Feared Reverence
...
[ Standardized human date: March 20, 2536 - Citadel 1 hour before the arrival of the SSV Hyuga.
Amateur reporting program The SANS.
"Good morning, Citadel!" the cheerful reporter Asari exclaimed with a wide smile plastered on her face. "Today at The Sans, I'll be joined by Sanara and my fellow Sansan, Sanrus, bringing you the hottest news."
The screen changed to show a pale gray turian with bright white face paint standing in a crowd of other aliens near the docks where the ships docked.
The scene then changed to show a dark Salarian standing in a crowd of reporters in front of the Council tower. The camera returned to the Asari reporter.
"This morning, hours ago, the Citadel was rocked by the Council's announcement that an unknown alien species had been discovered on Attican Traverse. Shortly afterward, we were greeted with the first glimpse of one of their ships as it accompanied the respected Matriarch Benezia, the diplomat sent by the Council."
The screen was cropped to show a 2-kilometer-long craft made of shiny silver metal and covered with black paint patterns featuring unknown symbols. It resembled a serpent with elegant protrusions on either side, looking like wings, and nothing like anything seen before in the dark void of space.
"This ship, called Orochi no Sora, belongs to a human race. We here at The Sans look forward to welcoming you to the Citadel community soon. Now, we'll head to Sanrus at the pier."
And then cut to show a Turian.
Thank you, Sanara. I'm here near the docks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ship the Human Ambassador arrived in. We all heard earlier today how this new species was discovered when they activated relay 314.
"First contact with these aliens was initiated by the Turian Patrol, which unfortunately turned into a skirmish when gunfire was fired and several research ships of the human species were damaged and destroyed. The Commodore in charge of the patrol eventually broke all of our first contact rules and headed for the nearest colony of that species, leading to a skirmish that ended with the humans driving off the invaders. What ultimately ended the conflict was the peace talks established by the respected matriarch Benezia T'soni."
The camera looked into space and showed a large golden portal materializing in the void of space, illuminating the surroundings; and the whole crowd was silenced as a fleet of ships left the portal, heading towards the citadel. One of the ships anchored, and from its huge belly emerged a small, shiny black ship. The sight mesmerized all the ones who stood or sat to watch it. Even the reporters were barely able to hold their professionalism. What they saw that day will forever change their mind.
The shuttle glided gracefully through the intervening space towards the dock where Sanrus, the crowd, and a large platoon of C-Sec were waiting. "As you can see, the Human's ship has arrived through a large portal, accompanied by a defensive fleet, and is now docking, as we've just seen a new way of traversing space never seen before by experts. Stay tuned for the first glimpse from the Citadel of these new members of the galactic community."
Anchor Bay, the Citadel. -Captain Adrian
Turian C-sec Captain Adrian Corvus watched as the portal opened and ships came out of it. He wondered what kind of technology could create such a thing that it was this new species' way of FTL that seemed strange to him. So when the ship anchored, he and his men approached leaving the people who stayed behind in the guardrails so that they would not approach the ambassadors.
Adrian saw the door near the rear of the ship open and the Humans exit. The crowd behind was amazed, most were so similar to Asari, only with hair on their heads instead of tentacles, the others despite looking similar must have been males of the species.
In front, a tall and thin woman with white skin, blue eyes, and long golden hair tied in a ponytail and a severe expression. She was dressed in a close-fitting black military uniform with no adornment on her clothing other than a symbol on her arm.
On the right walked a woman of medium height with pale skin with eyes that looked white her hair was black but had many strands of a very dark blue tone. She was dressed in a gray dress and a necklace of golden jewels.
Flanking them was a man with darker skin, doctoral eyes, enormous height ears compared to women, and short, dark braided hair, wearing a black uniform with green edges and boasting a good number of medals.
Behind these humans marched twenty black armored guards who quickly split into four groups of five surrounding the diplomats with different call colors on their arm symbols.
To top it off, the entire group wore bladed weapons at their sides. The guards used a variety ranging from small daggers to large two-handed swords all matte black and covered in small symbols that occasionally glowed with a dim light.
Captain Adrian Corvus cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Ambassadors welcome to the Citadel" he greeted them nervously he said. "Weapons are not necessary, I know they are just blades, but you can't use Them here".
The golden-haired woman turned towards him and fixed her piercing gaze on him which pinned him in place "We are not going to hand over our weapons, that would indicate that we trust you. These are peace talks between our governments after an unprovoked attack on my people, and because of that we have not yet built trust in you, and therefore, for our protection we will be wired, but I can assure you that we will not attack anyone other than in self-defense."
The C-sec members shifted uncomfortably as the twenty guards turned in their direction to look at the captain. "Then can I ask you to leave half your guard here?" The woman inclined her head before nodding and turning to the rest of the entourage.
"Two groups stay and the rest will follow," he told them bluntly.
The two groups nodded before bowing and stepping aside to be positioned evenly around their ship on guard.
Captain Corvus cleared his throat nervously and said "If you follow me ambassadors" he turned and started to lead them off the dock. The route traced to the Council Tower had been previously cleared and was the longest and most scenic route possible. The idea behind the long trek was to tire the visiting dignitaries and make them more susceptible to manipulation by the well-rested and waiting council. It also gave them a chance to show off the Citadel.
As he led them along the presidium, Corvus puffed out his chest with pride. The Humans all made appropriate sounds of surprise but showed no signs of fatigue as they looked at the beautiful sights.
"This is a beautiful station your Council built. It makes me think of the amount of time, labor, and materials required and artistry to build it all". The small dark-haired woman spoke to Corvus
"We didn't build it, the Protheans did," Corvus informed them, feeling the need, to be honest with them.
She looked up with an expression he didn't recognize. "This station existed before your council then". She said gently.
Corvus nodded "The Protheans built the Citadel and the Mass Relays, it's because of them that we have FTL technology.
The ambassador turned to him, smiling. "This makes this station even more impressive since despite its creators no longer existing it is still functioning in the hands of another species who shouldn't even know how it was built, truly impressive captain."
He didn't know what to say, was it a compliment?
Council Tower -Citadel.
It took more than an hour to get to the Council Tower and Hana thanked the two gods who sent their best to represent them as they didn't show any fatigue during the walk, which she was sure was purposefully long because, without the training and endurance, she and the others would have been exhausted.
Despite the long walk, it was a pleasant experience but the magic was lost when she discovered that none of the species that lived in this place had built it or knew how to recreate such construction again in more places.
She wondered if the people who lived in this Citadel weren't curious about where they lived, or if they never wanted that place to be recreated, so they wouldn't lose their specialness by living in such a unique place.
It's a shame, Hana thought that other species wouldn't be as bad as that, but it seems that arrogance is an evil of every living being and not just the human species.
Oh! But arrogance wasn't the only evil they seemed to share as they approached the Tower she also saw another evil that seemed to be not just of the human species. Reporters even here in deep space, in a building of a long-dead species, these little pests also existed.
And with every step she and the others took away from the reporters and into the tower's elevators, Hanna could only hear questions from the simplest to the most absurd things possible like "Do you eat meat" "Do you eat plants" "Do you eat meat?" 'What kind of air do you breathe' 'You need to breathe' 'How do you reproduce' 'You have sex'. No, questioning about what happened in the Colony, if it was true that your species was attacked, just questions that, if placed on the scales, do not represent the seriousness of the situation.
After what seemed like hours inside that elevator that seemed to never stop going up and they finally managed to get out of that hell they called elevated and now it was time to enter into battle with the council.
Hana turned to the captain who had accompanied them until that moment and bowed slightly in thanks.
"Thank you Captain Corvus for escorting us to the Council chambers."
"It was just part of my job as an ambassador, I hope everything goes as well as possible for your people. "
" I hope so, Captain. "
Main Council Chamber
Tevos watched from his place between Vikkan and Sparatus as the group of humans appeared. They were an impressive sight she had to admit, as they looked a lot like Asaris, at least the females of their species, as she had information provided by Matriarch Benezia that this species had two genders as opposed to just one like the Asaris.
Her guards moved with the sheer precision she recognized only in the most experienced matriarchs who had served centuries in the army, or as seasoned mercenaries she could only assume were the result of long, hard training. Furthermore, they moved in complete unnatural silence and filled with primitive weapons like swords and knives.
The main representatives stepped forward and faced the council, the guards flanking the two women and a single man, The gray-robed woman she identified as the diplomat Hana, who was responsible for ending hostilities with Matriarch Benezia, bowed her head gently to the board, an action that was mirrored by the rest of the group. Tevos remembered his conversation with Benezia about his encounter with the humans and his impression of the diplomat.
And she had to agree because the young woman was indeed very beautiful and delicate looking, if she were Asari she would certainly have thousands of maidens after her and some Matriarchs also wanting her hand in marriage.
Tevos mentally scolded himself that this was not the time to think about that but to deal with business. So she decided to speak first, with a gracious and welcoming smile, "Welcome to the Citadel, representatives of the Alliance. I am Councilor Tevos of the Free Asari Republics, and these are my council mates."
"I am Councilor Sparatus of the Turian Hierarchy. And I would like to say that on behalf of my government, we deeply regret all this conflict that has happened between our species because of undisciplined soldiers."
"And I am Councilor Vikkan of the Salarian Union." The other two councilors performed in their well-rehearsed pattern.
The beautiful, dark-haired Human stepped forward. "It is an honor to meet you Counselors, thank you for your words, Councilor Sparatus." She then addressed the entire Council.
" I am Hanashika Uzu Nara Heiress of the Nara Clan and I represent Konohagakure and Sunagakure on behalf of the Kage, the Hokage, and the Kazekage, I am also the one who will speak on behalf of the Alliance.
The blonde woman with a cold expression spoke. " I am Inokou Yamanaka Heiress of the Yamanaka Clan and represent Iwagakure and Kirigakure on behalf of the Kages, the Tsuchikage, and the Mizukage.
The "Great" Man spoke. " I am Chokuma Akimichi heir of the Akimichi clan and I represent Kumogakure on behalf of the kage to Raikage."
Ambassador Hana took a step forward. "It is the wish of our leaders and the entire Alliance that further bloodshed be avoided. Many civilians have already lost their lives in the invasion of Shanxi. And my people do not wish to perpetuate a new cycle of hatred despite all our losses. That's why I'm here to talk about peace for all of us." The other ambassadors nodded in agreement, waiting for Tevos to respond.
Tevos responded by agreeing "The Ambassador is right, let's put this incident behind us and start from scratch. We also know that certain concessions must be made by both parties for peace to be achieved."
Councilor Sparatus spoke next
"Tell me ambassador, the whole Hierarchy was wondering what happened to the ground troops in Shanxi, if there were any survivors? I hope you know that this is of vital importance to my people, you know that our military personnel were treated well."
Hana nodded her head "After the attack on the Colony was deemed a failure the Turians responsible for the battle in space used orbital bombardment against our soldiers to try to distract us and withdraw their forces from the colony, but thanks to the Two Gods for most of the attack was repulsed and one of the invasion generals, one Desolas Arterius nobely weighed his mistakes and surrendered rather than waste the lives of his men, he got the other Turians in the Colony to surrender as well and they were all taken to a colony in our territory as prisoners of war by Admiral Yamamoto and General Williams and Admiral Steven. They were healed and are being treated with the due respect and honor they deserve for stopping the conflict. But unfortunately, General Desolas Arterius did not survive his wounds inflicted on the battle and died a few days later in prison and now the fate of all Turian soldiers who surrendered is in your hands. If peace is established, they will be returned to you undamaged, if there is a war, they will remain prisoners in our fields until the end of the war or their lives, that is the only end."
Councilor Sparatus nodded gratefully that the soldiers were being treated with respect and that none of them were being tortured by the idiotic decision of the commodore charged with attacking the colony.
Already the death of General Desolas was sad news, but at least he could be remembered as a hero who protected his men and who made the right decision, after the orbital attack, made against a colony, which was a crime under the law of your people. And the Hierarchy would see that those involved in this paid dearly.
After the statement, Councilor Vikkan asked the question that was on everyone's mind "Ambassador, what will it take for there to be peace between us?"
"There are just six things the Kage want in a non-aggression treaty signed between the Alliance and its Council."
Vikkan blinked his eyes quickly, surprised by so few demands "Only six? What would those things be."
"Advisors, our terms will be sent to your Omni-tools, please review them."
Seeing the Human being so respectful and blunt in her answers, Councilor Vikkan decided to verify these demands by looking at his Omni-tools, he saw a message notification sent, and accepting it the other Councilors began to read.
Humans terms of condition:
1- Prohibition of activating the Relay in its territory.
Vikkan supposed it made sense. The humans were suspicious. And they would never let alien powers open the doors to their space.
2- A no man's land between the Council and Alliance spaces.
Vikkan felt that making it easier for either side to notice if the other was amassing forces nearby was a smart tactical decision although Council ships had to use Mass Relays, while Alliance forces could teleport. almost anywhere, making 'no man's land' a moot point for them, plus he was sure the Salarian Union must already be sending agents into alliance space to figure out how to replicate this new FTL.
3- Prohibition of the activities of specters in the alliance space, and revocation of their political immunity if they commit crimes in the alliance space.
"Ambassador I'm sorry but the third mandate cannot be accepted, you have to understand that the specters are a fundamental part of the Council and the only way for them to act with total efficiency is if they are immune this cannot be changed, you have to understand that all other species when they joined the Citadel accepted that term, I'm sure if your species realizes that the other species also accepted yours you can too."
The Big Human moved to the woman's side. "Counselor Vikkan, you must understand that all other species joined the Citadel in a time of peace, and their meeting was peaceful, but unlike the other races, my people and yours did not meet on these terms, we were unjustly attacked. and our colony has been invaded, you must understand that any government that is attacked for no reason, would not accept agents of its aggressor walking among its citizens and who can commit any kind of crime like murder, and not be held accountable for it and just leave, so something would not be taken lightly by civilians."
"Yes, I understand more that-." being interrupted by Councilor Tevos who took the floor.
" Vikkan and the ambassadors are right, all members of the citadel had peaceful contacts with our government before joining, unlike humans who were attacked, and I understand that your kind are afraid of this happening again and I can assure you that we will accept your demand, but let it be known that in the future such a thing will be debated and if you are part of the city you will have to accept the ghosts like all other members."
"Tevos is right, Vikkan, it will take time for the humans to trust us and we can accept the specter ban until that time." Sparatus addressed the Salarian, agreeing with the loss of humans.
"Since you agree, I accept, I think we better go back to the other terms."
4- The laws of our people and our religion must be followed and respected by every citizen of the alliance in the space of the Council and if the Citadel law is active, we will have the right of defense in a fair court that understands this difference.
That term made sense in Tevos' mind as each species had its laws, and if they were willing to abide by the laws of the Citadel, a fair trial was nothing more than acceptable.
And just like the laws each species also had its religion and it was something intrinsic in her Citadel the species could practice their religion without fear of judgment and reprisal.
5-Respect for the patent of our creations and recognition of companies so that their products are seen as merchandise solely made by the alliance and its origin.
This one would be more difficult but Tevos was sure that the Council would be smart enough to take human creations or inventions without having any legal problems. The Asaris had been doing this for centuries; it would not be now that they would have any problems.
6- The Hierarchy has to pay for the damage caused by the battle that took place in the colony of Shanxi for the next 20 years.
Sparatus shook his head minutely, as if to clear it, and asked cautiously, "To make reparations for the destruction of your colony. What is your price?"
Hana smiled politely "The price for this has also been sent to your Omni-tools Advisers, including all help people that can be sent in rebuilding Shanxi."
Looking at their Omni-tools value the Councilors were in shock.
"Impossible!" Sparatus growled menacingly.
"That price is absurd, the Hierarchy can't pay that for twenty years just because of an attack on a colony." Looking at the Turian steadily, unmoved by his outburst, Hana replied.
"Councilor, I would look at the document again specifically on the why part and not the amount.'
Rereading the document Sparatus realized that he skipped the reason for that absurd amount and was mildly shocked. "Wait all this amount is -"
"For the survivors of the attack on the Colony, specifically the orphans. The reason for this value is that after your men tried to flee Shanxi they bombed the planet from orbit, and although the defenses on most of the planet protected the people, Shanxi was a relatively new colony, and not all cities had their defenses complete, the main city did not owe any damage but the small ones nearby were seriously damaged by the bombing which caused the death of 4 Million Men and Women leaving many children into orphans."
Sighing the Sparatus Council had to make her change her mind. "This is tragic, but this price remains exorbitant, you cannot expect us to pay this."
Hana couldn't help but curse the damn bird who started the whole conversation by being 'Benevolent' and that he and his government didn't hold a grudge because of Shanxi and that they were sorry that some undisciplined soldiers attacked their ships and the Hierarchy was deeply sorry about that, but when faced with the possibility of shouldering the responsibility and not just saying nice words he chickened out, but if he thought he was getting out of it, he didn't know what he was getting into but she would make sure he did.
" I advise you to put a value on a person's life, believe me, if I put the price for the destruction of the colony and all the ships destroyed it would be much higher, besides, I wonder what the Public would think of your decision if they were to assume that Of the only six things we asked the Board for only payment to help the children who survived would be denied it doesn't look good on the Board."
"That's blackmail from you-"
"That's enough Sparatus! She's right and as she says it's just to help the people who survived the reckless and unreasonable attack that those rebel officers committed, and don't worry the Asaris will also help pay that amount." Exclaiming Tevos cut him off before he could say something he regretted and that would make negotiations more difficult.
"Tevos is right Sparatus and the Salarians also helped which will make that price tolerable for the Hierarchy to pay, and it may teach you not to attack without provocation again," Vikkan spoke trying to remind the Turian where they were and that he should keep up his calm facade.
Snarling at the Salarian beside him, Sparatus decided to give in but take advantage of it.
"Okay, at least that will only be for twenty years into adulthood, but I want officers of the Hierarchy to be a part of all of this, I want to make sure the money isn't being diverted to something else.
"The Republics would also like to send a team." Tevos couldn't miss this chance to get closer to humans.
"As well as the Salarian Union."
Happy, Hana realized that the good old threat to public opinion affected even other species.
"I think that just one team chosen by the Council is a better choice, rather than so many people with each government's interests in mind, it would make everything easier."
Satisfied that she got a chance to enter human space, Tevos moved on to the next problem.
"Since we've got that resolved, perhaps it's time we discussed your membership as a probable member of the Council and your membership of the Citadel."
The blonde woman spoke firmly.
"We will not join the Citadel or the Council as a member yet."
That wasn't the answer Tevos expected and she wanted to know how they could deny something every other species wished they had.
"You know what a great honor we are offering you, all other species look forward to joining us as members of the Council."
"I understand that Councilor, just as I know that every other species took nearly an entire generation or even more to integrate into the Citadel and gain an Embassy, so I hope you can understand that we wouldn't want to get ahead of the other species, this in the future could bring hostility and rancor directed at us."
Surprise Tevos could only think of some way out of this situation.
" Yes that's true but I'm sure all other species would understand that in the future. "
"Thank you Counselor, but we wouldn't pass over others, after all, we're not so special for that, but don't worry, we'll agree with an embassy to show that we're willing to continue with a healthy relationship between us, wouldn't that be better?"
Silence fell over the council as the Ambassador's words (threats to remind them that the opinion of other races could be used against them) were spoken.
With that resolved, the Council could only mentally prepare itself for the long process of negotiating the future relationship between the Citadel and the Alliance.