The Elder Scrolls: Mass Effect
Chapter Seven: Giving gold to gods
Author's notice: Sorry for the delay. I was having troubles deciding if the reapers or if the daedra should be the main baddies and no, I'm not going to make them both the main baddies. If I made the reapers the bad guys, then everything we'll just occur normally with a few major or minor changes. If the daedra are the main baddies then things are going to be drastically dangerous.
The Vasharoda, Tactics room, earlier
Shepard leaned against the warm metal wall of the tactics room; her body slouched and fingers fiddling against the wall in boredom. She had been waiting for ten minutes along with seven other Empire guards for the three Supremes to come and get them.
"So Shepard? Have you heard about Blackrose prison," asked Terri currently seating cross-legged on the other side.
Jana turned her head upwards towards the bosmer. "Huh," she replied just waking up from her daydreaming. "Oh right, Blackrose prison. Just a bunch of criminals fighting each other, stupid idea," she replied with detest towards the 'maximum' security super prison. "I can't believe Muan-El would be willing to do such a thing," she murmured under her breath. "And who's in charge of the damn thing?"
"I think some Orc named Dr. Hur'log Strag," she replied not quite sure if she was right or not. "He said it was to teach people what will happen if there were no rules," she stated mocking the plan.
"I agree with you my fellow Mer. Blackrose prison is no way to get criminals back into normal people," said an ebony armoured Orc blindly jumping into the conversation out of boredom.
"Hurm," murmured Shepard quietly under her breath laughing secretly at the Orc.
"What," he asked angrily picking up on the nightblade's emotions.
"I would just kill all the criminals, Mur'loug" she stated completely serious. She was starting to become even more bored.
"But, everybody deserves a second chance to become a better person," replied Terri generally upset by Shepard's back and white view of the world.
"Hey, she can believe in what ever she wants," he told Terri appearing to be defending Jana. The Orc turned his head towards her. "Hey Shepard, what religion are you anyways?"
"Stars of Azura," she stated proudly.
"Right, that explains a lot," he replied subtly sarcastic and mocking Jana's religion.
Shepard glanced angrily at the Orc, having picked up the subtle sarcasm. The malachite doors to the room slid open and the three Supremes stepped inside of the room. Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing and brought all of their attention unto them. They all stood in a straight militaristic pose and did and did a quick salute towards them.
"Follow us," ordered General Mary with a commanding tone. The eight guards took suite and followed the Supremes towards an elevator at the far end of the massive hallway. The elevator's door slid shut and headed downwards the hangar. The doors slid open and everyone stepped outside unto the massive hangar, were dozens of elvish, nordic, imperial shuttles and vehicles were currently parked and ready for use.
"Hmm, bigger then I expected," Jana said herself looking around the overly large hangar.
The Supremes stopped in their tracks and turned around to face the Empire guards. "I'm afraid there's been a slight change to the plan," told General Mary looking uncomfortable with the plan.
"What do you mean," asked Terri.
"We're teleporting, not taking a shuttle. We agreed that taking a shuttle will make us too vulnerable to attacks or being held hostage in the chance if it does happen."
"But teleporting hundreds of kilometres across space and where even the smallest mistake will lead to death; yeah, that sounds like a great plan," said Terri being heavily sarcastic.
"I expected you to have more faith. After all, I am the most powerful mage alive right now. I even did several detect surrounding spells on this citadel to make sure everything goes right" said Maganus calmly and emotionless, but still taking slight offence towards the lack of faith in his power. He then pulled out eight small capsules filled with a dark purple substance. Originally, twelve, but the Supremes had already taken there's before everyone else. "Here, take this; there teleporting sickness potions," he offered holding the small potions out in his left hand. Everyone then huddled around the Supremes.
"Before we leave, put this on," ordered Muan-El pulling out twenty-two incredibly tiny ear pieces from his pocket. Everyone grabbed the earpieces and stuck them firmly inside. The earpieces twisted and change shaped, they beeped once they had finished. "They should act as translators."
"Wait, how did you obtain the aliens' languages so quickly," asked Terri.
"We've went really deep."
"So you went inside their subconscious? Isn't that dangerous and lethal?"
"Very."
"Is everyone ready," asked General Mary. She looked at the Empire guards; she could tell they were all nervous about such a risky teleport even if the Archmage was the one performing it. However, nobody objected to the trip. "Good. Alright, Maganus you may begin."
A spinning purple orb formed inside of the Archmage's golden ebony staff. He tapped his staff on the floor and the spinning purple orb expanded in size. They were all soon engulfed by a spinning purple. It remained in the hanger spinning faster and more violently every second. Eventually, the orb exploded in a blast of purple mist knocking workers, weapons, crates and even a few vehicles back a few feet. The Empire was on its way to give the citadel a visit.
Garrus checked his M8 Avenger again for the fourteenth time to make sure everything was in working order. He, along with nine other C-sec officers waited in docking bay C for the ambassadors for this new alien alliance to show up. They were all suspended high up from the ships already parked looking downwards with their rifles aimed high in case anything happened. Garrus' mandibles twitched nervously. Not only was he the youngest C-sec officer there, only sixteen, he was also facing an enemy they know almost nothing about; the only thing they do know about them is that they are an alien alliance like themselves.
Garrus slightly moved back and forth nervous. It didn't take him long to realize they were probably facing an enemy as powerful as themselves. He tightened his grip around his Avenger becoming tenser anytime he thought about it. He glanced over at the asari C-Sec lieutenant to his left. "Is there anything you know about this alien alliance," he asked nervously still keeping his eyes peered towards the shuttle bay doors.
"Not much that we'll be useful, but I'll tell you this; their shields suck crap, but their armour is unbelievable! Well, from what Saren had said to the council," replied Aleena calm, but still feeling slightly nervous.
"I think they have something to do with everyone going insane on Vallum," he suggested highly suspicious turning his head to face her.
"I don't think so."
"Think about it. Vallum goes insane and hours later, an alien alliance shows up and holds us hostage. I mean doesn't it…" The sound of growling static interrupted the young turian. He looked downwards to see a large purple spinning orb that had just appeared out of nowhere. The Orb attracted and accumulated millions of pieces of dust; they circled around it going faster and faster each second. "By the spirits," murmured Garrus in shocked mere seconds before the sound of thunder blasted everyone's ear.
"Hit the deck," ordered Aleena loudly as she quickly instinctually tackled Garrus to the ground. A powerful implosion swept through the air dragging everyone towards it. A few C-sec officers were sent falling off the rails; Garrus and Aleena were sent crashing towards the guard rail hard. The orb exploded in a powerful flash of purple light. Everyone rubbed their eyes in shock having just been pierced his eyes by the powerful flash.
Eventually, after a very brief moment, Garrus could feel his senses quickly returning to himself. He breathed softly glad they weren't sitting ducks for too long. "Xe'Azura Maganus, Meica'Nunt," said a growly feminine voice angrily. Garrus quickly peeked over cover, having his rifle trained on whatever is in front of him along with the rest of the C-sec officers. He could see several unknown aliens standing in the center of the room. Garrus was shocked; they had appeared out of nowhere.
Garrus looked closely at the aliens, studying their every trait. He could see a bright light green scaled lizard-man with yellow reptilian eyes a plenty of horns on the back of his head wearing glittering gold and bright brown fancy looking robes, a dark blue ash-skinned almond faced pointy eared long black haired man wearing light blue and gold robes and a bright purple cape and a tanned skinned short brown haired woman wearing a light brown military suit. Garrus could tell that these three people standing in the middle will be the ones doing the talking.
He then turned his eyes at the seven guards surrounding them. Most of them were covered in unique distinctive armour that covered the entirety of their bodies. Only two guards had their helmets removed, a blue-skinned twenty-one year old woman wearing skin tight midnight black light armour and a tanned skinned thirty-year woman wearing bright white and red chitin armour. What surprised him the most was how similar some of them were to the asari.
"FREEZE," commanded Aleena as she aimed her rifle at them; the rest of the C-sec officers took suite. Quickly, within a second, the Empire had raised their weapons or spell hands at the officers surrounding them. "Drop your weapons," she demanded in a very commanding tone.
General Mary stepped forward. "What is the meaning of all this?! Order your men to lower their weapons," she demanded angrily.
Aleena was shocked when she actually understood the woman; she had not expected communications to be this easy. She was glad that no melding had too take place; something that she was not good at. Still, she could not help, but wonder how. "I understand you, but do you understand me," she asked both curious and suspicious.
"Yes, we do. Could you please ask your men to lower your weapons," asked Muan-El slightly more passive then his fellow Supreme, but just as angry. "We've managed to obtain the language from a turian POW and recorded the information.
"How are we supposed to know if you won't just shoot us when we do," she asked suspicious.
Muan let out a small sigh; he lifted his hand up signalling towards the seven guards. "Lower your weapons," he ordered reluctantly. The Empire guards all reluctantly lowered their weapons or sheathed their spells. Muan-El glanced over at Maganus. "That means you too." The Archmage placed his staff inside his holster on his hip.
"Alright, lower your weapons." The C-sec officers all quickly lowered their weapons without question. "Greetings, I'm Lieutenant Aleena Gole of C-sec." She slowly approached the alien diplomats.
"General Mary of the Emperor's army," she greeted with a patriotic tone.
"Archmage Magaus of the Empire" he greeted bowing slightly forward in respect.
"Emperor Muan-El," he greeted doing the same as the archmage.
"Before I let you go and see the council; what exactly did you just do," she demanded.
"We teleported hundreds of kilometres across space and landed here," explained Maganus bored, he was much more interested in the aliens in front of them.
Aleena was shocked, this newcomers had teleportation technology; something they thought was virtually impossible. Sure, people have tried to create teleportation before, but nobody could create the necessary power needed. The closest thing they had teleportation was quantum communications. "You have teleportation technology," she exclaimed incredibly shocked and amazed. "Just exactly how long have you been a space faring nation?"
"We've been a space faring nation for thirty-seven years based on our calendar. We've only had teleportation for seventeen years" replied Muan-El.
"You've only been a space faring nation for thirty-seven years? How did you manage to build a fleet of over a hundred ships; one them even reaching to eight kilometres." Aleena was shocked by how much this Empire had accomplished in such a short time frame; although, there may be a noticeable time difference. Aleena quickly scoffed the thought of her mind. "Follow me," she ordered nudging her rifle towards the door. Her fellow C-sec officers formed up around her.
The Supremes and their guards followed the c-sec officers up the stairs and through the metal electronic doors. They stopped when they reached a C-sec weapons requisitions officer. "I'm going to have to ask you to hand over your weapons. C-sec regulations," she ordered shrugging her left shoulder towards the desk.
"What is the meaning of all this! These are our guards, do you expect us to walk around this citadel totally exposed." yelled General Mary angrily.
"Hey. Its C-sec regulations, almost everyone has to abide by them. It's for the safety of the people" she replied calmly, not wanting to get sucked in.
General Mary grinned angrily; Aleena had just insulted the Empire. "What? Do you think our guards will hurt innocent people?"
"Uhh, Mary," interrupted Shepard; however her voice went unnoticed by everyone. She noticed that there was one less guard then there was supposed to be.
The lieutenant tried to take a gentle approach. "Please."
"I think Mur'loug may not have…
"Not now Shepard! No. Our guards are keeping their weapons!"
"…made it," she finished; the elf sighed quietly in frustration. Everyone was too busy to notice that Archmage forgot about somebody on their little trip.
Aleena placed her left hand on her forehead and sighed in annoyance; this General would not budge. "Listen, either you give us your weapons or you head back to your ships," she demanded aggressively.
"People, please, there has to be a solution we can all agree on," interrupted Muan-El in a calm and gentle voice that was still commanding. He just wanted to get meet this council and get the peace treaty over with, but he also didn't wish to hand over any of there weapons. "I understand your concern about having armed men walking around the citadel, but you have to understand that these are our guards and we need them for protection."
Shepard laughed quietly under her breath; she had just realized the irony of the most powerful man in the world needing bodyguards.
"Hmm." Aleena stroked her chin thinking of a possible solution. "Alright, you may keep your weapons, but were keeping an eye on you. And keep your weapons holstered at all times! If you even think about reaching for it; we'll shoot you down faster then you realize," she said in a very commanding and aggressive tone. She raised her hand up to signal to her men. "Alright, I want everyone to form up behind them. Make sure they don't try anything funny." The C-sec officers all formed up behind the Empire guards with Aleena moving to the left side to lead them. "Follow me."
The Supremes and their guards followed the asari out the door; however a certain elf caught the Emperor's attention. "Wait," yelled out Shepard loudly. "Somebody is missing, it's Mur'loug. He didn't survive the teleportation trip.
The Emperor halted briefly in his tracks, as well as the rest of the Empire and the C-sec officers who were confused by what they were doing. Muan-El looked around quickly. "It appears so. The Empire will pay for the funereal once this whole thing is over." he replied before continuing to follow Aleena out the corridor.
The polished metal doors beeped once and slid open; artificial sunlight poured into everyone's eyes. The Supremes and their guards were astonished by their first inside sight of the presidium. It was one thing to see from a viewport out in space, but to see it from the inside is much more appalling.
"Whoa," murmured Jana to herself amazed by the sheer size and architectural beauty of the star shaped mega station. "And all this accomplished without magic." She could overhear several alien species discussing amongst themselves with great curiosity.
"Do you think they'll join the citadel," whispered an asari towards her turian bondmate.
"I hope so," she replied nervously.
"I say the turians aren't quite cut out to be peacekeepers. I don't even think they should be on council," replied an uptight Volus highly convinced his opinion was correct.
Garrus growled angrily under his breath, having overheard the Volus.
The group was nearing the council chambers, the doors leading to them right in their sights. They approached the polished metal doors which opened up smoothly. They stepped inside the fine highly decorated large room with multiple pink leafed trees inside. As they walked up the polished silver steps, they could overhear the three councillors walking amongst themselves.
"It was a mistake to let them unto the citadel! They're too dangerous to be walking after what happened in docking bay C and especially with weapons on them," yelled Spartanus angrily quite upset by the small incident that had occurred.
"Spartanus, I understand your concern, but Lieutenant Aleena I assure you, has everything under control," replied Tevos in a calm, but commanding tone.
"Ah yes, Lieutenant Aleena, seems unprofessional that she didn't even attempted to contact us so we don't have to figure everything out from the security camera."
"I don't even think Lieutenant Aleena even had her omni-tool activated at the time," added Valern rubbing his chin wondering at their inability to contact her.
"We'll address Lieutenant Aleena's lack of procedures after the peace treaty"- The three Supremes, seven Empire guards and ten C-sec officers walked into the councillor's view- "Ah, here they are now," said Tevos pointing out her hand towards the Empire. She was amazed and shock by how similar her race and the races standing beneath them looked so similar.
The Supremes, c-sec officers and Empire guards approached the council. "Greetings councillors, I'm Emperor Muan-El of the Nirn Empire," he greeted kindly bowing down slightly in respect.
"General Mary Hearthen of the Emperor's army," she greeted in a commanding tone with her back straight and her hands held tight between her back.
"Archmage Maganus," he greeted with a fake smile on his face as he slightly nervous at the demands they were about to make, but he was sure he could manipulate and/or change the demands.
"Let me just say its an honour to be on the citadel and please, there is no need for introduction. Lieutenant Aleena has already told us so much about you," said Muan-El.
"Ah yes, Lieutenant Aleena," replied Spartanus displeased as he glanced angrily at the asari C-sec officer.
Aleena gulped nervously under her breath, it didn't take a genius to know when the turian councillor was mad at you.
"Could you please tell me why you thought it was a good idea to bring armed guards with unknown weapons inside of the council chambers," he asked angrily in a loud and commanding tone.
"Well we aren't going to let them wander…," Aleena joked trying to make light, although; the turian councillor only made her more nervous. "Unattended."
"Emperor Muan-El could you please order your guards to leave," he demanded in a soft, but still angry and commanding tone.
General Mary left up her hand to signal their guards to leave. "Perhaps Ms. Gole would be willing to give our guards a tour?"
"And Lieutenant Aleena, make sure they don't try anything stupid," ordered Spartanus slightly threatening her.
Aleena turned her head away nervous from the turian councillor whom she could tell would fire her if anything bad happened. She and her men quickly led the Empire guards down the stairs and out of the council chambers.
"Now then, let me began my saying it's an honour to meet an alien alliance like ourselves," said Tevos calmly and pleasantly.
The three Supremes glanced at each other confused.
"What are you talking about? You are the first aliens we've encountered since the third Era," asked Muan-El confused.
"Are you saying that you all come from the same planet," replied Tevos shocked by what they were suggesting.
"Why yes actually. Elves, humans, rieklings, giants, argonians and khajits all come from the planet Nirn," told Maganus truthfully.
"You've encountered another alien race before us? What were they…" asked Valern curious as he was suddenly and rudely interrupted by Spartanus.
"How is that even possible, how can six races all come from the same planet," asked Spartanus unable to believe such a thing.
"Please councillors; we have no reasons to be deceit of our origins. The peace treaty is what our current energy should be directed at, but if you really wish to know, magic and outside forces," answered Maganus.
"What do you mean by magic and outside forces," asked Spartanus curious, but he still maintained a great level of distrust towards them. After all, they did killed General Desolas, countless turian soldiers and ships and he suspected they had something to do with the recent events on Vallum.
"We'll get to that later. Right now we need focus on our demands," replied General Mary in a sturdy and perhaps much unneeded intimidating tone.
"You're joking, right? You are seriously making demands right now," replied Spartanus angrily.
"Do I have to remind you that your only other option is war? A war in which the only way you could win is to give up everything." threatened Muan-El in a passive and casual manner. The Emperor waited for a few seconds to see if the councillors to say. "No, nobody," he asked glancing at the council, he at least expected Spartanus to speak up considering his rather tasteless first impression. "Alright then, I'll begin our demands. One: both side much pay for the damages they have caused."
"That seems fair. You'll pay for the destruction of Desolas' fleet and the riot damages in vallum; which is about ninety million credits," replied Spartanus calmly satisfied with the deal.
"Spartanus, we have no evidence that suggests the recent mass panics caused in Vallum are related to them," replied Valern.
Maganus grinned in pleasure; he had originally expected the council to immediately realize their involvement. Looks things were going better then expected.
"You mean the insanity bomb," asked General Mary stupidly revealing one of their most powerful weapons to an unknown force.
'Gods,' he thought frustrated. Everything had been going so well until the General's over plump morality kicked in. Even the Emperor was frustrated with General Mary's harmful blurting.
"You actually have a bomb that makes people go insane? How did you even manage to get past the colonies defences," asked Tevos in sheer shock. She could not help, but feel a sense of dread at such a powerful and dangerous psychological weapon.
"It was teleported," informed Muan-El.
"So you admit you were the cause of the mass insanities in Vallum," said Spartanus angrily, but satisfied at having the newcomers confess to their crimes.
Maganus analyzed each councillor's facial expression thoroughly. He could easily spot the Salarian's and asari's sense of fear and desperation to fix the problem. The turian however proved to be more of a challenge; through, the Archmage could pick high signs of aggression towards them. After the brief analyse, the archmage reached a conclusion, it would be in their best interests of General Williams took the blame; the eraser protocol and dummy-man protocol will make sure no loose ends were left uncut. All of it occurred in only thirty-four nanoseconds.
"We admit we had some involvement with the events in Vallum, but it's more indirect then direct. The real culprit is General Williams, bit of an extremist if you ask me. Originally, we planned to just drop an E.M.P. Unfortunately General Williams somehow managed to swap the E.M.P with an insanity bomb; we are currently investigating if the pilot or anyone else was involved in it. Right now General Williams had been placed under arrest. It was our carelessness that caused the recent events to transpire; although, Williams was very well respected and trusted. It would have been impossible to predict his actions," he lied calmly with a fake expression of truthfulness across his face.
His fellow Supremes took no action to reveal the truth. Even through they didn't wish to use the poor General as bait, it was in their best interest to keep the people's trust. After all, the insanity bomb was considered by the most part a terrorist weapon.
"Good to know that action is being taken. Head of advice keep a closer eye on your personal," replied Spartanus satisfied that justice was being dealt.
"Alright, let us get back to peace treaty, we've already valuable time just being here," replied General Mary slightly impatient, just wishing to be over with the treaty so everyone could be at peace. She did little to think if were words would be misread.
Spartanus' mandibles twitch in anger, this army lady had just disrespected the council, perhaps even the citadel itself. Fortunately, he was smart enough not to start an unneeded argument. "Yes, we should get back on track. You'll pay ninety million credits and we'll pay…." He asked calmly, but accidently letting a few drips of anger to seep through; it went unnoticed or ignored by everyone.
"…one million septims or six-hundred million credits in your case," finished Muan-El.
"Six-hundred million credits," exclaimed the turian councillor in shock. He glanced down and scratched the back of his feeling slightly uncomfortable of the demand. "Sigh. Fine, the turian hierarchy will pay for the damages," he said regretfully. "What is your next demand," he asked with his mandibles flaring out displaying his detest.
"Two. The Empire will not be doing trading any of our technology or magical items of any kind; we will make sure of that," told Muan-El with a commanding tone.
Valern frowned in disappointed, he did not knew how well the Empire's shipping security was, but it certainly made it more difficult to analyze their technology. "What about medical technology," he asked curious.
"Of course, medicine saves lives. We will be glad to send you shipments of vaccines, medicine and cures for any of our native diseases," replied Muan-El much to the gratitude of the salarian councillor. "Gods, knew what will happen if I or any other argonian accidently sneezed on somebody. It could wipe out an entire city," he murmured to himself.
"What did you say? Was it something about how if argonian sneezed on somebody it could wipe out an entire city," asked Tevos calmly, but angrily having overheard the argonian. She still had some of her strong hearing back when she used to be a spectre. She could only imagine how the Emperor will do if he decided to get involved with the quarians. She couldn't help, but think of how much of a disaster it would be for them.
"Don't worry; we all took necessary percussions to make sure nobody got infected as soon as we step onboard," replied Muan-El to the relief of the Councillors. Still, they couldn't help, but to feel a sense of nervousness at having a species teeming with some many unknown diseases on the citadel. It was a good thing nobody coughed yet.
*COUGH* Valern and Spartanus glanced over at Tevos nervous feeling that something might have spread. "Shit," she murmured to herself slightly nervous looking at Spartanus and Valern. She then looked back at the Emperor. "Are any of your diseases airborne?"
"There is no need to worry like we said earlier; we've covered with chemicals to prevent infection," replied Muan-El in a calm and kind tone not wanting a cough to ruin everything.
"That is good to hear, I almost thought we hold have to place an entire arm under quarantine," she replied glad.
"Three. Any Daedric, Aedra or Dwemer artefacts are to be sent immediately to the Empire if they are discovered on other planets by some chance. We will send you info on the general appearance of each group. As a token of our gratitude we will do the same if we encounter any prothean artefacts."
"That seems fair," replied Valern pleased. "How advanced are the Daedra, Aedra and Dwemer by the way," he asked curious.
"Please. Trying to figure out how advanced a nation that is so drastically different from you on every scale, that it would be like judging a poet based on his painting skills. But if I must make it simple; the daedra and Aedra have no technology of their own, but they are gods in terms of magical prowess. The Dwemer may not be as advanced as us, but they contain multiple archives of ancient knowledge and inventions that could certainly be used," told the Archmage. A sudden reminder popped into his head. "Oh, and if you find any elder scrolls it would be wise if you bring them to the Empire; there far too dangerous."
"What's an elder scroll and what makes them so dangerous," asked Tevos curious to how a simple scroll could be so deadly.
"We don't who made them, where they come from, where or how many they are. But I'll tell you this; they are scrolls that have both past and future experiences of people involved with significant events or secrets; sight, hearing, taste, feeling, smells, emotions and thoughts too. What makes them so dangerous is that anyone with a weak mind who reads them will go insane and blind after one or several attempts at reading," he informed much to the disbelief of the council.
"That's impossible, how can a scroll contain knowledge about the future; time isn't predetermined," replied Spartanus in disbelief.
"Magic and you are correct time isn't predetermined, it's random save for fix points in time. Let me just go on with our next demand, I don't want to be here all day talking about the space time continuum," joked Maganus badly, even he didn't laugh at his own joke, but to be fair; the Archmage doesn't laugh ever unless needed. "Four. All citadel races are to be disallowed at joining any schools of magic or buy books to learn magic."
Tevos grinned angrily; she found there demand to be very ignorant, disrespectful and untrusting of the all citadel races. "It sounds like to me that you don't trust us with magic," she asked calm and angry.
"To be honest with you councillors, no we don't trust any of you with magic. Imagine if you gave everyone the chance to have the power of a god, but be as vulnerable as any other mortal; can you see how dangerous it would be," replied Muan-El trying to show them the dangers of them having magic.
"That seems rather ignorant to say about people, why do you think we won't be as responsible as you with magic," asked Tevos feeling offended by the demands if the reasons behind them are reasonable. Even though she didn't believe magic, the demand was certainly leaning towards belief. Even Valern and Spartanus showed some sign of interest towards magic.
"Please councillors, you must look at it from our perspectives. We had the knowledge and power to do magic since our very existence and even then some people don't try to learn to become a mage. Why you on the other hand have just learnt of magic and still haven't seen it done in person," replied Maganus in calm and friendly tone trying to make the explanation clear and reasonable as possible. "Through, I doubt anyone of you could perform magic considering that it is basically confirmed that it had been absent from you during the entirety of your existence. Still, one can never be too careful."
"Humph," murmured Spartanus angrily. "What is your next demand?"
"Our final demand is that no military citadel ships enter into our territories and we the Empire will do the same. Before this meeting is adjourned; do you have an objections or demands of your own?"
"No, but most of the demands will be overturned once you join the citadel," demanded Tevos in a calm and friendly, but commanding tone.
"Whoa, Whoa, hang on there for one moment. Who said anything about joining the citadel," asked General Mary upset about the sudden abrupt demand. "Don't expect us to-" She was interrupted by the Emperor midway through sentence.
"What are the benefits of joining the citadel," he asked curious seeing it as a perfect opportunity to bridge a peaceful relationship between the two.
"All citadel races must limit their total fleet size to sixty, while council races to eighty. All resources must be-" She was interrupted by the sound of her omni-tool beeping signalling an emergency. "Pardon me; this will only take a second."
An image of Executor Pallin appeared up on screen. "Councillor Tevos, we have a slight problem on our hands," he replied nervously scratching the back of his head.
"What is it? Can't you see were in an important meeting? Just what kind of problem is there," she asked displeased at having the treaty to be interrupted. She was starting to wonder if the young executor was cut out for the job.
"There's a firefight going on between C-sec and the new aliens versus eighty blood packs going on in the wards; it involves zombies, lightning, fire and ice," he replied much to the disbelief of the asari councillor.
"Did you say zombies," asked Tevos surprised.
"Have they bitten anyone yet," asked Valern having overheard them. Tevos looked over at Valern slightly curious. "What. I watch vids from time to time," he replied looking over at his fellow councillors.
"No, they haven't bitten anyone yet," replied Pallin much to the relief of the salarian councillor.
Tevos glanced over angrily at the Supremes. "I'm sorry, but we are going have to stop the treaty for now. There's a problem going on in the wards that requires your attention Emperor Muan-El. C-sec and your guards versus a pack of mercs," she told angrily.
Muan-El groined frustrated under his breath. 'Gods, this isn't turning out well,' he thought frustrated wondering just how exactly their guards got involved in a gunfight in the first place. "I'm sorry councillors; I never expected this kind of thing to happen. Just tell me where they are," he demanded; angry at his guards for being involved in such a mess. "We'll continue the treaty on our flagship the Vasharoda once this whole mess is over," he informed as he walked out of the council chambers along with General Mary and Archmage Maganus to fix whatever problems there guards may have caused.
The councillors and executor meanwhile worked on rounding up C-sec officers to deal with the Mercs. They were starting to lose the little trust they had gained for the Empire.
Author's notice: Sorry, no Codex for this chapter. I'm going to have to confess to something, I'm just writing it as I go, I don't really have a plan at all for the story. I just take it wherever I feel it would be best.