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deitarionSSoklow: This is something I don't understand in the ME games, they don't really expand on the civilisations much, surely the Salarians are going to enjoy different things to the Asari, and again to the Turians as they are all different type of animals. I'm going to try and bring more of that in when we get to the Citadel.
Scarease: Prometheus had me laughing at how stupid some of the characters were, but if this year has taught me anything, it is that Humans are far more stupid than I thought. But, your comment as you will read is taken into account in this chapter.
The Prime Cronos: You will find out a little this chapter.
Chronus1326: They may like the long game, but the fact is they are in a galaxy with short lived species, the need to play the short game to keep on the ball, so to speak. Also, no, I have no links with anyone on this site that I know of. Everything I pushed out is thought up of, written and edited by yours truly. (Thus why a lot of errors get through, but this just provides good lessons to improve my england.)
Valkrus: I did have fun writing something based on John Wick, I won't lie and I'm glad you enjoyed it. But there is a good few different easter eggs in this story, and small references that I like fitting in. You will be able to find a terminator reference in this chap, even if it is for one of the worst terminator films going. (Man, 1 and 2 were so good, as was salvation (Controversial opinion but meh, I think the Reapers should have won and the end of ME3 shouldn't have given a choice) how they went downhill.)
All: So, I've received a few reviews regarding how the last chapter had walls of text. Oops. I tried something new and it didn't work as you have let me know, I'll go back and fix it shortly. Thanks for letting me know.
/.../
"So," Shepard articulates as she takes a seat at an enclosed booth, "What happens in the next week?" She needs to know for a few reasons, but most importantly, she wants to know what she needs to do before her supposed departure date for alien space. In the short time that she has been informed of her impending departure for citadel space, she has already compiled a list of things to do. Some tasks are simple such as getting commodities she doubts she will be able to buy, such as hygiene products, but other tasks will be more troublesome such as handing back issued military kit to the QM department on the Praetorian. In truth, she does not want to hand back her armour, it has taken her years to get it customised to how she likes it.
"We need to make sure you are safe," Tevos responds as she unwraps the thin paper around her lamb kebab. As it turns out, Chicken is not easily digested by Asari due to having traits of levotration, whereas Lamb, being more Dextro, is easily absorbed. "You will inevitably have billions if not trillions of types of microbes on you, and in you, that we need to discern are safe or not. So we will need our medical experts to examine you. At the same time, you will want to check in with your own physicians; to make sure your immune system is at strength, and you have no unforeseen medical issues that may arise." The truth is, Shepard's immune system will have been compromised due to the recent radiation poisoning, however, if any alien bacteria passes her nanobot reinforced immune system, then there is little that would stop it. "We also need to make sure that the atmosphere we are breathing is safe, and will be safe for you. There is a lot we need to verify before this can happen."
Most of the Citadel civilians themselves also have access to highly sophisticated immune system aids; however, only a small percentage have installed technology similar to Shepard. The same can be said for most humans, while they have access to advanced tech, not all have it.
"This all sounds charming," Shepard muses.
"Yes. Many people think first contact is fun and games, but it is not. May I ask, what did you think was going to happen when your species discovered my own?"
"Honestly?" Shepard says before elaborating, "I had no idea. I just wanted you out of our home... system." The Augment is momentarily wide-eyed at admitting that the system one relay across is their home system. She tries to elaborate and clear up the translation as a mistake, but if anything, this just makes it more evident.
Tevos takes this opportunity to say, "We know. No species that has FTL would be so unknowledgeable about Eezo radiation, it is akin to flying faster and not realising wind resistance becomes a thing. I do wonder why you are so protective of this, though, it is not something to be embarrassed about. We have all started somewhere."
"Not that I am admitting anything, but wouldn't you be wary?" Shepard asks as Tevos takes her first bite of the lamb kebab, "To know someone with FTL can reach your home location, and you can do nothing about it? To me, that is a terrifying thought. Throughout Human history, we have often had the ideology that if someone can reach us before we reach them, then it will be a repeat of Christopher Columbus." Shepard spends a few minutes trying to explain the Columbus idea, that Humanity would be the Native Americans who are crushed under an empire with technology far beyond human comprehension.
Tevos takes a while to respond as she finishes chewing her bite from the kebab wrap. "I'm sorry, that is good, but yes, I appreciate your fears. No doubt you would fear we have the resources of a galaxy, and a fleet so large we could darken the skies of a thousand worlds."
"You aren't helping," Shepard half-jokes. "But seriously, you are not helping, please tell me you don't have a fleet that large."
"We do not have a fleet so large we could darken your skies. The Turians might protest otherwise, but it is inherently untrue."
"But now," Shepard remarks, "You could just be saying that."
Tevos raises a hand to cover her face, "Please stop being insufferable. Yes, we have fleets, but the Citadel collective do not raid planets, especially of those who are being agreeable. Our fleets are designed mostly for defensive purposes as opposed to high-stress expeditionary warfare. Although it is massively off-topic, we have strict rules on interstellar warfare, of which, darkening one's skies is an immediate contradiction against the rules of armed conflict. It would invoke Citadel sanctions against the perpetrator, and there would be good arguments for sending in peacekeeping fleets." This is a partial truth, if you were to scrutinise the fleets that protect the Citadel and many other homeworlds, then this is true, they are not designed for waging war away from their guard. Where this becomes false is if you were to look at a Turian 'peacekeeping' fleet, it is entirely designed for expeditionary warfare, such as that used by Quirinus. Due to the high number of worlds, though, it is an accurate statement to say that most fleets are designed for defence and not offence.
"Hmm," Shepard hums, "If you say so. So, when I get to this Citadel, what then?" Shepard is still not convinced that the Citadel does not have fleets that could darken the skies of Earth.
"Still being decided." Tevos says as she takes a sip of some pink coloured drink, "What is this?" She points to the drink.
"Strawberry milkshake."
"Hmm, you will sell this by the cargo vessel." Tevos reveals before putting the paper cup down, "But once you are on the Citadel, you will be invited to join an Asari estate, so you can experience an Asari lifestyle while you fulfil your role."
"An Asari estate?" Shepard questions.
"Most Asari Matriarchs own an estate, where they have followers, and families living under them. An estate is being prepared so you can join. They will provide accommodation, protection, food, advice and social aspects for your stay. A high percentage of Asari belong to an estate, so it is, therefore, logical that you would join an estate to gain an understanding."
"So what is the purpose of an estate?" Asks Shepard.
Tevos waits till she swallows a rather large bite before responding, "An easy way for an Asari to gain influence among the Matriarch's Council is to establish an estate. This estate provides direction to the younger Asari, as well as financial support and societal support. The only request of an Asari joining an estate is loyalty to the Matriarch, and reverence for their fellow estate members."
Shepard thinks on this for a minute before shrugging, "I still do not understand,"
"Okay," Tevos begins once she swallows another bite of the lamb kebab, "So, I have an estate, totalling 1,178 people. I run my estate well, and it is financially prosperous. Any with problems, medical or whatever other problem you can think of, is dealt with in house and cared for. I care for my estate well, which allows others to think that if I can care for my estate, I can care for more. This provided me with a stepping stone into the High Matriarch's inner circle, and eventually was the very base layer of my campaign for Councillor. It is a simple way of proving capability, and for myself setting up a support network for when I grow old. I will depend on my estate to care for my family and me."
"Okay, so I think I'm getting it," Shepard says before stopping to look at her hand that has started to twitch uncontrollably. With a hard slam off the table the twitching stops. Tevos can tell Shepard is frustrated with the hand from just a swift glance, but what seals her frustration is the mumbling in her native tongue. Tevos considers asking about the twitch, but quickly decides against it, knowing that inquiring about medical issues can be seen as intrusive and insensitive. Eventually, when her hands stop twitching, Shepard looks back up to the Councillor to ask, "So, if you are a Matriarch, how old are you?" Before Tevos can provide a number, there is some conversation to try and establish how long 1 Prothean year is. After a general agreement is made on 1 Prothean year, Tevos reveals that she is actually 692 Earth years old.
"And here I thought being 5 hundred and odd was old," Shepard admits. In truth, Shepard no longer celebrates or tracks her birthdays, and now must do some mental maths to work out how old she is. She also does not know her true life expectancy, whatever Ceberus did when they created her, they had their hand in some advanced research that is classified to even herself.
"What is the average age for your species?" Tevos asks.
"150 on a good day," Shepard admits. "We banned most genetic engineering to stop agelessness a good while ago. Overpopulation is a real thing on ever smaller worlds. How old does' your people get?"
"From our calculations, 1106 of your years." Tevos says, "You are mid-aged to us, and if you were Asari you would be thinking of establishing an estate for yourself."
"Oh boy, when you say it like that, you are making me feel both old and young simultaneously."
"Yes. So, I have a question for you." Tevos says.
"Shoot."
"If you only had 2 more hours on this vessel, what would you do?"
Shepard breaths out a little at this request once she understands that Tevos has 2 more human hours on board. The party boat has entertainment of all kinds on board, a person could spend a year here and still be trying all the different types of entertainment, so what on earth should she show the potential leader of an alien civilisation? If you wanted to sell Humanity on one of our types of entertainment, what would you choose? "What have you seen already?"
"The aquarium, the kitten and puppy petting zoo, and the 0g hall."
"Alright," Shepard initially responds, "So you haven't tried the holo-suites?"
Tevos clenches her fists, "No, not yet."
"Then are you in for a treat."
The holo-suites are all booked out when Shepard and Tevos arrive, however as Shepard is deemed to be more important than random sailors of the Human navy for her role in first contact, she is able to quickly get into one of the halls. "So in this hall you can do anything," Shepard announces once she is in, "These halls are some of the most popular entertainment devices in Human space. If you fancy being a mad dictator for the day, or a farmer defending a zombie apocalypse, then this is the place to do it, there are thousands upon thousands of choices to choose from." The Halls can also be used to tell next generation stories, where you partake as the main character and make the decisions. Powerful computers than compute your decisions, and craft worlds around that, so that each individual story is unique to your choices and character.
Eventually, almost 100 minutes later Shepard dodges a glove thrown at her by Tevos as the Asari proclaims frustration at finding out Shepard is the imposter. "Well," Shepard laughs, "Are you converted to the holo-suites."
"Yes." Tevos confirms, "These will sell well in Citadel space... But I still can't believe you tricked me for the whole game. We will have to play this again some time."
Shepard shrugs, "And that is why this game is so addictive."
"Hmm," Tevos hums before looking to her clock, and at realising the time she looks back to Shepard, "Anyway, I must be going, I have work that needs attending to."
"Sure," Shepard replies, knowing that not everyone has a timetable as free as her own, "But if you ever want a rematch, I'm not due to be back on this vessel for another 3 days."
After doing some back and forth, the two are able to figure out when exactly Shepard is due back on the vessel, to which Tevos informs Shepard she will see her then.
/.../
With great curiosity, the Primarch's Chosen looks at a grey scaled image. The image depicts 'hard' and dense points in a Human that the Asari have scanned. At first, one would not notice too much amiss, bone and soft tissue, but with a few seconds to appreciate the image, one notices the more in-depth detail. The metal reinforced skeleton and pebble dash of metalwork throughout the body should cause concern, but at the moment, his attention is dragged elsewhere. "So, the Batarians have declared a state of emergency?"
"Yes." An advisor to PC speaks, "Their planet was attacked with a dirty bomb."
"So their planet was attacked with a dirty bomb, then they charge the Human relay? Something doesn't add up." Batarians are brash, unruly, and mad even, but they are not out of mind. Truth be told, they are very good at calculating risk verse reward, maybe they are even better than the Volus, so just charging a Human Relay is a move which causes the PC great confusion. Not only would the Humans react poorly, but so too would the PC, who would likely not provide them with any aid if the Humans decided to get gung-ho. "Get me the Batarian Admiral."
Because of the delegation of powers by the Primarch, the Primarchs Chosen is the one who must punish the Batarians, but how should he reward their actions? The orchestrating commander of the entire Containment Fleet is not sure about the appropriate actions required of him. The action of the single Batarian vessel has confused not just himself, but also the Batarian Admiral. Maybe it could be put down to a random ship commander, but even the PC knows that the Batarian Captain could not have made that decision so easily, there would have been resistance on his own ship. Batarains, as much as he likes to paint them as droids, are not mindless or ignorant of their own lives. Batarians, especially those of the lower class, are more often victims, then aggressors. So why the hell did they charge the Human relay? It is a very intriguing question.
Finding out that the Batarian Admiral can not attend for at least an hour, the PC looks to his omni-tool for the time, and discovers that the Admiral will be attending when he has something planned, but, the Admirals attendance will actually be of benefit. It will allow the Batarian vessels to be tested without the direct oversight of the Batarian, something he doubts they have much practice of.
Just under an hour later the PC walks into his operations cell and looks around the room, his senior team are mostly relaxed, some are drinking hot drinks while doing mundane tasks, and one or two others are just chatting. Seeing the Batarian Admiral waiting for him, the PC immediately ignores him before clearing his throat and declaring. "Humans have swarmed the forward fleet."
The reaction is almost immediate, people jump to man their stations, and someone automatically sends out a fleet-wide alert. "Fleet Orchestrator, raise the Tactical Alert to Echo. We are to assume formation F4." The provided formation would suggest that the fleet is about to advance to contact.
"Fleet formation assumed," The fleet orchestrator returns a moment later.
Seeing the Batarian admiral approach, the PC simply says, "There is no time. Trust your vessel commanders." Turning back to the Fleet Orchestrator, the PC then provides him with a grid for the fleet to advance to, it is only a few billion km away. By now, his command staff all realise that they are in a drill, but those not in the room are not aware of this, meaning to the ship captains, this is the real deal.
Arriving at the location just a few minutes later, the PC then says, "Enemy dreadnought has been spotted." He gives another grid location, which when visual sensors are brought to aim at the grid, shows a large asteroid. The PC waits for the 'enemy' location to be transmitted before saying, "This vessel is now KIA. There are to be no comms or vessel movements out of this vessel. Alert the fleet of our situation, and also inform them that the drill is to continue as if this was real, live ordinance is permitted."
As the information is passed out into the tactical information network, the PC moves to a terminal that allows him to tune into the communication network between vessels and listens in, at the same time, he watches on another monitor any and all fleet movements. The PC is happy as he watches his fleet react quickly to his supposed death, and a new CoC take over. The PC does not have to wait long for the fleet to ascend on the supposed enemy dreadnought and use 'moderate' force to eliminate it. With the enemy asteroid destroyed, the PC taps on 27 ships that are displayed on a monitor, "These vessels have been eliminated, new fleet spotted at this grid." The new 'enemy fleet' is a collection of 5 medium-sized asteroids 4 billion km away. "These ten vessels also have a fire in the weapons room." One of these vessels is the PC's own dreadnought. "And these 7 vessels are venting atmosphere."
Once more, the PC watches how command of the fleet changes hands due to the 'eliminated' ships, fight their vessel problems, and approach the new asteroids. Of particular interest to the PC is the fact an Asari vessel is now at the helm of the fleet, so he is particularly interested in how they will perform, but he has full faith of their capabilities. Asari captains have hundreds of years of experience and are probably more capable and experienced than a Turian commander. As the ships drop out of an FTL jump, the PC eliminates a few more ships due to 'mines' but leaves the Asari vessel in command. Eventually, half an hour after the serial began, the PC watches as the remaining fleet adopts a defensive stature, so he ends the drill. He has a few remarks overall, but if this was real, then he is relatively happy with the output. The change of command was mostly seamless, and the low-level skills and drills were carried out to almost perfection. Looking around those in the room, he lets them know he wants performance reviews by breakfast tomorrow and then looks to the Batarian Admiral who has been sat back quietly watching the drill get carried out without him in command of his men.
"Admiral," The PC says, "I hope you enjoyed the show; however, we need to talk, so shall we?"
The Primarch's chosen leads the Batarian to his small office before sitting down in his chair and pushing a datapad towards the Batarain Admiral stood in front of his desk. When he invited the Admiral in, the Batarian was all but demanding a fleet was sent to rescue his now 'missing' crew. "No." Is the PC's direct but straightforward forward response. "Your fleet is unruly, unprofessional, and a disgrace on the Hegemony. You were lucky I allowed them to attend at all." Since being expelled out of the Forward Containment fleet, the PC has taken a hard line with the Batarians. "You will continue to escort the primary containment fleet."
The Admiral is understandably not happy with this, he has men lost in the field. "I do not care for reattending the forward fleet." The admiral tires,
"All I want is to search for my men. The Hegemony..."
"I don't give a pyjak." The Primarchs Chosen declares with a stern voice, "Your vessel charged the Humans, and they met their grizzly end." The PC gives a few moments before speaking with a calmer voice, "Our vessels scanned the area, nothing larger than a shoebox survived the explosion. By our best guesses, your crew were atomised the second they hit the mine." The Primarch's chosen is known to occasionally raise his voice, but he has never been known to curse. The Turian holds an unusual philosophy in that the moment he starts to swear, he has lost the respect of those under his command, meaning to this day, he is yet to curse in front of lower ranks.
The Batarian gives it a moment before beginning to say, "The Hegemony still wants to play a part. These mammals still live in our space, so it is reasonable that we attend the peace talks."
"Wrong." The PC declares with some conviction. "They live in their own sovereign space, and your Hegemony would do well to remember that. These Humans also hold great interest to the Council, and I am sure you would not wish their wrath." While the Asari have realised they can get friendly with the Humans for looking similar, and the Salarians are salivating at the idea of sharing anything proprietary to them which means they get relay metal, the Turians have realised that they will need to take a different approach. Humans have shown to the PC that they have a knack for unseen strategy, and it is something he would love to approach the Humans about. Instead of cultivating cultural links or scientific ties, the Hierarchy could go for sweet-talking their armed forces. The PC can already see the day where he and a Human admiral sits down and war game, and he can't wait to use a combined fleet with proper stealth vessels providing a deterrent that no dreadnaught can provide. With a fleet of unseen killers at his disposal, he would have the slavers and pirates shaking at their knees, and he wouldn't even have to have any fleets out on the prowl to do that. Sure, the Salarians have stealth vessels, unofficially of course, but they are for surveillance and espionage, not metal flinging war.
"So your request is denied," The PC goes on to say, "But I have my own question for you. Why is a certain sector of your space locked down? No vessels in, and none out?"
The Admiral stands for a small moment as he considers his response, and eventually, he says, "A city was attacked by terrorists. We are hunting them as we speak." Of course, the PC already knows this, he has intelligence being fed to him from not only the Higherachy naval intelligence but also the Citadel at the moment, anything that can give him an advantage in his current situation.
"Do you require assistance?" As much as the Primarch's chosen does not like the idea of helping Batarians, he realises that the Turians are also to defend the Batarians as decreed by the Council, so it is his job to provide the assistance right now - if the Batarians ask for it.
"Gert!" The Batarian replies in his own language. "We will run them down and need no assistance for that. Our vengeance will see to that."
Secretly, the PC realised this would be the response, and he is more than happy not to provide that assistance. "Very well. Then get out of my office, we have nothing more to discuss." The Admiral tried to leave without showing the PC the proper show of respect; however, the PC was quick to correct the Admiral's disrespectful ways.
/.../
Sol
The President looks at a 2d map of the space surrounding the transport device that orbits Pluto and gives a small whistle in appreciation, just like the last few times he looked at this map. Never has so much military power been brought to such a small sector of space in Human history. Earth, the inner planets, and the industrial complexes on the gas giants are all supporting the military operation without question in the name of protecting Sol, and to the President, it would seem past petty grievances have been temporarily put to bed. Sure, very little of the defensive force can get through to the far side of the transport device and assist the Praetorian due to their weight, but if anything comes through it uninvited, then may whatever cosmic entity that they send prayers to bless their souls. Already, the President has seen what Ultron can do to their vessels when used in anger, and now they have further evidence of what an anti-matter mine can do, so this defensive fleet should be able to handle some real heat.
Despite nearly every single entity in Sol providing assets for Sol's defence, issues are brewing in Sol that need to be seen to. Some of the issues are political; for example, the President wants to create a rather large Halo and defence fleet on the far side of the Relay to show off Humanities capabilities. This want has stirred issues among the Belters who are arguing that they need the resources that would be dedicated to this defence force themselves. Truthfully, the Belters are right, they need the resources to maintain their way of life, but at the same time, the President has to jiggle the idea that there is now a galaxy who know where they are, and Humanity can under no circumstances lose Sol.
These issues, however, can be dealt with later, the President would rather get a report from Captain Melchett who has sent some important news regarding their latest first contact attempts. When the Captain has dialled in, and the formalities are out of the way, the President says, "Please tell me you have good news."
/.../
1 Hour earlier.
Melchett stands on the bridge of the Praetorian, by now the light signals have reached the two unknown stealth vessels, and from using Ultron platforms that are in close proximity to the stealth vessels, he has been able to observe their response as close to real-time as possible. The smaller of the stealth vessels replied in kind, sending out a Fibonacci number sequence, so sending out 1 burst, followed by another single burst, then 2, followed by 3, 5, 8 etc. The other larger vessel has been quiet, its foreboding presence ever unchanged.
"Ultron," Melchett says, "Can you respond using your platforms, without revealing your platform location to the Citadel fleet?"
There is a small silence till Ultron says, "It is achievable."
"Good. Good. That will significantly cut down communication times." Melchett speaks aloud as he brings a hand up to stroke his bristling moustache. "How would you now attempt to continue communications with this craft?"
"Establish digital understanding before broadcasting a digitally modulated audio file. I advocate sending something in Prothean, such as 'Hello'."
Melchett nods, a hand still stroking his moustache, "Do it."
"Please wait for Platform UDP4713E to assume the broadcasting position." Five minutes later, Ultron speaks again, "Attempting digital handshake."
Thinking this may take some time, Melchett begins to leave the bridge to get a hot drink, but Ultron stops him, "Digital understanding confirmed. Broadcasting Prothean message."
Melchett turns on the spot, "That was quick," He says aloud, "Thoughts?" Ultron is bound to have them, it is one of, if not the smartest AI created.
"Rate of communications would suggest I have been communicating with a computer with some autonomous decision making. I have now received a response. Attempting to decode. Decode complete. Would you like to listen to the response?"
"Play the file."
The audio that plays says something unmistakable, "Greetings." The word spoken is Prothean.
"Understanding has been established." Confirms Ultron before adding, "Quantum Communication channels are now available."
Melchett brings a hand back up to his glorious tash as he says, "This is all too quick for us biologicals. Has the first contact teams been informed?" Melchett's job is to establish comms, it is then the FC teams job to actually do the talking.
"Your theory is correct, I can confirm I am in communications with another Artificial Intelligence. I have also updated the FC teams."
"Ultron, just how well are you communicating with them?"
"Very. Using Prothean as a basis of understanding, we have quickly been able to adapt to one another's language. The Geth are requesting a meeting."
"Well, they know where we are." The Captain remarks, while a little bewildered that Ultron has been able to establish communications so quickly with the aliens considering how long the Citadel first contact is taking. "Let them know our door is open."
"The Geth have active hostilities with the Citadel forces. They are advising a Geth Platform is picked up by one of my platforms."
The Captain pulls a hand down his face, knowing that the situation has just gotten a whole lot more complicated. If the Citadel find out that they are talking to their enemy, how will that change the ongoing first contact talks? Realising that this is a decision for higher, the Captain lets Ultron know he will need the President to make that call. Just as Melchett is about to alert the President, Ultron calls out, "Unidentified vessel 2 has reacted to our signal."
"It has?"
"Affirmative. It has responded with the Fibonacci signal."
Melchett thinks for a moment before asking, "Can we do a rinse and repeat of the previous FC?"
"Attempting communications. Please hold. Attempting digital handshake... Handshake confirmed. Attempting understanding, please hold." Before Ultron can confirm understanding, the President informs the Captain that he can now be spoken to, so Melchett makes his way to the ships communication hub.
/.../
Sol
The President nods along with the story, he is both fascinated and terrified by how quickly things have just progressed. "Any updates with cuttlefish?" Cuttlefish is the codename for the 2nd stealth vessel.
The Captain looks away from the President for a moment before looking back towards him, no updates as of yet, Ultron is still trying to establish understanding. The President nods in agreement before thanking the Captain and ending the call, with a promise to call back shortly when he has decided what to do with the latest news. The Geth has provided the President something to think on and think hard the President must.
The problem comes down to the fact that his first contact teams are starting to make substantial progress with the Citadel, a people who the Geth are at odd ends with. Can he jeopardise that progress by inviting a Geth platform back to the Praetorian? But can he also risk losing good relations with the Geth for simply not asking them back to the Praetorian? Sure, there will be other solutions that he has not thought of, but right now, he needs to talk this out with someone, and who else better than his advising and supporting staff?
Edit:
So, this is probably my last update of 2020. If I don't update before 21, have a good Christmas and New Year, and hopefully, we will all see a far better 21 than 20 ey? Can't be much bloody worse.