"The Messosum came like a plague, and death reigned throughout the great Citadel. All those who inhabited it were enslaved by the Messosum, transformed into unrecognizable beasts. Thousands of the Messosum came through the Citadel, each a monument to the children of the Gods they had harvested. This was the day the war began, this was the day that our end began, this was the day that the arms fell."

=Revelation of the VIII

"O tempora. O mores!"

Thessia, en route to the Temple of Athame

Naevia nervously shifted in the seat of the shuttle as it approached a massive temple in the heart of the Asari capitol. She had to admit, she was impressed. The city was at least double the size of Roma, and the architecture provided a sense of peace that was only matched by the temples that littered the Capitol of Terra.

She had read the codex entry on the Asari, and still could not believe the similarities that the two species shared in terms of appearance. It seemed almost unnatural.

She did admire their society though, it represented order, and law. Something that the Imperial society also treasured. She could see a lasting partnership between their species given all the similarities. The only thing that struck her as odd was that only two species in the Citadel were granted councilor status, and while the Empire had no alien citizens she liked to think that they would see nothing wrong with alien senators or even councilors. Worst of all it seemed that it was purely based on the merit of a race, and not on the merit of the individual. This appalled Naevia.

It wasn't that she opposed generalizing species, that was to be expected in some respects, but some of the Citadel species, based on their biology alone could never rise to become council species. The mere thought of this almost made Naevia sick, as it went directly against the teachings of Vasha, and Minerva.

She disgust on her face must have been evident, as she felt Gaius reach across the shuttle and put a hand on her knee. She smiled, his mere presence gave her peace.

Gauis for his part was uncomfortably shifting in his seat. The ceremonial armor he adorned was made more for standing for long periods of time, rather than sitting. He had many things occupying his mind, he worried for Marius. The boy had left for battle without so much as a goodbye. It was understandable, Marius was still upset with him for retiring from the council to tend to his vinyards. I should have taught that boy more than warfare he thought as the shuttle continued its decent. After Marius' father died, Gauis saw fit to make him into the perfect soldier, just as his father had wanted, but unfortunately everything else took a back seat.

That was not to say that Marius was a harsh brute, he was highly educated, and even charming when off the battlefield. The problem was that he developed a bloodlust, he wanted glory, and fame, and most of all he wanted to go to Elysium. Gauis had taken the children to the temples at least three times a week for the entirety of the children's lives.

Naevia developed a personal devotino to Minerva, and adhered highly to the teachings of Vasha. Even going so far as to follow the belief that Vasha transformed into the virtue of Mercy. Marius attached his soul to Mars, and the teachings of Ruden. It became so extreme that Gaius discovered that Marius had participated in the controversial Sanguine Martem. A blood oath to Mars, where one drains pints of their own blood in sacrifice to the God of War.

For an average soldier, this would have been nothing, but for a member of the Orustus lineage, it was the topic of much gossip around the Empire. While the class system had not existed since the VIII had first appeared, the line of Orustus was considered important. Sartorius was the first to be blessed by the Bellators, a legacy that is not to be taken lightly.

Gauis often wondered if he failed the child, but seeing his military prowess he could not help but feel proud.

Before he could continue his thoughts, the Oracle whispered in his ears, "Let your troubles fade child, we have a more important task to adhere to."

Gauis nodded his head and tried desperately to focus on the task at hand.

Within a few minutes, the shuttle landed, and the doors opened, letting the three Imperial delegates see the Temple up close.

"Magnificent!" The Oracle yelled his long white robes, and hood flowing in the wind.

As he said this he heard a giggle approach him, "I am certainly glad you approve." Directly in front of him the elegent form of the young Asari priestess almost levitated toward him, and bowed, "I am Trishna Axegos, Priestess of Athame. Welcome to the temple."

Mimicking her own bow the Oracle exclaimed, "A pleasure priestess, I am Octavianus Mamilius Iavolenus the Pontifex Maximus of the faith of the VIII, but most just simply refer to me as Oracle." He chuckled.

"I was told we would be meeting with the Citadel councilors?" Naevia questioned, concerned that the council might be late to their obligations, an insult by Imperial standards.

Smiling Trishna didn't miss a beat, "They are just inside the temple, if you will follow me." She said motioning with her hand for the humans to follow.

As they approached the temple the Oracle could make out magnificent statues from the distance, they almost rivaled the multitudes that littered the Empire. The statues depicted three beautiful Asari hands clasped behind clasped behind their backs, and heads lifted toward the heavens.

"I take it the largest is Athame? What a beautiful name your Goddess has." The Oracle said, as he continued to stare in awe at the statues.

Trishna had to control the glee she felt, as she heard the Oracle say that. So many Asari had abandoned the doctrine of Athame in favor of the newer Siari religion. It felt nice to have her Goddess respected again, "Thank you, and yes and no, they are all Athame. We can discuss them in more detail after your meating if you wish?" She asked, hoping that she could share the story of the Goddess with someone.

"That would be lovely!" The Oracle smiled, as they continued into the temple.

A large table had been set up for their arrival. Trishna directed them to seat themselves.

"I am afraid we cannot do that just yet." The Oracle said as he continued to stand.

Confused Trishna looked at them, "And why is that?"

"We are a Temple to the Goddess Athame," he exclaimed, "we must recieve her blessing."

Trishna was taken aback as these aliens stood in front of her, holding more reverance for her Goddess than the majority of Asari she had ever met. Composing herself she brought both of her hands together and let her biotics flow, her eyes turning black, "Oh Athame the maiden, let those that adhere explore and experience life in all it's beauty, let them live a life full of wonder, and excitement, let their experiences help them grow."

"Oh Athame, the Matron, let those that adhere live peacefully, and their families be given safety under your protection and love, let their children grow in peace, let the place they plant roots floorish."

"Oh Athame the Matriarch, let those that adhere dispense the wisdom they gain in life, let their words be heeded by the next generation, and let us pass peacefully toward your arms in the next life. For now we embrace life, but soon we shall embrace eternity."

The Priestess Trishna ceased her biotics, and her eyes returned to normal, although a few tears had managed to spill from them.

"Beautiful!" Said the Oracle as he beamed. He motioned for the others to sit before he approached Trishna, "You're a magnificent priestess, let no one tell you otherwise."

Trishna nodded, before leaving to inform the Citadel councilors, and the Primarch that the delegates were ready.

"It is about time, what took them so long?" Asked Reya annoyed that the New arrivals had not immediately asked to see them. Any other race would be dying to get a private meeting with the council!

Trishna beamed,"They requested the blessing of Athame."

Laughing the elderly Salarian councilor, Edern, almost yelled, "That explains it, blessing always take so long!"

Trishna felt a jolt of anger run through her, her eyes almost glowing. How could this Salarian disrespect her culture and believes. What right did he have?

Reya sensed this anger and put a hand on her shoulder, "Ignore him, he isn't worth it."

With that Trishna stormed back out into the sanctuary of the temple to calm herself in the presence of the Goddess.

Reya stared daggers at Edern, "I expect you to have more consideration and respect in front of the new arrivals you senile fool."

The Salarian laughed, "Tough words for an Asari."

Kasius shook his head at the display before him. The Salarian Union, and Asari Republics had been the closest of allies for centuries, but ever since the ending of the Krogan Rebellions, the two governments had been in a fued, each one vying for more power.

Kasius couldn't help but wonder if the introduction of the Turians had something to do with that. He and his government were sure that they were going to get a council seat soon, and with that came political power.

The Union and Hierarchy had been close allies since their collaberation on the genophage. The Asari, for their part felt a left out to the cold. The Turians were none the wiser that the fact that the Salarians were using them in an ellaborate chess game with the Asari. The endgame of which was to be galactic supremecy.

The Councilors, and Primarch made their way into the sanctuary, and at the entrance saw the new species sitting at the table that was prepared.

"Great, it looks like we have more Asari." Edern whispered with a laugh.

Kasius couldn't help but chuckle a little. The new species did resemble the Asari in some respects, but he thought they looked a lot more like the Quarians.

Reya sent Edern another glare before she took a seat at the table. No words were spoken for several moments. Putting on a smile Reya decided to speak first, "Greetings, my name is councilor Aadita Reya of the Asari republics."

Edern coughed, "Edern, Councilor of the Salarian Union."

Kasius bowed his head, "Jorthan Kasius, Primarch of the Turian Hierarchy, a pleasure to meet you."

Naevia made a mental note of all their positions before rising from her seat, "I am Naevia Orustus Ambassador of the Empire of the VIII."

Next the Oracle stood, his white robes flowing as wind entered the temple. "I am I am Octavianus Mamilius Iavolenus the Pontifex Maximus of the faith of the VIII, but am mostly referred to as Oracle."

Finally it was Gaius' turn, bringing his fist to his chest before bringing his arm forward with his palm down. "Retired General Gaius Albanius, former Martial Councilor for the Empire of the VIII."

Reya smiled, recieving a blessing from her peoples priestess, and friendly introductions. Things certainly seemed to be going smoother than the last two first contacts. "Now that introductions are over with, would you care for some of our Thessian wine?"

At this Gauis perked up, "Wine? Of course." He said.

Reya laughed before pouring him a glass, tasting it the human had a satisfied look, "Very good, but you will have to try some of my own. I have many vinyards back on Terra."

"I suppose I will, Terra is your homeworld?" Reya asked, hoping to learn more of their history and culture.

Naevia answered pouring herself he own glass, "Yes, Terra is our homeworld, the Capitol of which is Roma."

Reya nodded, but she needed to know more about their history, "I see, how did Roma come to be the capitol of your planet."

At this the Oracle responded in a jolly tone, as he sipped his wine, "It was simply meant to be."

Edern squinted his eyes in true Salarian fashion, curious to the humans statement, "What do you mean meant to be? Destiny?"

"That is one way of putting it, yes." The Oracle simply responded with a grin.

Reya shook her head, "Could you start from the beginning."

"Of course," The Oracle responded before clearing his throat, "long ago before the VIII humanity lived in the dark, we were primitives, fighting over scraps of land and food. Some humans banded together to form civilizations, and even rising to the iron age. Then the VIII appeared in Roma. In a giant space craft they landed on the outskirts of Roma, they taught us many things, and the Empire spread eventually conquering the whole of the Earth before spreading to the stars."

Reya was intrigued by this, They seem to have seamlessly merged their myths and history, "Who were the VIII that you keep mentioning, they must have been important for you to name your religion and Empire after them."

Naevia nodded, "They are the single most important figures in imperial history, followed only by their descendants."

"They were of the race called, Bellator, children of the God Mars. The VII were Jadaron, Meriole, Constel, Moab, Ruden, Sfigoson, Nilrine, and Vasha." Gauis said reciting their names with no difficulty.

"I see..." Edern said, Scratch that, we have more Hanar

Kasius shook his head, "Do you have any proof of this?" He questioned, doubting that they had any substantial evidence.

The Oracle laughed, "Of course," he said as he took a square device out of his robes, and proceeded to flick through pictures, "This is the Temple of Jadaron, the headquarters of the faith, and it was also the ship that landed in Roma over a thousand years ago."

Reya had to admit, it was obviously a ship, although it had been added onto, and been decorated to look like a gorgeious temple, its shape, and its architecture almost matched the Citadel. Although on a much smaller scale.

The Oracle continued, "Here we have pictures of the VIII's children, Emperor Eln is seen here inspecting a Centurion legion."

Reya felt a chill run down her spine the being looked very familiar, almost like, IT CAN'T BE? She thought as she saw Trishna looking over toward the table. The same shocked look on her face.

"It can't be!" The priestess exclaimed as she rushed toward the table to get a better look. "They look identical to Janiri, and Lucen!"

"Who?" Asked Kasius, wondering what was going on.

Reya rolled her eyes, "They were Athame's guides, Janiri taught the Asari agriculture, and Lucen taught of the stars." Reya said before catching herself, "At least that is what those who adhere to the Athame doctrine believe."

Trishna beckoned the humans to follow her as she showed them the bust of Lucen, "Do you see, identical!"

The humans bowed before the statue almost immediately.

The Oracle began to pray, "A Bellator, the Asari truly are a blessed species to have been given such as gift as to communicate with them, we are not so different. Praise to Mars, Praise to Jadaron!"

Edern simply chuckled, trying desperately to contain his amusement.

"What do you find amusing?" questioned Gaius as he rose from the ground.

Edern simply raised one of his eyes, "The Asari, blessed? Hardly."

The Oracle looked concerned, "Please explain."

Looking to Reya, and Trishna both of whom had an offended look on their face he continued, "The majority of Asari gave up on the doctrine of Athame almost a Millenia ago, only a handful still practice it."

At this the humans went silent.

"A few of us still hold true to the faith, we continue to worship Athame, and her guides." Trishna exclaimed proudly.

Naevia responded, "Regardless this is a joyous day, we have further stories of the Bellators to add to our faith."

The Oracle nodded smiling, "Yes. Trishna, could you gather some of the highest officials of the Doctrine of Athame meet with us?"

"Of course." Trishna exclaimed, happy that this might bring some attention to the Goddess.

Kasius looked to the humans, "What of the Batarian worlds under your occupation?"

"They shall be kept as reparations for Batarian agression." Naevia said, as the group made their way back toward the table.

Reya nervously looked at the humans, the Citadel could not afford another war, if anything they were tetering on a depression that almost a millennia of nonstop warfare had brought them to, "Very well, I will inform the Batarian Ambassador."

"Now if you will excuse us, this has been a most productive meeting." Gauis said as he bowed and motioned for the others to follow him.

Edern scowled, "But we still need to discuss your induction into Citadel space."

Naevia, looked back and had to hold back laughter at the absurd statement, "That was never an option."

Occupied Anhur, New Thebes

Marius had spent most of his nights on the second story of the building at the checkpoints performing sentry duty, as a lookout. A job usually reserved for the lowest ranking members of the legion Marius was happy to perform the task.

Having made a blood oath to Mars in the Sanguine Martem, Marius had tied his soul to battle and warfare from then on. To die any other way than on the battlefield would surely mean that he would be sent to Tartarus when he dies. A blood oath to a Mars was not taken lightly by society or by Mars himself.

Marius didn't mind lying awake for all the hours of the night, he didn't sleep much these days anyway. Only when he was exhausted was he willing to risk the nightmares that Hypnos would send him. Ever since the rebellions on Demeter hypnos had cursed Marius with dreams of death and misery.

Slaughtering Imperial citizens, was almost sacreligious to Marius, and he cursed Scipio for giving the order. He had not offered a single one of those civilians to Mars in tribute. No, he instead sent them on toward the afterlife...maybe to Elysium, or Asphodel, or Tartarus, that was not for him to judge.

Scipio was then elevated to the Martial Councilor upon Gauis' retirement.

Marius could not forgive Gauis for that, no matter how hard he tried, he cursed Gauis for allowing that heretic to hold such a high office.

Aiming his rifle down the rode, Marius saw a Batarian child approach their checkpoint. He looked like he had something in his hand, not sparing a second Marius fired a pulse round into the childs throat. Blood flowed down the young ones clothing before it fell to the ground.

Rising from his crouched position in the second story window, Marius jumped out onto the street, and approached the child. It looked young, probably not having even gone through puberty yet. As he continued to stare he knelt down by the childs side, and placed a coin in its mouth, "Mars, this young one died a warrior...grant him the peace of the Elysian fields, were he may be a child in a more peaceful place. He is not a gift to be sent to you, he is a warrior."

As he rose back up he felt his shields flicker as bullets hit his back. Activating his plasma shield he deflected the next barrage, before an older Batarian, tears streaming down his face ran straight towards Marius, a knife in his hand.

Marius grabbed the pistol off his hip and shot the Batarian twice in each knee cap. The man fell to the ground, crying in agony as he crawled toward, what Marius assumed to be his son.

Brandishing his gladius Marius approached, and cut off both of the Batarians hands before he could reach his son. "I have no pity on you!" Marius yelled as he kicked the hands down the rode. The Alien screaming in agony.

Grabbing him by the back Marius flipped him over and brought him to what little of the street was illuminated. Hoping than any and all Batarians out tonight would see. "You sent your own son to fight in your stead. Coward!" He said as he grabbed the beings tongue and sliced it off.

"AHHHLLAALLA!" The Batarian yelled as blood filled his mouth.

Marius laughed, "We are far from done, you spineless bastard!" Marius brought his gladius down four times, each time scooping out one of the Batarians eyeballs.

Kneeling Marius whispered in the suffering Batarians ear, "When you enter Tartarus, tell those who did this to you!"

Standing Marius picked up the young Batarians body, to be burried with fellow warriors, leaving the suffering Batarian in the middle of the rode.

When Marius entered the checkpoint he could still hear his screams, before a single gunshot went off, followed by the sound of feet running as fast as they could away from his checkpoint.

The next morning Marius awoke from another nightmare, he dreamed of the Batarian and the others he had killed finding him in Tartarus, and torturing him. It was a common dream, with only a new character being added.

"Sir, are we going to look for your fellow Centurion today?" Asked a young female recruit.

"Are you volunteering recruit?" Marius questioned, curious to see if any had the spine to take up the challenge.

"N-no sir..." She said quietly as she continued to eat her food around the fire in the middle of the checkpoint.

Marius shook his head, "Then you are being volunteered, back your gear we leave within the hour." With that Marius took his position on the second floor, and continued to look down the road.

It took less than ten minutes for the recruit to find him, "I'm ready." She said.

Marius shook his head, "I said an hour."

The recruit shook her head, "Look if we are going to do this, than by all the Gods, and the VIII let's get it done!"

Nodding his head Marius replied, "That's what I like to hear."

As they left the checkpoint it didn't take long for them to stumble upon the Batarian that Marius had tortured bugs, and pests having picked at his body all night.

The recruit looked nauseous for a moment, "I heard you doing this last night...By the Gods we all did, why?"

Marius looked down at the Batarian for a few moments, his helmet hiding any emotion he might have been expressing. "He deserved worse." and continued on.

Roma, Terra

Flavius rallied thousands of Romans in the streets, many of them chanting and other holding high the flag of the Empire, its design a red background with a Gold eagle clutching an VIII.

"Citizens of the Empire! Lend me your ears!" He yelled through a microphone that amplified his voice throughout the city. "First the council lets the rebels of Demeter roam free, and now, now they let these Batarian barabarians raid our colonies?!"

"TERRA FIRMA! TERRA FIRMA!" the crowd chanted as they waved their flags.

Flavius smiled, "If we do not deal with this threat today, than when? Our descendents will live with this cowardice! Do you want Mars to punish us?!"

"NO! TERRA FIRMA!" The crowd was a mix with shouts.

Soon shuttles flew overhead, "By order of the Vigilum citizens are ordered to disperse!" They announced.

"This is Scipio's work! He brings weakness to the Empire, and only cares of personal gain!" Flavius yelled.

The crowd erupted as the Vigilum swarmed in from above dropping tear gas onto the protesters.

Scipio seeing it all from the upper deck of his villa, "I never wanted to be councilor." He said as he poured himself another glass of wine. "Mars, you curse me with this position that I have been appointed to!" Yelling he through the empty wine bottle towards the ground below.

After the Demeter rebellions Scipio wanted nothing more than for Pluto to take him. He didn't care if he was cursed to Tartarus, all he wanted was for the voices of the slain to stop.

Hearing the shouts continue as the Vigilum continued their assault, Scipio balled his hands into fists, "I will not let that madman get the best of me!"

Running into his villa, and almost knocking over his servants in the halls, Scipio made it to his bed chambers and activated his holographic interface, "Operation Rapiendo is a go...I repeat Operation Rapiendo is a go!"

Flavius would never call him soft again after this day.

What can I say, I am inspired! This short story is getting really fun to write! I might do a poll on if people want me to write my next short story on the Morning War, or the Batarian Crusade, polling isn't final, but it might help me make a decision on which one I want to write about. Guys I am loving the feedback, it is always great to have your insight! So what do you guys think of my idea for a short story on the Vorcha Primus? I really am excited to start writing that one, mainly because it is a race basically engineered by the Empire, the sociological implications are amazing!

SalemTheSpeakerOfTruth: It's longer man! BTW awesome ideas!

Alexrushing5: Thanks Buddy!

Lanilen: We shall see! We shall see!

goddragonking: Thanks for the positive feedback man, always appreciated

Suna Chunin: Am I? Or am I a ghost...would I even realize if I was dead...Oh GOD! Seriously though I was in the hospital for a WHILE! Out now and I am feeling awesome!

Lone Gundam: I actually was considering that for a little bit, probably will use that for design. I just need specifics like ship stats and stuff. I am more an idea person, less of a technical person.

And to all of my lovely readers stay classy, and remember don't feed the Yaoi Guai...that is all.

Would you like to know more?

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