Gundam belongs to Bandai. Mass Effect to EA. Star Trek to Viacom. I own none of the material mentioned here.
0121.10.16
Shanxi Capital: Auttobenid Interior
Relief Fleet: Promised Aid
High Lord Commander Ofærr Stjarnagram
"I hate you…"
Ah there was the reaction he was expecting. Ofærr had set up a conference call following his departure from the Wards and moved to the "Winds of the North", having included the Admiralty and the twin Queens of Humanity. Even now, the twelve Admirals had differing reactions to his decision. Relena and Lacus both had expressions that differed between one another.
Relena was just holding her face in her hands at this point, a completely exacerbated look on her face and a few graying hairs already in that flowing golden locks. Years of dealing with those that piloted Gundams had otherwise numbed her to their antics and mannerisms. After all, to pilot a Gundam and Mobile Armors were said to invite insanity in one form or another. Heero standing next to her, hand on her shoulder.
Poor Lacus though, the soft spoken Queen, formerly of ZAFT, smiled stiffly, eyes closed though. She was handling it a bit better then her fellow Queen but otherwise still had a strained expression. Thankfully, Kira stood beside her, hand gripping one of her own with an expression of exacerbation towards the older man. Though given the one he was clearly upsetting, it was no wonder.
The one who had spoken was one, Admiral Jon Velber, a young man, one of the newest elected to the position through hard work and dedication, replacing the old guard. In some ways, Ofærr may have been the oldest still actively serving member in the military compared to those before him and likely elsewhere in the empire. Though this little decision of his would likely see that come to an end.
"Aye aye I know what ya all are thinkin, but I'm the highest rankin member of our Military close to this situation and as well can speak fer tha Empire and that of the other minor Empires that have sprung up. Unless ya want tah wait for the nobles to decide on which of their houses will send a diplomat, which could take years given how many there are."
His arms crossed over his chest, he shifted his one eye around the various men and women on the screen before it fell on a raised hand as Relena caught the attention of those present.
"I understand the train of thought, but I can't ask you to do this. For all we know this could be a trap, or you will be received with hostilities. The Empire can ill afford to lose its High Lord at such a critical time. Especially if we are to go to war with this alliance of aliens."
Good points towards why he shouldn't go, a nod is sent towards the Queen and a fist collides with his breast.
"All good points las, but we don't have tha time of luxury if we are to try and actually open negotiations. From what I've been told, the aliens that attacked us, these Batarians, will attempt to poison this Citadel Council's impression of us, making it harder for us to even attempt a diplomatic approach with em. Best bet is tah get to em before the aliens can do to much damage to our reputation."
A few hesitant nods are sent his way, the logic, while somewhat flawed, had merit. Though many still sent hesitant looks towards the Queens. After all, this was a very delicate matter. Though there were others in the room with Ofærr, given that he had invited the two to this discussion. Both the Duke and Dutchess of the Endrota House, there to represent Shanxi Interests. Azatastan and Isenho.
It was Isenho who spoke, drawing the attention of the High Queens and the Admirals.
"If I may my Queens, my family has several negotiators in its ranks here on the planet, if it will set your minds at ease, I will send for one of them to accompany the High Lord on his journey and to act as an intermediary between our powers and those of this alliance. It is after all a matter of time before the smaller human nations that have either broken or remain as vassal states heard word of this power and send their own representatives."
There was wisdom in those words, a few of the Admirals nodding their heads, even as Ofærr grinned towards the young man, thankful for the offering he was providing. It was Lacus who spoke up, having straightened up following the proclamation from the good Duke.
"That will be acceptable. While I am hesitant to allow this to continue, I understand that we do not have the pleasure of time on our hands. As High Queen of the United Earth Alliance, I, Lacus Clyne, do hereby approve of this Mission into the Unknown, this will likely be your last act for the Alliance, many will call for your resignation following this High Lord. I hope you are aware of that."
Relena would speak next, having regained her wits, those hawk-like eyes of hers burrowing into his only one.
"I, Relena Peacecraft, High Queen of the United Earth Alliance, agree with my fellow High Queen. High Lord Ofærr Stjarnagram. This will be your final act of aid for the Alliance as the High Lord of its Navy, to seek peace with these Aliens by any means necessary. You have both of our blessings. Thank you for your years of service to this Nation, and I do hope you will enjoy your Retirement following this insanity."
With that, the video conference cut as the Admiralty started to raise objections or questions towards the two High Queens, though one last look towards the twin High Queens of Humanity, looks of sympathy and kindness before the screen cut off. Ofærr smiling sadly before he turned towards the Duke, the much larger man staring down at him.
"Well lad, looks like you best fulfill that promise you just made. Didn't expect ya to have any Diplomats in yer family so this should prove an interesting last assignment."
0121.10.19
Quantum Space - On Route to the Citadel
Diplomatic Mission - Alien Vessel "Winds of the North"
Saren Arterius
To say he was actually impressed when he was led onto the vessel from the cargo ship that had brought him into space two days ago was a slight understatement. This humanity may have otherwise lacked certain technologies that would have made them that much more formidable back home, but they made up for it in others. Getting a first hand experience looking at a Mass Driver was truly something else, the massive construct of metal that propelled objects into space apparently.
According to the engineers that he had asked, it worked on a system similar to a Rail Gun or sorts, propelling an object at realistic speeds through a charged current along its length, speeding it up before launching it into space. Though it seemed their older vessels weren't able to yet leave the planet's atmosphere without the aid of such a construct. The firing had nearly caused him to destabilize and reveal himself to his captives, overall it was a wholly unpleasant experience.
Then getting into space and seeing the fleet of actual warships was a little disconcerting, though nothing a few Jem'Hadar Battlecruisers or Battleships couldn't humble. Though the number was quite off putting, nearly two hundred at the moment and, as he watched, another fifty assorted vessels entered into the solar system and moved towards designated locations more then likely.
Then he had his eyes fall upon what amounted to a massive ball of silver material, floating in space. At first, he had thought it was a moon, till a section on its side actually opened and allowed silver variants of the various ships in the system to exit and join up with the fleet. He had immediately turned towards a nearby guard and asked what in the Their Name that thing was. The answer still chilled him to his non-existent bones.
"That is an ELS or Extraterrestrial Living-metal Shape-shifter. One of our allies. And yes, that is just ONE."
No other questions had been answered following that, but by the time that he had reached the nearly two kilometer long vessel they were heading towards, the fleet size in the system had nearly tripled. Even variants of Batarian and outdated Turian, Salarian, and Asari vessels were joining the fleet, courtesy of the small moon sized orb of living metal. They had an alliance with a species that resembled themselves but in a metallic form. Whos abilities actually seemed to go beyond simple shape shifting and allowed themselves to form complex machinery of some kind. This would need to be sent as soon as possible to the Dominion to speed up preparations.
Then they had reached the vessel, its outer hull a stark white, with a sloping forward section which tapered into a point. It was a curious design, but not one that he had the ability to spend time on studying before they entered into a hanger.
Now, two days later, they had entered into what they called "Quantum Space" of sorts. A tunneling doorway that existed below this plane of existence, not unlike what they knew of the Borg's own means of FTL. Still an oddity that was. For every example of primitive technology this humanity represented, they surprised him with others that boggles the mind in their complexity and advanced nature.
Outside, that is what he watched, through one of the many windows on this ship.
"It truly is something…to see this."
His statement was met with silence from his guard though.
He was use to this, or he had been before coming to this reality. For years, he had spent earning his way into a high enough position to start funneling information back to the Dominion, one of which was their strengths and weaknesses.
Their near instantaneous travel from one location to another was a massive boon, but the use of ancient machines, something he still couldn't get much in the way of actual information on, proved to be quite detrimental and a weakness to exploit.
Now though, he was traveling in a manner much like what he had before. Through a method that required time to reach a specific location with travel time. It was almost nostalgic to him.
The swirling colors outside the window brought fond memories of his travels aboard Dominion vessels, before the discovery of the wormhole, the Alpha Quadrant, and those chaotic solids.
Though as Saren watched the outside world pass him by, he couldn't help but frown, feeling the rumble of the engine beneath him. Currently, he was underguard, watched over by one of the humans, though given the smooth lines and clear indentations in the body, painted this as a synthetic being.
He was still trying to get the sight of those ELS out of his mind, the idea of a synthetic version of themselves was horrifying. Unnatural in a way if he had to put a word to their existence.
His internal musings were cut off by the thump of military issued boots, a sound he was depressingly becoming accustomed to as the days passed aboard this behemoth of a vessel. His head turned to regard that of a pair of swabbies, their term for naval personnel if his understanding was correct. He caught the glare sent his way, and he returned it before the two stopped.
"My Lord has summoned you to the bridge. We will be dropping out of Quantum space in an hour."
Well that was good to hear, a nod meeting the request as he turned, chains clinking and echoing as they dragged across the floor. A formality he had been told, seeing as he was technically a prisoner or war. At least they treated him somewhat better than he expected.
"Well we certainly don't wish to leave your Lord waiting. Fine, lead the way."
Hallways turned and passed as they walked, or more accurately he shuffled along, earning glares from passing crew or simple looks from those with clear robotic nature. This humanity was truly full of surprises it would seem. Their machines almost mimicked them, what joy it will be to see the reaction of the Council.
"I will say, your species has truly mastered the art of slow and cumbersome. These chains certainly slow me down, and your ship seems quite slow. Though I suppose we can't all be advanced enough to utilize the Relays."
That actually got a rise from one of the marines as a hand was placed on his shoulder and he felt himself be pushed forward.
"Not another word alien, keep your tongue in your mouth."
The threat was there, but Saren was having too much fun. He saw a few other crew members bristle at the statement but it was a passing synthetic that spoke up rather than the soldier.
"Correct, but logically superior to your relays. They create predictable routes and approach vecto-"
A hand grabbed the shoulder of the synthetic and turned the woman about, her fellow sailor quickly pushing the black haired woman down the hall, the two falling into a hushed and whispered conversation.
The silence of the continued trek would last for nearly thirty minutes before the three entered into an elevator and began their descent. Nearly three dozen decks are passed before they reach their destination in the form of the bridge.
Wide, that was the first thing that jumped to Saren's mind when he saw it. Unlike the cramped confines of the species that utilized Mass Effect technology, their bridge seemed to have spared room for the crew's comforts so it would not feel claustrophobic, it reminded him again of his voyages on the vessels of the Dominion, and there he stood. Their Lord, a term that was still strange to hear from human mouths.
"My Lord, we have brought the alien as you have requested."
He stood there next to the captain's chair, clad in strange clothing. A dark blue coatee with white collar and cuffs, and dark blue trousers covered his body, while epaulets and braiding with gold ran to the right shoulder and ran beneath a large pauldron which in turn jutted over the right shoulder.
Upon which tassels sporting mixtures of rare gems, ranging from jade to sapphire swung to and fro from it. Covering the right shoulder. However upon his back and covering the left shoulder was the thick hide of a creature, something likely native to one of their worlds.
"Aye lad, thank ya kindly. Saren, welcome tah the Bridge of the "Winds of tah North". We'll be arrivin in thirty minutes to your citadel. Yah best be ready to dissuade any ships from attemptin to attack us."
At his right hip dangled a gem encrusted sheath containing a blade of some kind, which clattered as the gems collided with the gold lining the sides of his trousers from just above the boots to the waist and beneath the coatee. His beard and hair were smoothed and quaffed while several rings were braided into the beard itself.
It was what was upon his chest that drew Sarens eyes.
The numerous awards and metals that clinked as he turned echoed in the otherwise silent bridge. They looked as though they'd count as armor themselves with how little of his actual uniform was visible beneath them.
"Well of course, I would not wish to die on this ship in the event they decide to open fire."
0121.10.19
Serpent Nebula - Citadel
Council Chamber
Galactic Council
Councilor Sparatus
There were many things that put Sparatus at ease in this life. The rumble of main guns firing on a ship, the steady thump of soldier's boots during a military parade, a stiff drink after a long day. What didn't put him at ease is nothing but radio silence from the Chentari System after the start of a war between the Batarians and an unnamed Alien Race.
Word had already begun to circulate by less than reputable sources of new alien slaves starting to appear throughout the Terminus. The fleet that had fled from the system connected to the Chentari System having bull rushed through several Council Systems before reaching the Terminus.
Yet the aliens had not made attempts to push into the Chentari System and track down their missing and captured yet. No grand effort to push into the wider galaxy by them. The Salarians had been keeping a tight watch over the System and the Terminus in the event that the aliens made a play or truly brought war to the Terminus.
So here he was, in a council session with the other two members of the Council, Tevos and Valern. Though rather than the Batarians directly asking for the seat on the council, this time it was thankfully something important.
"...and as you can see here, there has been substantial increase in Batarian Military expenditure in brand new classes of ships. What we aren't sure of is the brand new series of space stations, shipyard, and even what we believe to be a Batarian Dreadnought, which will bring them to a total of eight. Far exceeding what is allowed for them and other species."
That certainly brought him out of his stupor. The Batarians were not only preparing for something, but it was quite obvious that they had some new means of production. For the longest time, the Previous Councils had been letting them build up their ships to help police the Terminus, but it would seem that they had gotten cocky.
"We will be having to put a stop to at least their fleet strength. The others can be allowed to continue, given their recent actions in the last few months, they obviously believe they are at war with that Alien species they invaded."
That brought a groan from Valern, the fact that the STG had been the primary ones watching things. Their last drone in the alien system had been destroyed a month ago after it was detected by the aliens. Which had been the deciding decision to pull any forces from the alien system.
"Given that the aliens utilize a form of FTL not reliant on the Relays, and only the Batarians have managed to get examples of their technology, we have no proper way to police against their incursions into Council Space."
They knew that the aliens could pass into their space without a means for them to detect. So it was when Tevos decided to speak up that he turned his attention to her.
"If that is the case then it would stand to reason we push for new means. With a vote, I would propose that all species connected to the Council begin investing into brand new means of long range detection and defensive structures within their spheres of influence."
Oh and that was an idea that he could get behind. With a nod from both himself and his Salarian counterpart, Tarvos would continue.
"We are in agreement then, to help facilitate this, we will call upon the leaders of each member to convene here in no less than one week to discuss plans and a budget."
Yet as the conversation continued, Sparatus caught out of the corner of his eye Valern tuning out the conversation to check something on his Omni-tool before all color drained from his face. Suddenly standing up, kicking over his chair as he brought up his arm. The sudden action caused all conversation to cease as both the guards in the room and the Salarian speaker grew agitated and looked at him.
"Vessel appeared at edge of the Citadel Fleet's range suddenly. Fleet moving to intercept. Meets no known models on record, Matriarch Lidanya of the Destiny believes it to be an Alien vessel. Appears to be two kilometers."
Well that exceeded all but the Destiny in size. A few swipes of his fingers brought a screen before them all, showcasing the stark white vessel. It's bow slightly sloped forward. However as it began to move into the system and approach the Council, the council would see small lights moving away from the vessel and taking up position in the form of a square formation between the ship and the fleet moving to intercept.
Using his Omni-Tool, Valern would zoom in, showing the Asaranoid looking machines that these aliens seemed to prioritize usage of in space.
"Taking up defensive positions between the fleet and their flag ship. Why is there only one vessel though… See if you can get a better image of those Asaranoids."
With a nod, the Salarian would zoom out, bringing the total of Asaranoids to numbering some one hundred of various sizes, shapes, and designs. The outermost lines of Asaranoids seemed to be the most resembling Asari, something that he noticed Tervos was taking special interest in. With colors of greens and displayed a flag of Reds and Blacks.
"They appear to recognize similar colors as ourselves so that might help, though the fact I am seeing some of their machines bearing what appear to be actual cloth flags in space sets a very strange precedent."
Indeed, Valern had focused on a large green Asaranoid which held in its hand an actual standard of some kind with what appeared to be writing at the top of the actual cloth with their flag below. The most prominent feature of the Asaranoid would have to be the strip of glass on the head, its right shoulder sported a series of spikes of some kind, and a blade at its hip.
It was covered in sharp edges, though it stood out as the only green one. The rests were bright orange in coloration.
As if it knew it was being watched, the Asaranoid would activate its thrusters and move out of formation, along with two others. The second to move forward was much less intimidating. It resembled even more of an Asaranoid than the first one that had moved forward. Two arms, two legs, flat armor with only the shoulders and calves jutting off the body.
Its flag being a bright blue with a purple star overlaid a planet, which in itself was set upon a shield of purple. More strange writing running down the sides of the flag. It took up a position directly opposite the first by about half a light minute, before the third and final Asaranoid would move forward below the two, forming a triangle.
This one was much like the second, though with sweeping wings off the hips, and the head resembled more of an Asari with something akin to a mouth. Its forehead topped with a large V of light blue. The Banner would depict first a set of wings with a sun in its center.
"Matriarch Lidanya sending a message from the incoming force. Patching through."
For a few seconds the council chambers heard only static before a voice, one that they all recognized, and one they didn't expect, came over the speakers.
"This is Saren Arterius of the Galactic Citadel Specters, sending greetings as a first contact with the United Earth Alliance. Please do not open fire on the vessel, I'd rather not die thank you."
That caused the Council Room to go quiet before shouting started. Though Sparatus was still paying close attention to the image as the other two council members began to yell and demand answers. Then another voice would come over the audio message to the Citadel. This one had a very strange accent to it, though spoke with quite a bit of authority to it. As well as spoken in perfect Turian.
More than likely a translation Program of some kind.
"This is High Lord Commander Ofærr Stjarnagram of the United Earth Alliance, here tah represent the interest of the Queen Twins of Humanity. We come in peace."
An actual smile would blossom across Tarvos'es face as she stood up as well, motioning for Valern to sit down as she moved to obviously address the speaker.
"My Name is Tarvos of the Galactic Citadel Council, one of the Primary Council Members, on behalf of the entire galaxy, we welcome you to our Citadel. If you are indeed a diplomatic party, then we ask you to shut your weapons down and allow for an inspection team to enter into your ship and begin inspection. Your vessels are…quite interesting. We will be sending you coordinates to one of the landing pads for your diplomatic team to land so that we may meet this "Humanity" properly.
We also thank you for the return of our Operative, though it does beg the question of how you came to have him upon your vessel."
Sparatus was on one hand enraged at her audacity and overjoyed that she had managed to not allow too much Asari Smug Superiority to seep into her usual grandstanding when dealing with diplomatic situations.
"Can't let ya but we will be keepin our ship at the edge of this nebula, ain't trustin ya, but we will allow ya to escort our team to the Dock."
Like that they were tense again. This one was quite defensive, then again they had been attacked and sieged by an alien species so it was no surprise that they were cagey. Tarvos'es expression was strained at the fact she had been rebuffed and their first request was rejected by these new arrivals to the galactic stage.
Sparatus and Valern however were internally laughing. However, ever the diplomat, Tarvos would nod her head, more to herself than to the speaker.
"Yes, I suppose that is understandable, we accept these terms, prepare your team and begin moving towards the docks. We will see you there."
Both sides seemed to cut off communication, though given that the three Asaranoids were moving forward, causing the three Council Members to suspect that their diplomatic team was in fact in the Asaranoids.
"Well they seem impatient, we had best move towards the Docks."
Nearly twenty minutes later, having to take an air car to the docks, with C-Sec working overtime to keep any crowds from going near the docks, and the Fleet suspending all approaches to the Citadel. The three would step out of the air conditioned vehicle and start walking down the stairwell towards the dock that had been designated for the Diplomatic Team's landing.
As they watched, six frigates of the fleet followed along beside the three Asaranoids, while weapon systems were untrained, they were prepared for an eventuality that the Diplomats may be actually a trap and the group here planned to enact revenge against the Council for the Batarnian attack.
"This is a highly unusual approach. Usually one has to wait months before they can get a meeting with us. I fear others may see this and pull a similar action."
This drew nods from the other two, clear worry etched on their faces. Though before more could be said, the three Asaranoids began to approach. They could properly see them all, thrusters seemed to cut off from the feet and back as their feet came into contact with the docks.
In a few places, the metal buckled under the weight while electricity would surge from the sides of the feet, his Omni-tool detecting high magnetism along the undersides of the feet. Then they smashed their Standards into the deck plating of the Dock, imbedding got a reaction from Tarvos.
"That…was rather unnecessary to do.."
A snort came from Sparatus as the three machines would merely stand there, even as the space between them began to ripple. Surprise passed over the various members of the Council as a Dropship would appear from thin air, beginning to buffet C-Sec and the Council Members as thrusters ignited and slowed its descent towards the deck as well.
It was something akin to a box with a front facing cockpit with four thrusters on the sides at different elevations and two engines on the back. Legs would emerge from beneath which connected with the deck and magnetized itself.
"And here we go…"
Sparatus would narrow his eyes as the tinted black cockpit refused to reveal anything inside. His attention is shifted towards the back of the drop ship as a ramp lowered and collided with the decking.
A few moments later, six asaranoids would emerge in tactical gear. Strange helmets with tubes connected to the front and back around to their backs. Weapons swep through the area before locking onto C-Sec and the Councilors. They would stand at attention a few moments later, their armor slimming but still possessing markings of blast plates here and there.
It was the sound of heavy thuds that drew his attention away from the six and a pair of giants.. Ebony colored armor, bulky in appearance, the echoing of servos in his ears and steam rising from several joints gave the appearance of smaller versions of the Asaranoid Machines. Their weapons were a pair of swords and shields, which crackled with electricity as they came to stand behind the other soldiers.
Then finally came the last of those aboard. One was instantly recognizable, being Saren himself, who nodded towards his fellow Turian while the other Asaranoid standing beside him was clearly in military clothing. The medals, which he could spot anywhere, were as plain as day to him.
Which made their appearance on a space faring species all the stranger to him, given that the practice of metal medals had otherwise fallen out of favor amongst the Turians. Broad of shoulder, almost like a Krogan in some ways. A head of vibrant golden hair, and a face that could have passed for a male Asari if he didn't have the hair. The last two would stop before the Councilors, eyes meeting as the Non-Asari held out his hand.
"It be ah pleasure to put faces to voices, I am High Lord Commander Ofærr Stjarnagram of the United Earth Alliance, and in tah name of Humanity, I would ask your help in regaining those taken from us by tah Batarian Hedgemony."
There was no sound as the two sides looked at each other. C-Sec watching those large weapons that the Humans had brought with them. A slow breath from Tarvos before she nodded, motioning for the two to follow.
"Then will you kindly follow behind as we lead you to the Council Chambers? We are not accustomed to such abrupt requests, for both joining a conflict we knew nothing about and being forced to become diplomatic with a species we weren't aware existed."
With a turn, she would begin making her way back towards the Chambers, the Human Soldiers remaining where they were as the old man and Saren started forward. The first meeting of Humanity and the Council, many held their breath.
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