Halo New galaxy Ch4 Let diplomacy prevail
27th June 2157 CE
Inner Council space, Citadel, Presidium
Garrus Vakarian watched the building housing embassies. It made him glad not to be stationed up there. So much diplomatic crap. No, this was where he would much rather be. He couldn't stand the political gameshow.
He strolled onward casually. A pair of Turian security officers was involved in a situation with a Volus and a Quarian. The Volus-from what Garrus heard-accused her of stealing from him. Off course the male Quarian protested and claimed he was innocent. Well that was something new, somebody claiming innocence. He wasn't sure if he'd had a case where someone actually confessed on the spot. As he kept studying the scene the Quarian offered to be searched by the C-sec officers, which found nothing, proving the Volus male's accusations to be baseless. That was nothing new either. That someone brought baseless accusations against a Quarian cause he or she was nearby at the time.
His eyes wandered to a pretty Turian female that was sitting on a bench and speaking with an equally pretty Asari. The Asari wore a beautiful dress while the Turian female sported a fancy coat.
Their conversation abruptly ended when three individual came into view. The new arrivals in the galaxy. Some of them anyway. Humans. Three of them specifically. Two of them wore their version of civilian clothing and the third had a black military uniform. He practically shouted spook. The three of them promenaded in the direction of the embassies.
Garrus wasn't sure what he thought of these strange new aliens. He knew they had come out of some kind of war recently, with some aliens from their part of the galaxy. He didn't know why they fought, for how long, casualties, the likes- but they would explain the looks he'd seen from them from when they arrived in and established their embassy two days ago. Not all of them off course, but especially the soldiers watched the Presidiums citizenry with glowing hatred. That hatred could be dangerous. If too many of these humans came here with grudges against anyone not humans, it could get messy real fast. He was just glad the Citadel had regulations against guns.
C-Sec was the only people allowed to have guns on the Citadel-apart from some special cases and circumstances-and a college of his had told him that the UNSC-as there military branch called themselves-protested heavily. They had no trust that C-Sec would protect their people. But he didn't take the insult personally. The first contact between them had been rough. With casualties on both sides. But more Turians than humans in the end.
He didn't think it was a good idea to have xenophobic soldiers walking around looking for a fight.
He peeked his hearing when his commlink went off.
"Fight in the embassy entrance, C-Sec backup required. Nearby officers respond," a male Turian voice called.
He got moving and hurried his ass towards the embassies. He ran passed the human trio. When he arrived in the entrance hall of the building housing the ambassadors it was easy to find the fight.
He looked over the involved. Two Turians in military armor and four human soldiers. ODSTs, if he remembered correctly from the report. A young Asari C-Sec officer was standing between them, trying desperately to keep them from beating each other up. He could see it on her that she was a rookie.
He quickly intervened and got up and into the middle of it.
"Alright let's settle down!" He raised his voice.
"I'm gonna make you regret saying that!" One of the Turians roared furiously at the humans.
"Fuck you!" A female ODST cried back.
"The way you assholes died on Shanxi, I could kill y'all in my sleep!" Another shot off.
He heard laughs from his comrades.
"I'll ki-"
"Don't finish that sentence!" Garrus interrupted the Turian with a warning.
He caught everyone's attention.
"Now…what's going on here?" He asked till however would answer.
One of the Turian soldiers was up for the challenge.
"That-" he started to almost yell angrily. A warning look from Garrus made him lower his voice. "Those aliens started this. Insulting our dead on their worthless planet."
That got one of the ODSTs off. He stepped forward and tried pushing passed Garrus.
"Say that to my face you fucking xeno bastard!" Garrus and his Asari College grabbed him and pushed him away.
He couldn't take any statements, figure out what happened or take individual statements without some backup to check on the other while he talked with them one at a time.
Garrus was relieved to see the elevator doors open and two Salarian officers hurry over to join them.
"Nice timing, Seyho," he said, nodding emphatically to one of them.
The Salarian nodded back.
Garrus turned back to the involved parties.
"Next man who goes for a punch gets arrested right on the spot. He can explain his version from a cell," he warned all of them.
He then gave Seyho room to jump in. He was a senior officer after all.
"Now gentlemen, let's remember where we are," Seyho suggested. "This is what is going to happen here now. First, we take a statement from each and every one of you. Then we will give you all a warning, next time, you get arrested and brought up on charges. After the warning, you can leave." He pointed to a Turian. "I will start with you."
Seyho looked the ODSTs in the eyes, each and every one of them, one at a time. He saw the anger and hatred filled up in their eyes. If he was a betting man, he would be he would have to arrest these four at a later date. He then looked at the Turians and shook his head. Both were First Lieutenants. They would be above fighting like this.
He turned his attention to a pair of humans arriving. One of them an ODST and the other the human ambassador. The ODST stopped between Garrus and an ODST officer involved.
"What happened, Lieutenant?" He asked Seyani.
"A light fight," he read his rank. "Lt. Colonel. We're taking statements." He gestured for the Asari and his Salarian comrade to begin.
The Dark skin Lieutenant Colonel turned to the ODST officer angrily.
"What the hell were you thinking Major?" He hissed. "You are an officer for god sake! You're expected to be smart enough to avoid starting fights."
"Colonel Shepard," the major began to explain.
But Shepard wasn't having it. He waved him off.
"Tell them," he pointed specifically at Garrus. "Otherwise shut it. I'll deal with you later."
The human ambassador, dressed in a white costume with a dark blue color stepped over to Lieutenant Seyho.
"Excuse me, Lieutenant," he said curtly. "But may I exchange a few words with you?"
Seyho turned to the human and nodded politely.
"Off course Ambassador Udina," he affirmed.
They walked to the side together to talk.
While the other two officers was taking the involved statements Garrus turned to the Colonel.
"I am sorry about this incident Officer…" Shepard started.
"Vakarian, Garrus Vakarian," Garrus said and offered his hand.
The dark skin colonel accepted the handshake without hesitation.
"…Vakarian. I apologize about Major Hathaway. He's a good man and a damn good soldier."
"Well," Garrus said emphatically. "It isn't like it's the first fight the embassy has ever seen. Occasionally an ambassador has been known to punch another. Or being punched by someone on eh, lesser status, let's say."
Shepard couldn't help but to smirk at that. He glanced at Ambassador Udina. "I know the feeling on the latter," he admitted. "I'm not much for politics."
"Neither am I," Garrus said. If you don't mind, I didn't catch your name Lt. Colonel."
"John Shepard, ODST, 29th "Sky Hopper" Battalion," he introduced himself.
Garrus arched his eyebrows.
"Oh, Battalion CO, is it. Impressive. I don't know about human age and ranking but you look pretty young for a Battalion CO," he said as politely as he could.
Shepard snickered slightly and looked a bit proud.
"I am actually, for a Lt. Colonel am rather young. But we needed officers at the end of the war so I got flung up from Major when our CO was killed in action," he explained shortly.
Garrus nodded slowly. "I'm sorry. Heard your people were in a war recently."
It was Shepard's turn to nod. He sighed. "Almost thirty years. Billions dead in pointless slaughter. The Covenant bastards tried to wipe us out. There were the first aliens we ever made contact with."
Garrus was visibly shocked by the number of dead. That definitely explained why the soldiers hated aliens. Since their first contact ended in a bloodbath of billions it explained why the UEG and UNSC especially had a deep rooted hatred for any aliens. Strangely enough the Colonel seemed to have an open mind, even though he was both into a life of war. He looked about the early thirties mark, which would mean he was around three or six when the war broke out. Only thing he ever knew was war, and aliens that hated them enough to want to destroy them.
And then they discovered a Relay and a Turian patrol came across them and attacked. With activating a Mass Relay being illegal and all. Pushing them back and occupying one of their planets. His people were probably lucky that the Council intervened to stop the war before it took any more lives. Probably more Turian and humans given their difference in technology and the fact humanity was fully ready and on a war footing already.
"I'm sorry," he said sympathetically. He leaned closer. "Look, no matter how clean this place looks, it's got a history of its own. A bloody one. Two bloody wars in fact."
Shepard shifted his footing and crossed his arms.
"How long?"
Garrus gestured with his hands. "Mind you this was almost two thousand years ago. The Rachni Wars lasted for for almost three centuries."
Shepard whistled.
"Then we had the Krogan Rebellions, but…" he looked around. "Why don't we get together some other time? I should probably get back to it."
Shepard nodded and smile.
"That goes for both of us Vakarian. I've got some chatting to do with my Battalion XO." Garrus realized he meant Major Hathaway. He hoped the UNSC wasn't planning on bringing the whole damn Battalion here unarmed. As if knowing what he thought, Shepard said, "Don't worry we're not bringing in any more soldiers. My Battalion's on Rio. Recuperating and restocking on supplies until we get back there. Command wanted some UNSC soldiers as security but…honestly, I think C-Sec would do better without us."
"Well, as long as your men follow the rules, you can bring as many ODSTs as you wish." He shook hands with Shepard again. "I'll catch you later Colonel."
Later Donnel Udina had returned to his office. It wasn't too bad actually. A nice desk, large surfaces, bookshelves for his collection and a nice view over the Presidium. It was a heck of a lot nicer than his own office back on Earth, as a member of the UEGs civilian assembly. His apartment here was lavish and large. Fitting for his status as humanities ambassador. The view from there was also amazing. Including a large bedroom, own bar, room for a large library of his own, common room, wine storage and the likes.
With a beep from the door it opened and his young Asari secretary entered. His original secretary had been delayed after getting sick. With her not expected to show up for at least two weeks, he played the diplomat and talked with the embassy staff for some good options. Today was her first day.
"Excuse me ambassador, Brigadier General Hessen is here to see you, though he doesn't have an appointment."
"That's okay Meila, let him in," Udina said.
"Yes ambassador," Meila said.
She disappeared out the doorway and a man, 1.6 meters in height walked in with decisive steps. The secretary closed the door behind him, leaving them alone.
Udina left his bookshelves and walked over to shake his hand. The Brigadier General accepted the ambassador's hand with a broad smile.
"So, this is where they're keeping you, Donnel," he said with a strong, hard voice.
"Somebody had to take the job," Udina answered simply. "Made since for it to be me. Just like it made since for you to that that logistical position under Lieutenant General Montgomery."
Hessen tensed up slightly in disagreement.
"I don't know about that," he said.
Udina turned towards the window in his office. "You're logistical wizarding saved many lives."
Hessen huffed. "Nobody remembers the logistical officer. Be he a genius or not."
He joined Udina by the window. The Ambassador chuckled lightly.
"Perhaps not, Ronald, but. Nobody fought for the fame. It was all about survival of of the human race," he said.
"Still is," Hessen added.
Udina waved that away dismissively.
"No, no," he disagreed. "The war is over Ronald. We have survived and prevailed. Now…" he raised a finger into the air and looked at the Marine General. "…we must look to the future. And that future is here."
"Do you really believe that?" Hessen asked dimly.
Udina nodded adamantly. "I do. We have obliterated the Covenant, scattered their remnants across what used to be known space, made peace-even allies-with the Sangheili. The Assembly considered a trade offer from a Jackal Merchant group on Eayn." He turned to face Hessen fully. "It is time to accept that not all aliens are devils hell-bent on our destruction."
"Not long ago you thought that too," Ronald snorted.
Udina nodded and grasped his hand together behind his back.
"I did," he fully admitted. "But times change. In February this very same year we encountered the Turians, yes the xeno-eh, err aliens I mean attacked us but in April we met the Asari and Salarians, and a whole new galaxy opens up to us. Now I am the elected human Ambassador by the United Earth Government. In that position, I cannot afford to alienate the Citadel races. Antagonizing them will lose us their support against Covenant splinter factions rising and the potential of trade."
Hessen crossed his arm hard across the chest and weight on his feet.
"Human strength brought us through the war, it will bring us through this conflict too," he spoke with confidence.
Udina sighed.
"This isn't a question of willpower Ronald. But does so many young boys and girls have to die fighting our old enemies? Why not begin working on a possible alliance. Can you imagine UNSC and Turian troops storming Jul Mdama's entrenched positions to help Arbiter Vadam claim all of Sanghelios?"
"No."
Udina sighed and walked over to his liquor cabinet.
"What do you prefer?" he asked in a more casual tone.
"I'll take whisky," Hessen gave a simple and to Udina-expected answer.
"You don't want anything more exotic?" He offered, though knowing the General he'd decline pretty quickly.
"Such as?" Hessen stepped closer, stopping by Udina's desk.
"Serrice Ice Brandy." Udina brought out a bottle and two glasses. "Expensive stuff."
Hessen furrowed his brow.
"Some xeno brandy? No thank you."
Udina got out a bottle of whisky and poured it into a glass. Then he poured himself a glass of Serrice Ice Brandy.
"Suit yourself." He handed Hessen his glass. The general corrected his small glasses before accepting it. He smutted it before bringing all of it down at once. Udina was gentler with his drink. "It is actually pretty good. Since human food and drink doesn't actually exist out here, I'm making do with the local liquor and food. Off course I've only been here for two days."
"I couldn't drink some alien fungoid juice," Hessen stated flatly.
Udina sighed.
Hessen looked out the large window again.
"I've been thinking of retiring," he explained.
Udina frowned.
"You? Retire?"
Hessen nodded.
Udina finished his Brandy and put the glass down on his desk. He then put a firm hand on Hessen's shoulder.
"The UNSC needs people like you Ronald," he said sincerely.
Hessen looked at him over his shoulder.
"I thought you believed the future to be alien friendly," he said dryly.
"I do," Udina confirmed. "But you're a veteran from the greatest war in human history. We need people like you in the military. Not newbies that didn't lift a finger during the war. Not people like Councilor Eric Harrison." He snorted at the mention of the name.
Hessen put his glass down on Udina's desk.
"Well, I haven't made up my mind yet. But I am one year away from sixty-five. The 4th Marine Expeditionary Force still needs a logistical officer. Those men and women are my family. I'm not doing anything until I know who would replace me." He looked at Udina. "I've come across rumors that Montgomery is retiring."
Udina arched his eyebrows with interest.
"Anthony is retiring?" He inquired.
"Only rumors, for now."
"Well, the man is seventy-eight. How much longer can he run the 4th anyway?" Udina questioned. "You've been a part of the Expeditionary Force since you graduated the training grounds on Mars when you were eighteen."
That caused Hessen to laugh.
"Damn," he laughed. "I'm really old, aren't I?"
Udina smirked. "Aren't we all Ronald?"
"It's been a good run. Marine all my life. I can't imagine Montgomery's post going to anyone but me. I have the experience and those are my boys and girls fighting out there. I'm not gonna let some upshot newbie officer take over. If it doesn't fall to me, I'm going to fight to ensure they get a good man in command."
Hessen clapped his firm hands together. "I have to go Donnel, but it was good to see you. We'll do it again soon."
"I will keep some Serrice Ice Brandy stashed away in case you change your mind then," Udina offered with a smirk.
"Don't keep your hopes up," was Hessen's last sentence before walking out the door.
27th June 2554
Attican Traverse, Mining colony of Gadd orbit
Colonial Administrative building
Kaaldrumee was pacing back and forth as he read the engineering teams report. They only had the DDS class Carrier left for repairs. It had been started but it would take around two weeks. Without any Huragok everything took longer. It made Kaaldrumee partially longing for the easy days of the middle years of the war, before his faith crumbled. Before most other Sangheili's did, to add in. they always had Huragok's on board to repair after and during battles with the humans.
He raised his head when Revazum entered the room. He clicked his mandibles.
"Give me good news Orn, that's an order," he said.
"I'm afraid I must disobey, Arbiter," Revazum said apologetically.
Kaaldrumee sighed. "Let's hear it."
Revazum handed him a datapad.
"Here."
It was the report from the bomb that detonated two hours ago. It was the third since they arrived. Somebody was working hard against them. The first time three Unggoy and a Kig-yar had died. He gave the Turian colonists a stern warning, hoping the responsible would cease the activity. The second time he lost two Sangheili and five Unggoy. Two Turian civilians was wounded and a small child died. Whoever was responsible, he or they thought little enough to sacrifice their peers to kill his men. The little Turian boy had been eight years old. He had Revazum round of twenty random civilians and force their loved ones to flog them. If they didn't, his Sangheili would.
He read through the now third bombing. The first two had been aircar. This one was am airtruck with fuel. It had been placed in the main square. A gathering point for the locals. Twelve Unggoy was dead, four wounded, five Kig-yar, ten wounded and six Sangheili was dead with an additional eight wounded. Since the square was a Turian gathering point for daily business and to meet friends. There were a significant number of dead locals. Twenty-five dead and forty-eight wounded. The numbers including females and children.
"Governor Baldrick send a broadcast to the town folk," Revazum explained. Kaaldrumee nodded. He had heard it. "Pleading with the bomber to stop before he takes more innocent Turian lives. What is more surprising, the local law enforcement officers offered to talk to their peers and help track down the bomber."
"That isn't so surprising," Kaaldrumee claimed. "Their families and friends are all at stake. Since the guilty doesn't care how many Turians he murders when killing our men, they are all at risk of dying." He threw the report away. "Increase patrols and have the Governor broadcast that no one will be allowed outside after seven PM, local time."
Revazum nodded.
Kaaldrumee felt lucky that Gadd was such a minor colony, and on the far reaches of Hierarchy space. It meant that no one had been here to check on the colony yet. If they were really lucky, they wouldn't be discovered until they had left the the Turians communicated with their government. By then it would obviously be too late. Then they had to consider their next move.
27th June 2554
Mars, small city of Gravelcreek
Local bar
Major William Kent drowned his ten or eleventh drink of the evening. He was drunk, tired and if his hair was any indication, he was a mess. He had tried getting laid for almost every woman that walked through the door but without success. The tense ODST officer was on his last day of permission. He was going back into it soon. His Company would leave Mars and deploy to an Elite colony on some peacekeeping. Fucking peacekeeping on an Elite planet? If that didn't take the kick…the Elites may be their allies, but he wasn't going to forget all the teammates he had lost since joining the UNSC ten years ago. No sir!
He'd never forget how his Platoon was ambushed by the Elite assholes. They had marched along with forty-seven guys after losing one to a sniper a few days prior. The Elites came out of the woodwork with energy swords and gutted them, or shooting them down at point blank range. Out of forty-seven men, William was the only one to make it out, but only cause they thought he was dead. Forty-seven ODSTs and they only managed to kill five Elites in the ambush. Everything went so fucking fast!
"Sorry buddy," the bartender said. "But I'm cutting ya off. You've had quite enough, aye."
William grumbled to himself and staggered out of the bar.
And now these new xenos rolling in and doesn't fight. Well, a little. And the UEG believed in the whole 'peaceful xenos' bullshit. This would never have happened under military rule. Giving back power to the civvies was the worst mistake Lord Hood and his folk ever did.
Not too far away an attractive woman watched him. She reached for her earpiece.
"How you made contact Operative Lawson?" Jack Harper asked.
"No. He's drunk and in no state to talk," she explained.
"I see," Harper said mindfully. "Wait and watch for now. But I need you to reach him sooner rather than later."
"Understood."