go on" said Jessica suddenly "We have one more person to introduce to you"

Commonwealth space: UNKNOWN SYSTEM

Star date: 29th June 2157 (council standard time)

CWS: Human Hope

Luithia looked inquisitively at the Human Admiral, she was polite and kind but there was a coolness to her voice, Luithia wanted to proceed and get on with negotiations but she was a guest here and so it would probably be seen as rude to proceed without this missing individual but then a hologram flickered to life next to the admiral and when it spoke Luithia's blood ran cold

"Good day ladies my name's Bill the Hopes AI" there was a shocked silence for all of five seconds before a commando screamed "AI" and raised her gun.

She never got very far.

Faster than any human eye could follow the ENDERS darted through the space between them and the commandos and wrestled them to the ground, in one case not before dislocating said commando's arm. The commandos before any Asari could respond the Hangar was filled with noise as cloaked soldiers and hidden guns revealed themselves. The targets all these had in their sights were the Asari delegation which froze on the spot.

Nobody moved for a tense few moments before Matriach Luithia moved to diffuse the situation "please you have to understand my accomplice's actions."

"Explain… Now." Said Jessica in a voice which conveyed clearly she is inches away from ordering her men to open fire. Luithia swallowed and spoke

"You must understand AIs are dangerous, in all cases where a species has developed an AI they have been massacred by their creations" Jessica looked at bill

"Bill are you thinking what I'm thinking."

"That she's been watching too many Sci-fi vids."

"My thoughts precisely."

"No I haven't I'm more of a romance person but anyway there is a real life example the Quari-"

"WE KNOW ABOUT THE FUCKING QUARIANS" shouted Marcus losing his temper behind Luithia "we know that they created them as warriors and manual labor but did you ever think that they attacked because they were trying to preserve themselves after the Quarians tried to exterminate them!" Luithia looked at the ENDER shocked at his response "it's as if they treat their AIs as people, but that's preposterous AIs are not people."Jessica cleared her throat.

"We can discuss such ethics later but right now we are here to discuss a peace treaty, are we not", Luithia went to open her mouth but was cut off by one of her commandos

"NO we will never negotiate with AI sympathizers, you will be the death of us all"

"Fine go back to your council and explain to them the reason that they are in a war which will result in the deaths of millions is because the nasty humans made more sense than the oh so wise Asari Matriarch. I'm sure that will fly really well with the historians" Jessica said a sly smile on her face Luithia clenched her fists then released them and counted to three.

"Shall we begin negotiations?"

"Matriach we-"

"Are here to prevent a war that will result in the deaths of billions not nit pick about a person's culture" "we can always make them destroy the cursed things later"

"Excellent if you will follow me" the ENDERS released their grip on the commandos but not before the one called Natalia fixed Nilna's arm. With that the group left the hangar the Soldiers heading out of the hangar and the guns retracting into the ceiling and walls.

Commonwealth space: Shanxi system

Star date: 29th June 2196 (commonwealth standard time)

CWS Human Hope

After all the excitement in the hangar the journey to the meeting room was far less eventful eventually Jessica came to a beige door and opened it inside was a beige room with a mahogany table in the centre with several chairs around the edges. Both parties took their seats, Jessica at the far side of the room, Luithia at the side closest the door with the ENDERS and Commandos stood around the room.

"Now then, shall we begin negotiations?" asked Jessica

"Yes let's begin."

"You have got your work cut out for you… should I call you Luithia or-"

"Luithia is fine."

"Thank you, you've got your work cut out for you Luithia, my people are calling out for blood, it's only because of cool heads at the top that this hasn't occurred. But we will not take this attack laying down, we want our demands met or there will be repurcusions."

"Of course" Luithia smiled "She's thinking about small demands and small threats, she won't know what hit her"

"First we want monetary reparations for damages done and to help grieving families."

"Of course the Turian Hierarchy was going to pay these anyway."

"Secondly we would like a casus beli against the Batarian hegemony."

"A what?"

"Apologize, it means if we have a legitimate casus beli against a nation we can declare war on them and not have negative repercussions from non-allied powers."

"I see" said Luithia in a nervous tone "may I ask what your Casus Beli is."

"To sack the current oppressive government of the Batarian Hegemony and help abolish the slave trade"

"I see, anything else" Jessica smiled a predatorily smile which Luithia did not like

"We demand the Turian Hierarchy reduce it s military strength by 25% and be forced to aid us in our war on the Batarian Hegemony and we also have made the decision not to join the citadel council before you ask as it's laws will require us to murder our citizens and scrap over half our fleet including this very ship" Luithia had paled slightly

"What happens if we do not meet your demands?"

"We use a singularity bomb on the citadel" Luithia had paled even more and the eyes of the Asari commandos had widened in shock. "Yes you heard me we will use a bomb which creates a miniature black hole and then explodes with the force of a 200 gigaton bomb on your centre of government"

"You CAN'T, I bet you don't even have a weapon like that" Jessica leaned over the table and looked at Luithia an evil grin on her face

"would you like to test your theory" the Matriach remained silent Jessica straightened up and opened the door to the corridor "we expect an answer soon Luithia" that same smile plastered on her face.

DUN DUN DUNNNNN how do you like them apples, what will happen will the council give in to humanities demands or will they see if humanity doesn't have any of these weapons (it does hint, hint), next chapter we see the councils reaction and a time line leading up to the next major event… what is it. Wait and see MUAHAHAHAHAH