Alternate Past: Uncertain Future Mk. II

Chapter 24

Shadow War: Realpolitik

"The political battlefield is just as, and sometimes more so, important than the actual battlefield. For if you can not gain, or maintain your own allies, or deny allies to the enemy, you will quickly find yourself besieged from without, and then within."

-Lord Hood, on the topic of his new found political power.

Over a hundred rebels had died keeping Hegemony forces too confused and distracted to send reinforcements to the Castle Facility during the Spartan assault on the Castle. Yet the mood at the primary rebel camp (which at this point was a house owned by slavers that they had recently killed) remained upbeat. For what they had accomplished made it all worthwhile.

The Rebellion had broken into one of the Hegemony's most heavily guarded facilities, slaughtered some of their best scientists, denied the regime advanced alien technology, AND lived to tell about it. The sort of thing official government propaganda had always assured its people was impossible.

In short, they had utterly broken the gilded image of an unbreakable Hegemony that would stand forever.

The brutal batarian Hegemony had oppressed its people for centuries, residing like an eternal and immovable monster in the imaginations of the people it ruled through fear. But this victory had forever dispelled the Hegemony's aura of invincibility (at least amongst the rebels). And they had the Spartans to thank for it.

Were it not for the human super-soldiers, whose actions were changing the opinions of all within the Rebellion, even those who adamantly believed that the entire race was nothing but immoral monsters, there was very little doubt this entire movement would already be dead. Not even a footnote in the Hegemony's long history.

Now, they were gaining the reputation that they had among their fellow man during the Great War: of an immortal, near invulnerable race of warrior-gods. And for many, with them at their side, it seemed as though the Rebellion was already won.

Of course John Doe knew differently. He was troubled that all the other Spartans who had gone into the Castle had been seriously wounded (to the point that most of them were being shipped back to UNSC territory for treatment). It showed that this would not be an easy war, even for Spartans. Along with creeping doubts about the Spartan-IV program. He had come out virtually unscathed, so what did that say for the others?

He had also kept the knowledge that his Spartans had been so wounded away from the other Rebels. The only ones who knew the truth were Jella and her lover. Now he understood why ONI Section II had mandated that all Spartan-II casualties, be listed as Missing in Action(MIA) or Wounded in Action(WIA), but never Killed in Action(KIA).

And he could not deny, their reactions at the news had been somewhat odd.

Jella had been genuinely surprised. She had seen John and the others in action before, albeit limited. When they, or at least John and the one as tall as him, were moving, they became little more than blurs. And if you were their enemy, well it was a forgone conclusion.

But it didn't truly shock her. Jella was an incredibly pragmatic person, so she had never bought into the idea of an 'immortal warrior-race'. Even one artificially produced.

Her lover Cara, outwardly was equally surprised. Unlike Jella, she had bought into the notion of the Spartans being 'immortal' and 'invincible'. For the rest of the Rebels, it was a comforting thought. For her though, it was a terrifying notion. Because even though the asari maiden hated the Hegemony and thought it should be brought down, she couldn't forget that the humans were doing it weaken the Citadel Council.

'And what would they do once the Hegemony is brought down?' Cara uneasily wondered.

So when she had been told of the Spartans' grievous wounds, she was secretly happy. Not that she bore the individual Spartans any ill will, but considering the fact that she strongly suspected they would be used against her own people again, it was reassuring to know that they could die. Though the maiden tried to keep her feelings from showing.

John was never aware that Cara felt that way. Instead he was planning his next move. With those Spartans sent back home, home being Reach, it meant he need replacements. Kelly had been sent home as well. Thanks to a Black-cat Subprowler they had left behind for something like this.

He couldn't just call for more S-IVs, their last engagement just proved that they wouldn't be enough. Perhaps the S-IIIs or- "John, you awake?" The Spartan rose from the bed to see Cara at the door, a look of worry and trepidation etched on her face.

"Of course...what is it Cara?" the Spartan asked calmly. In truth, he was actually a bit surprised it was Cara of all people who checked on him, considering her opinions on humans. Still, it was a good sign he supposed.

"I...I was surfing the extranet with my omni-tool to see if anybody was reported anything on our attack on the Castle facility and I saw...something" Cara said hesitantly.

John was becoming genuinely concerned at this point. The only time he had seen Cara this nervous was when she had tried pulling a gun on him. What could unnerve somebody who regularly shared memories with Jella so?

At the unanswered question, Cara tapped her omnitool, John's lighting up soon after. Opening the message, it sent him straight to a video. No, not a video but a live feed. Showing a batarian male in full dress uniform standing next what was obviously a reporter.

"High Admiral Korra, you are known for avoiding the public eye. So much so that few outside of high ranking military and government positions ever see you face to face. Why the change now?"

"Well, the answer is indeed quite simple:" Datak began, smiling to the reporter. "With the increasing activities of these terrorists within our own borders, I thought it be best if I were to assure the fair and righteous people of the Hegemony that they have nothing to fear."

"And what of these reports of humans being involved?" The reporter questioned, though to John this starting to seem like it was almost rehearsed, "We've all heard of evidence of human involvement. Including those like the ones who had kidnapped the Citadel Council several years ago."

"My dear, while that is true. We certainly have nothing to fear. These 'Spartans' as those troopers were called, are nothing when compared to the might of the Hegemony military. Or even it's paramilitary."

"But what of the rumors that one of these, as you call them, 'Spartans' had attacked a military base and caused considerable casualties?" the batarian female asked.

"Those rumors are highly exaggerated. If you do not believe me, I have the footage of the battle myself" Korra told the reporter.

The image abruptly changed to a scene from the battle yesterday. Showing Palmer recklessly charging the hulking Xero mech only to get knocked down. Screaming in agony as the powerful machine crushed her leg under its bulk. Then the image switched back to high admiral Datak Korra.

"Unfortunately that cowardly terrorist was able to crawl away before the authorities could capture her but not all of her comrades have been so fortunate" Korra said smoothly.

Then the image changed to show a Spartan recklessly taunting a batarian gunship. Arrogantly assuming it could do nothing to hurt him. Realizing at the last moment that the vehicle itself could become a weapon (if the pilot was angry and desperate enough) just become it smashed into and crushed him.

"As you can see, these 'Spartans' are not as terrifying or powerful as they initially appeared to be. I expect that many more of our fine soldiers will commit such a heroic action to bring down our enemies." Korra looked off camera, as though someone was signalling to him, and gave a curt nod. "Apologies, but I must cut this short. But before I go, I wish to reassure the people that soon, they will no longer have to worry about these terrorists and their actions will be little more than a memory." With that he stepped off camera, focusing back on the reporter.

But John Doe was no longer paying attention, his mind busy working through the implications of what he had just seen.

The paranoid and secretive Hegemony had just done what nobody involved in Operation Spartacus had predicted. In fact the sort of thing ONI analysts and planners had assumed couldn't happen. It had deliberately brought its conflict with the Spartans to the public eye.

Now the public in Council space (and soon New Covenant and UNSC space) knew that the Spartans were trying to overthrow the Hegemony. Perhaps more importantly, now they also knew that Spartans could die.

**APUFMKII**

The governing board for the Sons of Impera had been very busy lately. The humans just seemed so willing to give the hate group more and more ammunition for their propaganda machine. This latest news from the Hegemony in particular seemed like a gift from the gods to many members of the board as they gathered at their headquarters on Palaven for their daily meeting.

"All we have to do is remind people that the humans are trying to overthrow an Associate Race's government and they'll come flocking to us." Abrudas Acton, their head of PR predicted.

"And you're an idiot to even consider that!" The Chairman retorted before anyone could even express their agreements. "They may be trying to overthrow an Associate Race's standing government, but the moment people learn that it's the Hegemony they are trying to overthrow they'll be split between cheering for the humans or outright ignoring it. Especially any families with colonists, who've doubtlessly have lost some members to slavers."

"I think you're ignoring just how much of a game-changer the public seeing a Spartan die IS! people hate the Hegemony, but they also hate and fear humanity. And the batarians are showing that even the humans most powerful warriors CAN be killed by us." Acton shot back, upset that Pallin Jared had called her an idiot.

"I will not debate that point. What I am calling you out on, is your naive belief that this proof will suddenly bring all of the Associate Races under our fold." Pallin explained. "Tell me, just why do you think that people who have lost family members to slavers, probably hired or funded by the Hegemony, will suddenly start supporting that government?"

Acton honestly could not think of an answer to that question.

"Then what do you suggest Jared?" their treasurer, Treeya Nyxeris asked.

"More than we have been, that is for certain." For all their fervor and energy when their organization had first began, many if not most, who wanted public action, were now more content with simply influencing the public and perhaps playing with politics. Simply put, they have become lax in their efforts. "There is the option of supporting the Hegemony militarily, but I do not favor the political ramifications of such a decision."

Acton actually laughed at that. Jeering "if you're worried about the public hating the Hegemony too much to care about humanity stabbing the batarian nation in the back why the fuck would you think its a good idea to send our own people it fight the Hegemony?"

"Besides Jared were a political action group not a military or even paramilitary organization" Chazzik Jaroth, a salarian who was beginning to show his age protested.

"And therein you see my problem" the chairman said passionately.

While the Sons of Impera had risen from humble beginnings to become a vast organization with local branches throughout most of Citadel space, it still hadn't quite lived up to its founder's expectations. When Jared created the Sons he had dreams of using it to one day take on (and defeat) the humans directly. Instead he spent virtually all his time trying to influence public opinion and playing politics.

"Why would we even consider forming any sort of paramilitary?" Someone questioned, "Aside from the costs of creating and the legal matters, do we even have the capabilities of creating, let alone maintaining, one?"

"We actually have more than enough members with military training to form a decent sized militia." another board member pointed out.

Which wasn't that surprising when you thought about it. Although there were plenty of asari, salarians, and krogan in the Sons, there well still more turians in the group than any other species, and virtually all turians endured a period of military service (as they did their duty to Hierarchy). Providing the Sons with a relatively large and skilled labor pool to form their own paramilitary division.

"But is it worth the political backlash?" Treeya added. "I've been tracking the numbers, and funding has been dwindling. If it keeps up or gets worse, our options are going to become seriously limited."

For Treeya this covered both the professional and the personal. Unlike most of the board who been of relatively humble means when they joined (and had acquired wealth and prominence as the Sons star rose) she had already been wealthy, and had used her fortune to help build up the Sons. Moreover Treeya alienated all her remaining friends and family thanks to her association with the hate group. If the Sons fell, this once wealthy woman would be left with nothing.

"Well we can't just the humans run amok. Even if we can't be seen doing it publicly we can-"

"Well, what if we could do it publicly?" A quiet voice asked.

Everybody looked at Voldis Tartam in surprise. The old turian warrior hardly ever spoke during these meetings. In fact he had generally been very quiet ever since he had lost his whole family when Impera was destroyed. But they let him stay because having a genuine war hero (he had saved his entire unit during the Siege of Palaven) on the board was good for their PR. Besides, the chairman honestly respected him, because Jared had always wanted to be a great warrior when he was a child.

"We never have to get involved ourselves. Rather we can have, someone else act in our stead."

"What are you talking about, old man?" Jared asked, annoyed at how everybody on his own board seemed to be disagreeing with him.

"He's talking about mercenaries, right?" Acton guessed aloud.

"Not, necessarily. Though they are an option." Voldis began to explain. "Why not have a splinter faction? A supposed 'extremist' sect?"

"Oh...a deniable asset...like the Union and the STG right?" Treeya replied, warming up to the idea now that she knew what Voldis was talking about.

"To an extent, yes. They would still embody our political beliefs, however they would be far more militant than us obviously. Those who wish to act against the humans peacefully would join us, while those with more militant inclinations would join the splinter faction. Officially, we would probably disavow and separate ourselves from the group. When in reality, they are completely under our command."

"I want to do a study to see how feasible this is" the chairman ordered.

Although in reality he had already made up his mind to do as Voldis suggested. He simply brought up the study to end any further argument about it until the Sons were definitely committed. Looking at the beautiful treasurer as he thought of ways to ensure that this new project got the funding it needed.

**APUFMKII**

Over the centuries, the Batarian Hegemony had done many things to upset the Citadel Council. But this was perhaps the first time the Hegemony (which had reputation amongst the other Associate Races as untrustworthy) had done so by being too honest. A fact that Tevos, Valdn, Wrex, and Cicero brooded over as they awaited the arrival of the batarian ambassador (who they had summoned to appear before them).

As ambassador Jath'Amon entered the audience chamber, the batarian official appeared perfectly at ease. Despite the fact that he couldn't help but be aware of the fact that the Council was upset with the Hegemony. But perhaps that shouldn't have been surprising, after all, much like the government he represented, Jath'Amon was nothing if not arrogant.

"I'm guessing you know why you're here." Councilor Wrex growled down at the batarian.

"I assumed it had something to do with High Admiral Korra's recent public announcement." the ambassador replied cheerfully. In truth, the press release itself had been quite the shock to Jath as well, let alone the fact that the admiral had broadcasted it across the entirety of Citadel space and the Terminus systems.

"I should say so...the whole point of sending special forces to aid your own troops was so that the insurrection could be ended quickly and quietly." Valdn replied with unusual bluntness.

"Unfortunately that plan seems to be failing. Thus my government has been forced to take more radical measures." the ambassador stated coolly.

The Councilors all wanted to argue with Jath'Amon but couldn't. The asari commandos sent to the Hegemony had been virtually wiped out. So had the STG agents sent, and the krogan warriors. The turian special forces had fared better overall, but their leader Nyreen was still MIA and currently presumed KIA. And to add insult to injury, the special forces hadn't managed to get one confirmed kill against the Spartans.

"Demanding more from your neighbors at this point seems unwise ambassador." Tevos said as neutrally as she could.

"You are correct Councilor...my nation does need to reach out to its allies at this difficult time...which is why from this point forward the Batarian Hegemony is ceasing the importation of all slaves" Jath'Amon announced with a dramatic gesture.

The Councilors shared nervous looks, not at all assured by the way the ambassador had spoken. "And just how do you plan on fulfilling such a promise?" Wrex all but demanded. "Aside from your own people, I'm certain that the slavers will not be so willing to entertain such a promise."

"Once the turian fleet the Hierarchy promised FINALLY arrives in Hegemony space it can monitor activity to ensure that slaves are not being imported from outside the Hegemony...and of course any armies from our other allies could also assist in this effort." Jath'Amon replied smoothly. "And any slavers that you should find, well aside from us rejecting them, there is little else we can do."

"And should we find that there are still more slaves being 'imported'?" Tevos pressed.

"Then you can punish the guilty parties with the Hegemony's blessing...in fact we already preparing to look out for such behavior." the ambassador answered. "If you so wish, once your forces arrive, you may station them at auction houses for your own reassurance."

The Councilors all looked at one another. It seemed that (contrary to all experience and expectations) the Hegemony was serious about ending slave raids against its neighbors. Which was the source of most (but certainly not all) of the animosity the other Citadel Races felt towards the Hegemony. It was a truly radical move from the normally conservative and uncompromising batarian regime.

There was only one person in the Hegemony ready, willing, and able to bring about such a huge change in official policy.

High Admiral Datak Korra.

Cicero said what they were all thinking when he asked "how did Datak Korra convince that Senate of yours to ever do such a thing?...WE'VE been trying to get them to stop importing slaves for centuries!"

Valdn and Tevos were annoyed by the turian's undiplomatic (and in their view unprofessional) bluntness. Nevertheless, they still eagerly leaned forward to hear what the ambassador had to say.

"You are mistaken Councilor...the high admiral is just a military official...Senate and the President set official policy for the Hegemony" Jath'Amon replied stiffly, to which almost everybody in the room (including the Councilors many guards) simply rolled their eyes.

"Very well then." Valdn began. "While are gracious for such a...gift...should you actually maintain this promise of yours, perhaps once this insurrection has been extinguished, we can discuss other matters." The implications of those last few words were clear. Defeat the humans, and the Hegemony would have a chance at joining the Council.

"I understand completely Honored Councilors...of course it will be even easier to achieve this objective once your military aid arrives." Jath'Amon replied in a voice that was as sweet and smooth as an artificial dessert. Telling the Councilors in his own indirect way that actually stopping the importation of slaves was conditional on the Council Races active participation in ending the slave revolt.

"Though I must ask, Councilor Tevos, why are you not in person today?"

It was a legitimate question, as the Asari representative was attending remotely. Something highly out of character for any of the Councilors, but for her more so. In fact, this probably the first time that anyone, even some krogan and asari, saw her doing this.

"I'm afraid that is classified ambassador as it concerns the national security of the Asari Republics...but I can assure you that if my current mission is a success it will improve all our fortunes." Tevos replied with an enigmatic smile.

**APUFMKII**

Since the end of the Great War, and the following wars thereafter, there were attempts to try and foster feelings of, if not friendship, then camaraderie between humans and the Covenant races. Such attempts were usually centered around large scale projects. Terraforming, colonization, mining, etc.

Many of these projects falling through more often than not, thanks to animosity between the two factions. It was hard to throw away such feelings when working with those who tried for the better part of several decades to exterminate your entire species.

Though not all of these projects had failed. Enter the joint UNSC/New Covenant Space station, the Unyielding Oliphant. The first, and only of its kind. A massive space station dwarfed only by a CSO-Class supercarrier and High Charity, it was built with both human and Covenant engineering and designs. And quite possibly, the most heavily defended fortress in the stars, not including High Charity. Not including its already incredible firepower built in, there was a sizeable joint UNSC/New Covenant fleet safeguarding it.

Though the division between them was obvious, as the ships stayed with their own.

Inside the station it was more so. Aside from sections that catered to the special needs of some races, such as climate controlled areas for Kig-yar and Sangheili, and methane enriched areas for Unggoy, there were what were called 'zones' that only humans or Covenant races were present. As the station was staffed by both UNSC/UEG and New Covenant military.

Needless to say, this lead to some rather 'awkward', for lack of a better word, encounters. Though this was somewhat lessened as 'fresh blood', or those not tainted by the Great War, grew up and came to the station.

And, being located directly between UNSC and Covenant territories, it was a great place for military leaders with knowledge of it, to conduct private meetings. Away from any prying eyes. Which was why Lord Hood and the Arbiter had agreed to meet there.

"So," Hood poured himself a drink, an increasingly common act for him when dealing with politics, "Thel, I'm very grateful you decided to meet with me. I assume your ambassador passed on my message?"

"Yes but I am honestly not certain what point this meeting serves...I only agreed to come here out of respect for what you have done in the past." Thel replied coldly.

"Yes, and for that I am grateful." Hood admitted as he took his drink. "I'd offer you some, but I'm not entirely sure if your species could process it." Taking a few sips he continued, "I assume that you wish to know how the Office of Naval Intelligence managed to-"

"So thoroughly pull the cloak over your head, yes." Thel interrupted. "I had always believed that you permitted their actions, or at most, were unaware of the scale they were taking place."

"Like Denton said, I was utterly unaware of what Margaret was doing." Hood tried to explain. "ONI has always been operating with its own authority, even before the war between your kind and mine began. I only found out because they got sloppy." He finished the drink before looking at Thel in the eye. "Besides, I am not the only who, as you said, 'had the cloak pulled over my head'." Referring to the Heretics, and Jul's sleeper agents.

"True but the Office of Naval Intelligence is supposedly answerable to you." Thel retorted.

"That's unofficially." Hood explained. "Officially, she's her own boss until someone else is placed in charge of the UNSC, officially. We lost a lot of good people in the war, and I had to take their responsibilities, yes. But I didn't always receive their power."

"Do you not have people to watch over your internal affairs?"

"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?" When Thel signed that he didn't understand, Hood translated. "It's latin, for 'who watches the watchmen?'

"It was supposed to ONI, Section 0. But they've been made toothless from the war, and it's being a trying time to have them regain their power and resume their responsibilities."

"So you are telling me that you cannot control ONI." the Arbiter said heavily. Losing a little respect for Hood as he said the words. Because whatever the New Covenant's other faults, ambiguity over who was in charge was not one of them.

"That used to be the case, yes." Terrence admitted, "But not anymore. I've ordered her to cease all activity against you, and have taken steps to ensure that she follows those orders. She knows the consequences if she tries to cross me now."

"And when she inevitably defies you and we find ONI agents attempting to spawn strife and chaos in our Covenant?" Thel asked skeptically.

"Aside from you being free to do with them as you wish?" Terrence asked, getting a surprised nod in return. Thel had expected to argue for that right, not just to be handed to him so easily. "There are only two conditions: the first is that you keep it quiet. In so much that the civilian populaces of both our nations are left unawares. The second that is that I am notified of all agents. There will be some I wish to preserve, like Denton. He's ONI, but has no loyalty to Margaret."

"That is...acceptable." Thel replied slowly, trying to mask his surprise at winning such large concessions so quickly and easily.

The development made the Arbiter briefly contemplate demanding the head of Margaret Parangosky herself. But he was nearly certain that Lord Hood wouldn't and/or couldn't hand the head of ONI over. So he decided to move onto other matters.

"There have been news spreading from the Citadel Systems, through my people who are willing to try and make a life there." Thel began. "Of humans, even your De-Spartans being seen assisting in an insurrection within the Batarian Hegemony. I must ask, what reason is there for this? I do not, as so many do, believe that they are acting of their own accord." Thel looked at his human counterpart, "Another of ONI's schemes?"

"Honestly yes...Operation Spartacus is an ONI campaign to overthrow the slavocratic regime in the Batarian Hegemony and create a free, democratic, and friendly nation in its place...they began it without my knowledge or permission but at this point we are committed." Hood admitted.

"And what did the Hegemony do to provoke such aggression?" Thel asked coldly.

"Nothing...beyond being an murderous, xenophobic, warlike, and treacherous regime that would living on our borders that would inevitably clash with us" the admiral answered honestly.

"So, this is NOT an attempt to bring down a nation to take into your fold?" Thel demanded to know, it appearing to him as though ONI was still up to its old tricks (it had simply decided to pick on a target other than the New Covenant for the moment).

"I promise you, it is not."

Though Thel doubted the sincerity of Hood's words, or at least the true nature of ONI's plan, he could deny he approved on some level. In many ways, the values and practices of the Hegemony were sickening. Not just to him, but many of the Covenant. Were circumstances different, he would have been tempted to simply take a fleet to that territory and begin glassing worlds until the Hegemony as it was, had fallen.

Unfortunately, with the New Covenant in its current weakened state, human aggression towards its neighbors had to be discouraged as much as possible. Considering the state of relations between the New Covenant and humanity, any major UNSC gains at the expense of the Citadel Council could also be considered a loss for Thel's own people.

"While we are on the subject of the Citadel races," Hood started as he poured himself another drink. "I have heard from Denton that the quarians are working within your embassy now. Has something occurred?"

"Yes...the Quarians accidentally stumbled into our territory some time ago...we sympathized with a people who had been abandoned and betrayed by those they called allies" Thel stated with a sharp look at Hood. Then he continued in a calmer tone "and after they had proved themselves an asset we welcomed them into our Covenant."

"Well, that is interesting." Hood was really impressed. "I did not think that you would so willing to accept them. I assume that they have been made Covenant citizens in every sense of the word." Thel nodded. "I'll make sure when I get back that they are protected under the usual clauses."

"Yes, considering the discrimination that they faced within the Citadel system that will be a welcome change for them." Thel said thoughtfully.

"Since I've put all my cards on the table I don't suppose you could tell me anything about how you successfully integrated Mass Effect technology into your ships?" Lord Hood asked. Fairly certain that Quarian help was the answer to that question, but wanting to see how much the Arbiter would give him on this point.

"Perhaps, perhaps not." Thel answered cryptically. "Though it will not shame me to admit that they have gone above and beyond to prove themselve to us. It is actually, inspiring, their efforts."

Hood could figure out that Thel meant the Quarians. The admiral knew that the Arbiter was an forthright individual who respected honesty. So he decided to simply ask the alien leader.

"What would it take for you to share this technology with us."

"Margaret Parangosky's head and that of her chief followers as well as concrete proof that the Office of Naval Intelligence shall not attack us in the future." Thel replied. Deciding that such a bold question deserved an equally blunt answer.

Lord Hood simply nodded at that. Giving the Arbiter a brief but respectful farewell and then left. Because as much as he sometimes loathed the woman, he knew that he couldn't simply surrender Parangosky to the Covenant races. Her services during the Great War had earned her at least that much consideration.

**APUFMKII**

Thessia was one of the most heavily populated and urbanized planets in the galaxy. Yet there were still undeveloped and wild areas where nature's dominance was unchallenged. Areas that had been walled off and protected by the Powers That Be in order to preserve some of Thessia's wildlife and natural beauty. Or regions that were simply too harsh and inhospitable for settlement to be practical.

The Abbas Desert was perhaps the best example of this. It was a dry and arid region where only the most rugged of creatures could survive. A harsh wasteland that nobody had been crazy enough to try settling.

Except the Justicars.

An ancient fortress from the pre-Spaceflight era of the asari, the stone structure still standing tall and as intimidating as when it was first erected. Made to last, the inside was kept up to date to provide the Justicars with all the assets necessary to fulfill their self-appointed mission, while the walls remained as they had when first made.

As the closest thing they had to a holy structure, and as their headquarters, no outsiders were allowed to land their vessels within a hundred meters of the fortress. Any who wished to visit the Justicars were to walk the distance to the facility. This alone was enough to put off most asari from approaching.

Tevos clung tightly to her cloak in an effort to try to block the heat and the sand as she trekked to the facility. As did her small entourage of assistants. It would have taken mere minutes for Tevos and her people to have reached the fortress if they had taken one of the Councilor's personal vehicles. But everyone who wished to speaker to the senior Justicars had to approach on foot. There were no exceptions to this rule, not even for Citadel Councilors on urgent business.

As they made it to the front doors, four Justicars stood guard. Wearing the ceremonial armor associated with their sect within the Justicar Order: The Guardians. The history behind these four were well known to the asari. The Guardians were the Justicars who had accomplished whatever mission they had appointed themselves when joining the Justicars, and rather than to continue roving the galaxy, they stayed here as protectors.

Guarding the fortress, helping train prospective Justicars, and assisting their leader in whatever way she required. The sight of the Guardians showed that this was the heart of the Justicar Order, and for all her experience, sophistication, and cynicism (developed over centuries of participating in galactic politics) Councilor Tevos couldn't suppress a twinge of superstitious awe and dread as she approached their doorstep. Knowing that she was about to ask these legendary figures for something that went against their very Code.

'But I have no choice...without their aid our enemies and allies will make us give up on the peaceful society our foremothers worked so long and hard to develop' Tevos thought as she stood before the Guardians. Saying with as much solemnity (tired and sweaty as she was) as she could muster "I humbly ask for an audience with the eldest daughters of Athame."

The traditional Request was answered with the traditional Reply from the lead Guardian.

"Who are you to seek a meeting with the Justicars Eldest and Most Honored?"

"I am a leader of the people humbling asking for the blessing and aid of the Order." Tevos replied solemnly. Having memorized the proper response days ago. Hoping that they would not turn her away at the door (as the Justicars had to done to those they considered unworthy in the past).

But the Guardians simply nodded their heads in approval (pleased with her knowledge of the Old Ways). Saying in perfect unison "You may pass."

One of the Guardians led the Councilor and her entourage inside as the others stayed at their post. The interior of the fortress was filled with trophies, art, and relics from Thessia's early history. Before the asari had met the other races. Back when the daughters of Thessia were still violently divided, warlike, and (relatively) savage. A history the asari people in general had largely forgotten, and some liked to think never happened, but that the Justicars keenly remembered.

Not Tevos nor any in her entourage spoke as they passed the relics. It felt almost sacrilegious to break the silence that permeated the hall. A hall that was largely empty, Tevos silently remarked. Aside from those guarding the gates, she had seen only only a half dozen Justicars walking the Halls. All of them had paused for a moment to spare a glance at the Councilor before going about their business.

She had shuddered slightly when she had noticed them. Even in this calm environment, it felt like there was a weight on her soul and was being judged.

As a well educated and informed asari, Tevos was keenly aware of the influential role the Justicars had played in the formation of the Asari Republics (including clashes with what would one day become known as the STG when their people had first met the salarians). Moreover, even though the Justicar Order's influence had dwindled since the asari had expanded beyond Thessia and begun to mingle (often intimately) with the other races, Tevos knew that the Justicars still played a vital role in limiting corruption in asari society, and maintaining the status quo.

Despite the Order's desire to punish all injustice, the Order had neither the numbers nor the other resources to effectively police asari space (or even just Thessia itself). Instead the Justicars tended to target the most prominent and obviously evil people in asari space. So that anyone in the Asari Republics who moved too aggressively to gain power or influence risked the scrutiny (and potential wrath) of the Justicars.

And no Justicar's wrath was more feared than Matriarch Abene's. She had led the Order for longer than Tevos had been alive. Longer than any other asari had been alive. Leading the Justicars to victory against everyone who had openly opposed the Order. Ensuring that the Justicars vision of How Society Ought To Be remained a dominant one.

Something Tevos was all too aware of as she was led to Abene's inner sanctum. A large but spartan set of rooms in in the very heart of the fortress. With two more Guardians barring the path of Tevos and her people. Their guide leaving without a word (to go back to her post outside) as the Guardians by the door bluntly told Tevos. "Only you may enter."

One of her aids began to protest. "Ma'am! You can't be serious? We-" The young matron was hushed, not by the Justicar, but by Tevos.

"Silence Boyana. This is not the place for your vanity or pride." Tevos said with unusually harsh bluntness. Not wanting her aid to embarrass her. Her bodyguards in the group simply gave the Councilor meaningful looks. In response to which Tevos simply shook her head as she replied "I will be fine...the Justicars are honorable warriors and I have nothing to fear from them."

No one else thought to protest and silently stepped back. But as Tevos entered the inner sanctum of the Justicars alone she wasn't actually certain of that. Remembering all the stories she had heard about the Justicars in general (and Abene's in particular) intolerance for anything they saw as evil and/or corrupt. Seeing it as their sacred mission to root out and destroy evil in the name of their goddess (which all asari had once worshipped).

Tevos had never murdered or raped anyone. But over her long political career she had made many decisions that were morally dubious at best. Including supporting the Batarian Hegemony. Which was the very thing that she HAD to talk to Abene about.

The thought of being judged by Matriarch Abene sent a chill down the Councilor's spine. If the Matriarch thought that Tevos had violated the Justicar code in any way. Literally, any way, she would be lucky to leave the chamber alive.

"No, if they killed a Councilor while she was meeting with them on official business it could bring the wrath of all the Council Races down on their heads...surely even the Justicars would never do anything so insane." Tevos thought as she tried to maintain her composure.

But the asari Councilor knew that the Justicars were fanatically devoted to their goddess and the code of behavior that governed every aspect of their lives. And if there was one thing fanatics were NOT known for, it was being reasonable.

Before she entered the Sanctum, she wasn't sure exactly what to expect. It wasn't as though she was dealing with a fellow politician. So the sight that greeted her was a surprise.

Despite her fearsome reputation Matriarch Abene was a relatively small woman. Her body wiry rather than muscular. Her ancient form still looking fit and vigorous, dressed in a simple white robe as she sat at a large desk. Her appearance did not betray the scale of her power.

But what she had created did. Six perfect spheres, all pulsing with biotic energy, swam around the room. Light contrails of dark energy left behind in their wake as they flew, in an almost whimsical manner. As though they were young children playing games with each other. Several came dangerously close to Tevos, who stood stock still, too terrified to move. One stopped in front of her face, like it was watching her before it continued on its path. Tevos let out the breath she had been holding in.

She had heard the rumors, but until now had never known them to be true. The spheres floating around were the ultimate expression of an asari's power: pure and condensed biotic energy. Capable of being formed by only the strongest of matriarchs. Requiring extreme levels of concentration, the sphere was formed between an asari's hands, coalescing together. But they were supposed to be nearly transparent, similar to an aurora. Dissipating the moment the concentration was broken, and the hands separated.

But the ones floating around were blue, a very deep blue.

A visual sign that Tevos was facing a very unique type of asari.

No one knew exactly how old Matriarch Abene was (except perhaps the Matriarch herself). She had been born either during or before the Rachni Wars, and the records of her birth (like many records from that time) were lost. But unlike all the other veterans of that terrible conflict, she was still alive because her mastery of biotics was so great that she was able to slow down the asari aging process even further. She was over three thousand years old and still going strong. Many asari (including some Justicars) seemed to think that she was immortal.

The head of the Order seemed to finally notice Tevos. Staring straight at the Councilor as her biotic spheres disappeared. Her measuring gaze making the Councilor feel uncomfortable as Abene gracefully got to her feet.

"Welcome, Councilor. To what do I owe the pleasure of this meeting?"

Now that the moment of truth had come Tevos found herself characteristically at a loss for words. One issue was that she wasn't quite sure how to address Abene. Officially everyone in the Order was considered equal, 'rank' was determined by seniority and accomplishment. Abene led the Order by virtue of her greater seniority and all her many accomplishments. Tevos wanted to be as polite and respectful as possible, but she wasn't sure that Abene HAD any titles other than matriarch.

"Matriarch Abene, thank you for meeting with me on such short notice." Tevos finally said. "I apologize for the abruptness of my request, but I-"

"Felt that it was important enough that traditional norms needed to be set aside." Abene finished. "Please, take a seat." After Tevos had taken the proffered seat, Abene immediately asked, "Now, please be direct, why are you here?"

But Tevos was a politician to the bone. Moreover, she was unusually nervous. So instead of being direct she said, "It is about the Batarian Hegemony...have you been following current events?"

"To an extent." Abene replied neutrally. "It seems that the Hegemony is finally beginning to receive their comeuppance."

"And if the Hegemony was simply being undermined by their own people I would rejoice but it is being subverted by the humans...the same human who rampaged throughout Citadel space and destroyed the world of Impera for no reason" Tevos explained.

"And what of it?" Abene questioned. "The humans may be aiding these 'terrorists', as you call them, but they have not declared war. A caged mind can only suffer for so long, before it begins to lash out."

"But the humans are trying to grow in power and strength at our expense. No one will mourn the Hegemony if it falls, but then what? If we let them take the batarian nation, it will only wet their appetite for more conquests and shake the Associate Races' faith in the system" Tevos argued.

"And what would you ask of us? The Code is clear on this. We can not allow the stripping of sapients of their rights and freedom, turned into little more than chattel. But neither can we infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations." Adene rebuked. "Our Code, is the only reason why the Justicars have no taken actions against the Hegemony. If the humans had formally declared war, and were violating the rights of sapients, perhaps we would involve ourselves. But by their words, and that of the Batarians, this is an internal affair. And both our Code and honor, refuses the reason, for the continuance of slavery."

"Matriarch I know that the Hegemony is vile but if you don't help us oppose the humans necessity and our allies will force the Republics to militarize...rejecting the accomplishments of our foremothers" Tevos pleaded.

"Such actions are long since overdue, Tevos." At the Councilor's shocked reaction, she explained. "The asari have been coddled, by both my Order and the other Races. Being waited on hand and foot, serving as your protectors, while you reaped the benefits. It is time we reclaimed our former glory and strength, not continue to ride upon the dresses of our ancestors."

"As for the Batarians, as I said before, the Order will NOT aid those whose values are in direct contention with the Code."

"Being the galaxy's peacemakers and diplomats is a noble profession!" Tevos shot back. So surprised and angry by what Abene was saying that her calm and professional veneer was slipping.

Adene didn't so much as twitch as she replied. "And so when war comes, as it always does, it is noble to let the sons and daughters pay the price of blood, while we keep our daughters coddled and safe?" Before Tevos could reply, she continued, "Child, and do not try to argue that, you are a child to me. The Justicars have no involved themselves in politics, not because of our waning influence, but because it was our choice. We decided to let you lead yourselves. Having thought that the asari had matured enough that we could trust them to govern yourselves without our guidance. An allowance we made too soon, evidently."

"What?" Tevos said in shock, hoping that she had misheard the ancient matriarch.

Instead of answering, Adene continued. "Perhaps, it is time for the Order to return to society. I am sure that many of Thessia's daughters would rejoice at the our return to prominence."

"What...what do you mean matriarch?" the Councilor asked. But in truth she knew exactly what Abene was getting at. Tevos just didn't want to admit it to herself.

"Exactly what I am saying, Tevos. I do not think I need to explain myself any further."

"But we still-" Tevos began to say, only to be rudely interrupted.

"Please, see yourself out, Child." Small orbs began appearing around Abene as she re-entered her meditation.

Other than when she was kidnapped by the Spartans, Tevos had never been treated with such disrespect when acting in her official capacity as Citadel Councilor. But the humans had been enemies. The Justicars were 'supposed' to be on same side.

As Tevos crossed the threshold of the room, she heard the Matriarch's last words. "And Child, you need not come all the way here to communicate with us in the future. I shall be sending my most trusted student to the Citadel once she finishes her current mission."

Tevos shuddered as she left Matriarch Abene's sanctum to rejoin her companions. Her anxiety and worry plain to them all. For Tevos now knew that the debris from Impera appeared to be waking up the slumbering dragon the Justicar Order represented. And that she would have to consider the Justicars an enemy.

"Power is a fickle thing. It comes and go at its whim. And more often than not, it will come to those who do not want it, and leave those who desire it."

-Thel Vadam.

Author's Note:

A/N:(aDarkOne) We realize that there's nothing in ME canon about being able to use biotics to slow down the aging process. But we decided to change some things for the sake of the story. As for whether or not the matriarch can live up to her hype…will be revealed in later chapters.