"You look troubled, Councillor," Shepard says as he walks onto the bridge with a piping hot freshly brewed coffee in hand, the smell of the freshly ground beans filling the air. To Tevos, humans drink the stimulant by the gallons and in unhealthy quantities. Looking around the deck, out of the ten people working nearby, four are nursing a cup, and two have a finished cup within arm's reach. If pushed, she would then bet every sole on the deck also had a cup for breakfast; goddess knows Ladochka does. She had mentioned her observation to Ladochka, who shrugged and jested that to defeat the Human navy, all one has to do is stop the supply of coffee. Tevos knows the comment was made in fun, but she secretly wonders if there may be some truth to it.
"I have a good reason," She replies after greeting him, "We are approaching one of the largest and most powerful fleets in existence unannounced and in a stealth vessel. It is begging for trouble."
"Ah, we will be fine," Shepard says with a shrug before asking aloud, "EDI, how long till we exit the Relay?"
"3 minutes 41," The AI replies helpfully.
The wait passes quickly, and the ship exits the Relay as smoothly as any Citadel vessel. EDI quickly speaks up, "We have detected 3,471 vessels. 97 are military vessels."
"Helm hold our position. Tactical, how long till we are detected?" Shepard asks.
A man to the side says, "34 Seconds till our light reaches the Citadel superstructure. Any scouts may have already detected us."
"Then we wait," Shepard says aloud, "Let them come to us."
/.../
Irissia stands in the command room of her flagship, the Destiny Ascension. Around her, the Citadel Defence Fleet command teams busy themselves with unending work flowing into their computers. Military budget cuts to the Citadel fleet have most of the command staff performing the role of two or even three people. Standing in the corner of the room is an aged Turian sent to validate her fleet from the Turian Hierarchy. Should the aged and almost retired Primarchs Chosen not validate the fleet, it would be a substantial political affair that would see Irissia's naval and political career grind to an uncomfortable halt. Moreover, it would be an embarrassment that would reach the four corners of Asari space and question Asari command of the Citadel defence fleet.
"Matriarch," A young but highly respected signals officer says, "We have had an anomaly detected in grid ZX41, very faint and gone now. I am interrogating as I speak."
Irissia approaches a monitor and looks at the grid square, but Nothing metallic and larger than a sky car has been detected. Often, these anomalies turn out to be metallic space trash dumped illegally by shady cargo carriers or a meteor with a particularly reflective surface. However, the validation exercise has been testing her fleet in all manners of attack and defence, so this could be another serial she needs to be aware of.
"Isolate grid square, rewind the last 50 seconds and replay at one-fifth speed."
The crewman does as asked, and this anomaly is far more significant than a cold meteor or space trash. A vessel potentially the size of a frigate exited the Relay and quickly vanished into the background of space. What she assumed could be a piece of space garbage is actually a stealth vessel.
The old PC stands next to her, "Stop, stop, stop," He then announces to the crew, "This is not a serial."
Before Irissa can respond, a comms expert says, "We're receiving a data package from the same grid. It contains Geth VOEMS protocols." VOEMS, Voice Over Electromagnetic Spectrum.
"Raise threat level to Bravo," Irissia says instinctively, "Rally squadron 1 and 3 at FLOS 2 and squadron 4 at FLOS 5. Squadron 2 is to remain at RLOS 2. Rules for engagement are ruled 1."
FLOS, Forward Lines of Ships are predetermined locations based on defending against a hostile fleet that has emerged from the Relay. All helmsmen and commanders will know the FLOS coordinates and where they will be placed in the formations at the FLOS. All they need to know is which FLOS to attend. For the rules of engagement, providing the fleet is not fired upon, rule 1 prevents the Citadel fleet from opening hostilities. However, it does not deny the ships from powering shields or weapons.
Irissia then turns to the communications officer, "Is the data package safe?"
The officer does not turn to look at her as she continues to monitor her own screen, "The VI's are still scanning for viruses." In many sci-fi books and films, a person can scan for viruses by merely looking at the code; but this is ludicrous due to the vast size of files. The data package alone consists of millions of lines of code.
It is almost five minutes till the comms officer speaks again, "Nothing found. Isolate a terminal and unpack?"
Irissia considers the proposal for a minute; the Geth are masters of cyber war, and to unpack the message on the Ascension would be the definition of madness. "Send it to a destroyer. Have them download and open comms, then purge it from our systems."
There is another uncomfortable wait till the comms officer speaks again, "The Expanse has exchanged IFF's. The ship identifies as Human."
"Human?" Both Irissa and the Turian splutter at the same time before Irissia then asks, "Are we able to establish comms? Relay through the Expanse."
/.../
Turning around to face the ship she has travelled on, Tevos is not surprised by the Citadel Defence Fleet's hostile reaction to its arrival. The ship is undeniably a warship designed for the most enduring of battles. At the front of the vessel must be thirty slanted meters of hardened relay metal armour, a sizeable cannon any heavy cruiser would be proud of lies down its spine, and what she assumes are two beefy plasma cannons decorate its hull. This ship is an exotic weapon of war, not a vessel of exploration or diplomatic missions. These Humans do not come in peace.
What makes this ship worse is its prominent stealth features. Huge radiators for venting heat, exhaust ports for venting presumably stored liquid hydrogen, and the paint scheme is a dark black, allowing it to absorb most light that hits it. Its design also allows for a tiny radar signature compared to its size, meaning it could pass through most Citadel-controlled systems without anyone ever noticing. Then there are the dozens and dozens of sensor arrays that can listen to all sorts of sensitive broadcasts. The ship breaks more than a dozen Citadel laws that Tevos could name off the top of her head.
With this in mind, Tevos can understand why the Humans were happy to attack the Collector dreadnaught; it was not as one-sided a battle as she feared, and the Humans not quite as crazy as she supposed. Moreover, while the Collector ship outgunned them, it did not have as many tricks up its sleeve as this human vessel.
The curious question, however, is what class of ship is it? The weaponry would indicate a heavy cruiser, the total length would suggest a heavy frigate and the stealth features would mean a reconnaissance vessel. This vessel may fall under its own unique title. Its disadvantages, however, are that the ship is trying to perform many different roles and may not be able to perform any single function as well as a dedicated ship.
Another curiosity is Tevos only remembers seeing just shy of a hundred crew members; a Citadel ship of this size would have 300 plus, but then she wonders how many Geth she had seen; honestly, there could have been millions in the server arrays.
"She is a beauty, is she not?" Shepard asks after letting Tevos look the ship over.
Tevos clenches her fists as she turns to the Captain, "It is hard to see beauty in products of war."
"But not impossible," Shepard replies. "Well, shall we?"
"Yes," Tevos states before approaching a small Citadel security team awaiting them. After proving her identity, the security team make a call, and a second group of four approaches them. The second group came from somewhere out of sight.
Tevos slightly bobs her head at two of those approaching, "Sparatus, Valern," She says in greeting, "Apologies in advance for any scares."
Sparatus only raises a mandible, while Valern makes a dismissing motion with his hand, "No need. Strong test for the fleets. It is an interesting ship you arrive on."
"Yes," Tevos says, "Captain Shepard here rescued me from an Asari world that has been assaulted and all inhabitants murdered. They are therefore flying under an Asari flag and receive Asari protections."
"Understood," Valern replies after looking at the ship for a long moment, "Shame." Shepard silently wonders but does not really need to guess why the 'shame' comment was made.
It is Sparatus to speak next. He ignores the ship entirely, "Attacked, you say?"
"Yes," Tevos replies, "My vessel and crew were destroyed, and my team only survived as we were not in the world's primary establishment. Had I been, I have no doubts you would be speaking to my replacement. However, if you are happy Captain Shepard and crew receive my protection, we must take the remaining conversation behind closed doors."
Sparatus raises his mandible again, a silent gesture he wishes to speak, "I will authorise 100 hours before I want to see the paperwork."
"Agreed," Is Valerns response.
After blinking in recognition of their response, Tevos turns to Shepard, "Captain, I will have my embassy send your executive officer permits to enter the Citadel. Expect it to take a few hours. I will also request your presence in my office soon."
With the Captain dismissed and no longer standing in close proximity, Sparatus then says, "So, shall we move somewhere with more privacy?"
/.../
28 hours later
Tevos eyes the Asari stepping out of the sky car carefully, the visiting Matriarch may not hold the political sway of herself, but the Asari is as dangerous as they come and highly respected by the military; she is certainly not one to anger. A thousand years living and breathing as a Commando, Asari spec ops, and then Spectre has given her skills to achieve any military mission with consummate ease, and even in her retirement, she has worked on military doctrine refining how the Asari fight. As Osh would say, she is the John Wick of Asari. Despite the Asari having now hung up her commando leathers to fight political arguments, she still occasionally dons them for necessary tasks of utmost importance to the Asari people.
"Aethyta," Tevos eventually says when the Asari stands straight before her.
The Asari does not care for the pleasantries and crosses her arms, "So, what do you want? Who has rattled your cage." Her tone tells Tevos that the Asari came for an argument.
Tevos takes a moment before responding, "This is above our political differences, so leave it at the door." Tevos has clashed with Aethyta numerous times before regarding military spending and the readiness of Asari forces. While both have the same belief in the required end state, both have different ideas as to how to get there. Tevos wants to embark on the long and safe route, Aethyta, on the other hand, wants the short and risky path to be taken for an almost immediate boon. However, as Tevos always points out, ships rushed into service overlook issues and have long-term problems. Aethyta likes to reply that modern ships with problems are better than a handful of outdated ships not suited for the modern age.
Tevos notices the tiny details, which tells her the Matriarch is curious about her last comment but is yet to bite, "I need someone with your unique skill set to go on a task."
"Shit," Aethyta replies sarcastically, "Somone stole your sex tapes?"
Tevos does not rise to the comment, "I need an agent aboard the Human warship you have undoubtedly noticed sitting in our dockyards. As much as I wished it was someone else, you are it."
Aethyta smirks, "And how, may I ask, oh so wise councillor, are we supposed to achieve that?" Aethyta asks with obvious sarcasm, "I doubt we can just stow away like pyjaks aboard a classic yacht. If you have yet to notice from the intelligence briefs, their ships are riddled with AI. Moreover, that ship is locked down tighter than Lessus. Untold Geth is onboard by all reports."
"You would be correct. Having seen the Geth myself to confirm, there is enough of them to field a small army onboard," Tevos pauses briefly, "But there is no sneaking required. I have made a deal to have an Asari agent onboard. They are going after common interests but they have the teeth and will to do what the Council and Circle will not."
"The Collectors?" Aethyta asks as much as she states.
"Come." Tevos says, "This discussion can continue in my office."
A few minutes later Tevos sits down at a table and pours herself a drink of icy cold water, "Water?"
"I'm fine." Aethyta replies before dragging a chair from under the table and sitting opposite Tevos, "So, the Collectors."
"Yes," Tevos says before pushing a datapad over to Aethyta, "Our Human friends are outright hostile towards them. I was on board their ship while they conducted land and space operations against them. They care not for the consequence of angering their enemies. War is not a concern for it is assured for them."
"About time someone faced up to them," Atheta replies, "But why were you onboard in the first place? It's enough to raise the wrong type of questions."
"Allies of the Collectors attacked a colony while I was planetside," Tevos reveals, a dark look across her face. "The Humans were tracking these Allies, and for lack of better words, give me a lift off planet. They then visited another planet, attacked the Collectors and returned me here."
"You're leaving something out," Aethyta accuses.
"The colony they attacked," Begins Tevos, "Was wiped clean of life. Asari have been abducted for unknown reasons, and any non-Asari were executed. I am now past playing games with our colonies being attacked."
"Hence the summoning of the circle." Aethyta says aloud, "Your going after them."
"I am," Tevos blinks. "Like a rabid varren I do not intend on stopping till there is nothing left to chew."
"About time." Aethyta says with a respectful nod, "But where do I come into this?"
"That datapad you are yet to touch," Tevos begins, "And your carriage on the Human stealth ship was made in exchange for the Humans to operate a stealth vessel in Asari space unhindered and access to any Asari port for supplies and recuperation."
"Fuck off," Aethyta replies with a clench of her fists, "Not even the Salarians are blessed with that authority."
"The Salaians have not given us the instructions on how to navigate the Omega Relay and reach the Collector homeworld," Tevos states simply. "Nor do the Salarians care for our world, which is now a colossal graveyard. The Humans if nothing, are the enemy of our enemy and are more than willing to work with us." Aethyta stays quiet, allowing Tevos to go on, "Hence this is where you come in. You are permitted to stay aboard their ship and ensure their operations are not against our interests."
"Alright," Aethyta breathes out, "And to confirm, what exactly are their interests?"
"The defeat of the Collectors and the vessel we call Ghost Ship. They are very hostile towards both of these entities, to the point they are ready to go to war with their creators. They believe the Ghost Ship to be the source of the Virus and an existential threat to the galaxy, and the Collectors are their willing servants."
"Bold claims," Aethyta remarks.
"Maybe," Tevos says as she presses a few buttons, and a video begins to play on her terminal. After a second to turn the screen, she lets Aethyta watch the video. "They pulled this from a Prothean beacon."
"That showed tens of thousands of those things." Aethyta replies, "Maybe more."
"Legions." Tevos replies, "The Humans are preparing to fight that."
'How do you fight that?' Aethyta wonders silently before asking, "So you also need me to find out all I can about these things? See if we need to worry more than you currently are."
"Correct," Tevos blinks, "But there is more."
"Always is. Go on," Aethyta replies, feeling like she is not going to like where this comment takes her.
"They have recruited Liara, and they are going after Benezia, who is known to be working with Sarren Arterius and the Ghost Ship."
Aethyta raises a hand to her forehead and leans back in her chair. Tevos expected an eruption of hostilities from Aethyta. "Two things," Aethyta eventually says, "First of all, I fucking told her to stay away from that shitbag, he stunk of corruption the second he was sworn in. All of us in the employment knew it, but miss good two shoes? No, she couldn't help herself. Secondly, the Humans have Liara?"
"Liara volunteered for this once she realised how deeply Benezia is involved; it also does not help the Humans believe her theories regarding the Protheans and are willing to assist her research. They are basically promising her unrestricted access to any of their Prothean sites."
"Yeah," Aethyta sighs, "That kid is passionate in her work and if someone is willing to support her theories, especially to such a degree, then well..."
"I am hoping you can keep her safe. As for Benezia, pull her back from whatever she is involved in. The Humans have shown to be ruthless in their fight against the Ghost Ship and Collectors, but they are not beyond reason."
"And if they refuse to see reason?"
"Their AI's are logic driven, use them against the Humans if needed. Humans respect two AI more than any others, Freya and Ultron. Convince them of her importance to our people and they will convince the Humans."
"Great," Aethyta remarks sarcastically, "Now we are putting Benezia's life in the hand of AI's."
"It is the best she has." Tevos deadpans, "Do you accept?"
Aethyta breaths out before blinking, "I don't have an option."
"Good," Tevos says before pushing another datapad across the table. "This is a dossier I have made. Gives personalities on board and tidbits about living with Humans. You will also find your assigned task and any extra information relevant to the mission."
Aethyta scans the datapad with her omni tool, downloading all its information. "Any funding?" She then asks.
Tevos blinks, "You will find a million in pre-deployment funding. Then, as you send back updates, I will authorise additional funding depending on how useful the information is or the missions you will embark on."
Aethyta blinks and suppresses a small smile. 1 million credits is a vast pre-deployment package; she could purchase new armour, new weapons and untold ammo for that.
/.../
Three days later
Shepard picks up a large hatchet and looks at the metalwork. Sure enough, the metal has fine patterns and swirls, indicating how it was forged from different metal types. Tevos was correct, Ladochka has made something worthy of an art gallery. "So," Shepard says as he inspects the tool, "Are you sure you won't be joining?"
"No," Osh says from a heavy work desk she is sitting on, legs dangling inches off the floor, "I'm staying here."
"It is a shame," Shepard says as he puts the tool down, "I could make use of a good marine."
"You have Ash, Kaiden and Aethyta," Ladochka shrugs, "That team is more than potent enough. You don't need me."
"All the same, I would be more confident if you joined us."
Ladochka shakes her head. "Are you still set to leave at midday?"
Shepard nods, "Yeah."
"All repairs sorted?" The ship had taken a few rounds from the Collector ship and needed a few jobs completed to make it space worthy.
"All the big ones. What is left I've been promised we can do on the move."
"Then where is your next target?"
"Your councillor gave us a lead to a Turian who was tracking the Spectre. So we are headed to Omega. Find him and see if he wants to join the club."
"Ah yes," Ladochka says as if she has already seen what Tevos has given him, "The sniper. Met him before, briefly, mind you, in the arena. He has a hell of a shot and would make any ground team proud."
"That is the bonus." Shepard says before picking up another blade and inspecting it, "We want to know what he knows about Sarren."
"Hopefully enough to give you a direction. Did we get any further information on where this conduct is?"
"The conduit, as Liara puts it. She has heard of it but doesn't know what or where it is, so no, I'm afraid not. For now, this Turian is our best lead. See if he can put us on the scent."
"Well, failing that, this Reaper creature seems interested enough in you guys. Could always make a sloppy call and wait for it to come calling."
"Nah," Shepard replies, "That thing can take us easily, and I'm only 80% sure our stealth tech is good enough to play with the devil. Sorry Freya but its simply not good enough - yet." Putting the blade down, Shepard turns to her, "Well, I should probably be going. That Asari, Aethyta is, wanting all sorts of briefs and updates before we set sail. She is hard work, that one."
"Briefs?" Ladochka asks with a raised brow, "Sure. Want me to take you to the Skycars so you can have some more 'briefs'."
"If you wouldn't mind." He nods, "But hell no, I know what you are thinking and that woman scares me."
"Someone a space jockey won't buck?" Ladochka asks with mirth, "Hell must have frozen over."
"Buck yet," Shepard replies, "But I almost forgot." Shepard swings a bag from his back and unzips it, revealing a large bag of fresh coffee beans. "I figured you probably need these more than we do."
Ladochka jumps down from her table and inspects the bag, "Are these real Columbian?"
"Real deal," Shepard nods.
"For these beans I think you have earned yourself a blade," Ladochka replies before throwing him a sheathed knife, "And before you go I guess we should pick Traynor up; she is probably accosting Nyx for one thing or another."
Three weeks later
Tevos looks up from her preparations for the Circle's arrival when an aide walks into her room. Since she has had 'do not disturb' active for the last half hour, for the aide to walk in it must mean something is happening. "Yes?" She asks expectedly.
"We have a Human fleet hailing us from the Relay. Claims it is escorting a diplomatic vessel."
Tevos raises a brow before standing up, ready for whatever it is she needs to do.
Thanks.