"5 thousand, 9 hundred and eighty-two," Ladochka says aloud, "enough crew to entertain 20,000 at any one time."

"How many beds?" Tevos asks, "Does it intend to operate like a hotel or theme park?"

"7,000." Osh replies, "6 thousand berths for the crew, about one thousand premium suites for VIPs. They have prioritised entertainment facilities over beds."

"A wise decision," Tevos remarks casually as a loud 'clunk' reverberates around the small transport ship, evidence of their docking. "Let people get accommodation on the Citadel where we have all the features and space to accommodate the different species individual requirements."

"Hmm," Ladochka grunts in response before pulling Tevos onto her feet. The Asari is light comparatively, at no more than 80kg, "Well, shall we?"

"Yes," Tevos says just as an aid walks into the room, most likely with the given task to inform them that they had docked. Getting to the airlock, Tevos finds that it has already been opened and a ramp lowered to allow them to disembark.

At the bottom of the ramp awaited a collection of five Humans and a holographic woman. One of the party is dressed in a pressed white suit with a cap adorning his head, and Ladochka lets her know he is the ship's captain. The four others are wearing more formal attire, and Ladochka tells her they are official ambassadors. Ladochka did not know of the holographic entity but summarised it as the ship's integrated AI. "The Turians won't like that news." Tevos muses.

"I don't think my people will care."

"No," Tevos agrees, "Your government has at no point respected Citadel borders or laws. If I didn't know better, I could suspect your government of having malicious intent."

"I think," Ladochka begins insightfully, "That this is for a discussion where cameras don't prey."

"Yes," Tevos agrees before gesturing with her head, "Well, shall we?"

"Da." Ladochka replies, using her native tongue, "After you."

Tevos takes the lead and reaches the bottom of the ramp where the Human team are awaiting her. On her arrival, one of the Humans performs an almost perfect Asari greeting before announcing, "I am Merrium Sollivey," She then gestures to a woman to her right, "Kate Falcon," Kate performs another greeting, "And Thomas Stein," The man also performs the act, "This is Captain Newark of the HEV Discovery," The man gives a salute that is common to the Human navy, "And this is Atlas. The ships Integrated Intelligence."

"Welcome to Citadel space," Tevos greets, "And thank you for your most welcome greetings." She returns a respectful bow to each of those who greeted her.

After the greetings are out of the way, Merrium speaks again, "Welcome to the Discovery, a ship dedicated to sharing Human culture and knowledge. It would be our honour to give you a guided tour."

"I remember a similar ship at Arcturus," Tevos answers, "I look forward to seeing what culture you have deemed worthy of this vessel this time." Despite being the truth, it is a political answer. She could say nothing less or have it be a political slight against the Humans.

Merrium smiles toothily, "This ship is a little bigger than the last one, and we have learned a few things and adapted it accordingly." She then turns to Ladochka, "Commander Shepard, it is good that you could join us for this. You can provide insight to both parties. "

"No longer in the military," Ladochka replies with a shrug, "So it's just Ladochka."

"Very well," Merrium responds, "I hope Atlas has informed you of the contents of this vessel in advance?"

"She just did," Ladochka responds.

"Then maybe you can suggest a good place for us to start."

Ladochka blinks in response before she nods. The order of her response Merrium is quick to recognise, "Yes. The food courts. We were expecting such a location and have come hungry."

"Very well, if you follow us,"

Tevos steps in line with Merrium as they are guided through the ship, but they stop a hundred meters up a corridor to get onto some electric scooters. It is a novel idea to traverse the ship, but Tevos rates the idea and would like to get some for the Citadel. As they follow Merrium to the food court, passing numerous places of interest, Tevos comes aside her wife, "The AI looked terrified of you."

"Of Freya," Osh replies before continuing, "And probably for a good reason, but here is something you will like. In Human culture, Atlas was a Greek God that carried the world on its back," Ladochka speaks aloud, "I guess that will be a fitting name."

"It would seem a fitting name, but I am curious as to why she would be terrified of Freya,"

Ladochka replies once she moves around an obstacle blocking her way, "Freya is notorious in Human society. Remember, only a few ever get the privilege to speak with her. The fact I am a walking outlet for her must have surprised Atlas. It would be like a young Asari commando meeting Matriarch Sarrisa Therris; they would be simultaneously terrified of what she could do to them but also in awe."

"A valid point," Tevos replies before pulling up and dismounting the electric scooter. The apparatus made a 15 min walk a few short minutes of riding. Tevos imagines the devices could cause utter chaos if abused, but if used respectfully, they would be a fantastic way of quickly traversing the kilometre-long ship, even more so a 50 km-long Prothean super construct.

After demolishing a Turkish kebab on Ladochka's insistence, the group visit arcades, sports fields with teams demonstrating football and rugby, pubs with various musicians, art galleries, shops, holo-suites and opera-style halls demonstrating various entertainment from magic shows to ballerinas. Of note to Tevos is the fact nothing onboard costs more than a few credits and the entire vessel must operate at a considerable loss. This ship is designed to spread knowledge of Human culture and make a few credits for Humans to use. She has no doubt it will turn over a lot of credits, but most if not all are at a loss. Much of the vessel is also unashamedly aimed at Asari. It is clearly evident that Humans are targeting them for one reason or another.

At the end of the tour, Tevos is shown around an out-of-bounds area featuring a school for the crew's children. She suspects a request will come to have a mixed class and have Asari children invited onboard to try a Human school to help integrate Humans and Asari, but the request does not come today.

By the time the tour comes to a close, Tevos agrees to provide unrestricted passes for the Human crew so they can visit the Citadel, and to endorse the Discovery as a tourist attraction. The Human diplomatic team are ecstatic with the outcome, having achieved all but a few of their minor goals, and declares the ship open and ready for business, but Tevos dampens their joy by informing them the Council would have to agree as a collective to its presence.

/.../

Later that evening

"A party boat?" The Turian councillor asks with a raised mandible to Tevos and a hard, unimpressed look in his eyes, "Maybe you should have invited us on your visit to keep your interests aligned."

Tevos breathes deeply to prevent her from snapping at the Turian's remark and then says, "They used the same trick when confronting our containment fleet. A large ship was sent with many different types of Human entertainment onboard. It successfully fostered cross-species interactions." She then looks the Turian in his eyes, "You were not invited as you do not have a Human living in your halls."

The Turian taps an image on the table in front of him, "One does not build a ship eleven hundred metres long to have a party,"

"No," The Salarian representative agrees, "Ships this long are not cheap. This will have been a grand undertaking."

Tevos silently considers them, for as wise as they are, they can have short memories and ignore known facts, "Councillors," she then says before pushing a few images onto their screens, "The Humans are alien to our design philosophies and layout process. They do not work or think like we do. Need I remind you of the ringworld they built above their home planet? To quote a Human I know, you think small." Tevos then pulls up the image of the ship in question, "Does this honestly look like anything you would expect to wage war in?" The ship has large windows, numerous docks, and multiple hull cavities covered with atmospheric shields. All are vulnerable points you would not want on a warship, "But, to help you understand, have a look at these."

Tevos pushes a document to each of their omni-tools, to which the Turian says, "A broacher?"

"Full of Human entertainment. Want a Human meal? Try what they have to offer on the 'sky deck' with unparalleled views of our Citadel. I would recommend a Turkish kebab. Try playing laser space quest in their manned manoeuvring units, or enjoy one of their art galleries. They have come here to sell themselves and make friends, not to provoke anger."

"I'm not going to give any permission till our intelligence services cast it as non-threatening." The Salarian says.

"Fine," Tevos announces with a nonchalant shrug, "They have waited many years to emerge from their corner. I am confident they can wait a few more days. For your situational awareness, however, I will welcome them and be proactive."

"Yes, you do tend to have a soft spot for these Humans," The Turian says with a knowing glint in his eye, "But I am not giving permission for it to dock or approach any closer than 400,000km till my own Navy signs it off. Now moving on to the escort ships, they are of interest."

"Yes," Tevos blinks while manipulating a screen to present one of the ships, "Five of the ships have a radii of 72 degrees and interesting bows and sterns. One would think they could interlock."

"Creating a ring with a circumference of 4km. Interesting design philosophy, but not the ships I was thinking of,"

"No, of course not," Tevos says before manipulating a screen to show an up-armoured but small ship no longer than 400 meters. A frigate by Asari standards. "Heavy armour, a spinal cannon and what we believe are plasma casters, a typical Human weapon that we have seen have catastrophic effects on Hanar ships. I do not see any stealth properties shared with the warship docked here not so long ago, and there are four of them."

"Yes," The Salarian says, "These ships are brawlers designed to be seen. It is a new design principle we are yet to see from them."

"Probably a visual deterrent to protect their party boat for its trip here," the Turian remarks.

"My thoughts too, heavily armed and armoured. We must restrict them to 1 million km of the Citadel. Tevos, any complaints?" Tevos clenches her firsts. "Good, then onto other matters. The AI's"

"What of them?" Tevos asks, "The Humans are friendly with the Geth, have AI throughout their society and even integrated into their minds in ways we do not fully appreciate or understand. So we reject their AI, then we reject them. This, I will assure you, is non-negotiable."

"If we engage with them," The Turian begins, "We open the floodgates. How long till Asari have AI in their brains? Or Salarians? What advantage will these AI half-breed abominations have over us?"

"The floodgates are already open," Tevos counters while suppressing a retort for Osh and Freya collectively, "And while I doubt many will undergo the process to be integrated with AI like Shepard has, I know many are interested in it, enough that a sizeable number of people in our society will want it."

"Millions want to get high on red sand. It is still outlawed."

"Not the same," Tevos says, "And you know it."

The turian sighs before commenting, "Its worse. Red sand is a temporary effect. AI in their brains so much worse. If we allow it, this could very quickly get away from us." The Turian pauses briefly, "If the Humans begin converting our people on their part boat, I will send a fleet to chase it away."

Tevos knows both the Salarians and Turian councillors strongly agree on this topic, "Then I will ensure they are aware."

/.../

2 Days Later

Tevos rubs circles into her forehead as she sits at her private desk in her estate's small office, the last few days since the arrival of the Humans and the Circle could be best described as nothing less than utter carnage. The Matriarchs Circle believe they are important enough to occupy 100% of her time, which they are, but the Council also demand vast portions of her day. "There just are not enough hours." She complains loudly and with an exasperated sigh.

Ladochka closes her trusty laptop, puts it aside, then places a large glass of rare Thessian wine down on a nearby table, stands from a couch, and slowly approaches. Since Tevos introduced the fine wine to her two decades ago, Ladochka enjoys a regular glass and considers it a privilege of her link to Tevos. The issue is the wine is costly, most could only hope to afford a small glass now and then for special occasions, yet thanks to Tevos's almost unlimited wealth, Ladochka can finish a bottle in an hour and ask for a second, third and fourth should she so wish. The wine can be too dry to do so, but that is not the point. To Tevos, the cost of the wine is nothing more than pennies that she wouldn't notice missing. If she had dropped a credit chit, her wealth would have increased enough by the time she picked it up for her to buy untold quantities of the liquid. While Ladochka does not regularly partake in activities that 'the other half' of society enjoys, this is one of those perks she does allow herself to participate in.

Standing behind her bondmate, she rubs circles deep into the muscles of Tevos's shoulders, and she can feel the Asari is tense, "I can't speak for the circle." She then says, "They are your people through and through, but I somewhat can for my mine."

"Are you telling me?" Teovs asks, "Or guessing." Her tone leaves no room for wordplay.

Tevos and Ladochka share a strict 'no tell' rule to ensure that Human and Asari secrets are not leaked, which will inevitably strain their partnership. Both believe it to such a degree they are yet to meld in fear of what could be revealed by mistake. To Ladochka, it is a traditional marriage, to Tevos, it is refreshing to be with someone who is after the character, not the position or knowledge of what she knows. Not once has Ladochka tried to probe into sensitive topics once informed the subject matter is sensitive.

After a few moments of silence to consider where they are and their privacy, Ladochka eventually says, "They aren't here for the Council." Tevos's private accommodation in her estate is likely to be as secure, if not more so, than the Council offices.

"No?" Tevos asks.

"No." Ladochka answers while pressing her thumbs deep into some unrelaxed muscles, "I know we do not talk politics, but they are here because of the Reapers and Collectors."

"What do they want?" Tevos asks, sounding tired and almost desperate, "In your words."

Ladochka has discreetly, in the hours and days prior, been in touch with the diplomatic party and knows how to further the Human agenda while also serving the Asari. "I can't say, but I know your people are their primary target."

"They need to request a private meeting," Tevos voices, "I can not request it. Can you get them to call my teams?"

"Leave that to me." Ladochka answers, "But I have an idea or two on this front."

"Hmm," Tevos utters and then after a while to enjoy the administrations from Ladochka's thumbs, she says, "I also received a troubling report from Aethyta today."

"Oh?"

"You probably already know."

Ladochka blinks before clearing her throat and then saying, "You exist because we are so stuck up our own arses we can suck our tonsils and can't walk."

"Osh..."

"Yeah, Freya learned of the report. What are you thinking?"

Tevos sighs, "I am glad she recorded it. I know Athetya enough to know she is fully bought into the Reapers being an existential threat, as are your own people."

"So what are we going to do about it?"

"That I am still to figure out."

/.../

Three days later,

Ladochka walks into their shared living room and is about to speak but finds Tevos slumped back on a sofa, mouth wide open and catching flies. On her lap rests a work terminal with a document in the middle of being edited. Never has Ladochka caught Tevos in such a vulnerable position, so she makes sure to capture a mental image before sitting on the far side of the sofa and loading her omni-tool up. She ensures she is quiet since she knows the Circle, the Council, Athetya's report, and the Human diplomatic mission have kept her up while working long days.

While Tevos sleeps, Ladochka checks her plans. A dinner menu fit for Human consumption is currently being prepared by the estate's top chefs, the string and wood band has confirmed their attendance, invitations have been accepted with only a few non-attendances registered, and wines are in the coolers with messing staff stood up to work.

Just as Ladochka begins to confirm the evening scheme of manoeuvre, Tevos snores herself awake and looks around with bleary eyes. "Osh, sorry, I must have dozed off." Tevos then checks the time, and immediately shows signs of panicking, "My, it is..."

Ladochka grins at her before Freya helpfully says, "You have been resting for 1 hour 11." The AI has holograph projectors and speakers integrated throughout their private accommodation.

Tevos rubs her eyes, clearing sleep and itching a scratch before standing up, "How was your visit?"

"Productive," Osh replies, but she can tell Tevos is asking to be polite, she does not care as much as she appears right now. Deciding to change topics, Ladochka begins to speak, "I am hosting an estate dinner here in two hours. You are cordially invited as my plus one."

Tevos raises a brow as she takes a seat behind her desk, "Your plus one?"

"Yes." Ladochka replies, "If I didn't invite you, I know I would be in the dog house and sleeping on this sofa tonight."

"Ladochka Tevos," Tevos says with a certain tone, telling her she is looking for an explanation.

"Fine, I have invited a few key members of the Human diplomatic team from the Discovery to come and sample some Asari culture for the evening. So you will have a chance to speak with them in private, face to face."

Tevos keeps her brow raised, "I do not remember inviting them... Or approving such an event."

"You didn't." Osh shrugs, "I took liberty as your bondmate."

Tevos breathes deeply before saying, "Well, it would be rude not to attend now, especially if it is organised by my wife. How was your medical appointment?" Tevos knows Ladochka got a full medical from the Human medical staff attached to the diplomatic mission. She would have received one from Chakwas, but the ship's doctor specialises in battlefield wounds and infection, not general practising. Further, Chakwas's med bay is filled with equipment needed for emergency surgery, not an in-depth medical analysis.

Osh can be seen to suppress an annoyed scowl, "Yes, it would be rude and fine. Nothing further to report."

Tevos raises a brow before saying, "Freya?" She knows 'Nothing further to report' is a military term, and often Ladochka resorts to using it to hide something.

The AI's holographic form appears next to Ladochka, glances at Osh and then says, "Left shoulder needs to be replaced, a few cybernetics are broken beyond repair, thus needing to be replaced, and we have received four new teeth." The AI then looks back to Osh, "There was a 98.1% chance you would have told her by day's end and a 99.4% chance by breakfast tomorrow."

Osh rolls her eyes, "Damn AI, it was still my secret to tell."

"What are you going to do regarding your shoulder then?" Tevos asks with great interest in the answer. Her interest in the Circle and Human party temporarily dropped.

"They can't perform the surgery here due to some tricky metal components in there." Ladochka taps her shoulder, "And Freya unsurprisingly refuses to let them install new cybernetics."

"They wanted to install obsolete technology," The AI says while sounding a little disgusted, "They are small and think in small terms. I am working on an acceptable solution now and will inform you both in due time."

Tevos almost immediately turns to Osh, "I do not know what to make of that response."

"Ah," Ladochka replies, "She is quoting an old human series. It means she has something far better and improved up her sleeve."

"Hmm," Grunts Tevos before she decides to leave the topic behind, "And how did your other business go?"

"Well, I think. I've leased two ports on level delta at a hundred thousand a month."

"Bit pricey," Tevos says with a frown before then shaking her head, "How much to purchase them?"

"Just shy of 10 Million a pop."

"Who owns them?"

"It's a subsidiary company of Citadel Air."

Tevos briefly powers up her omni-tool and fiddles with it before announcing, "So one of my subsidiaries subsidiaries. I can not lower the value for the risk of abusing my position for monetary gain, but you now have the credits to buy them outright from me, four transport ships and crew. Your very first business."

"I can't accept... if people know you have played a hand..."

Tevos clenches her fists, "I will have no input, official say, or credits return from your business which absconds me from foul play. Consider it a monetary gift. I will have my accountant drop by tomorrow and you can have your business registered and someone to manage your finances."

Ladochka shakes her head. All she wanted to do was rent two docks and two transport ships before permission was granted for people to visit the party boat, with the desire to gain a few extra credits shuttling people back and forth.

/.../

2 hours 30 later

Tevos says as she sits behind her desk in her home office, "We do not have long, so, as Ladochka says, let us not beat around the bush. What do you want?"

Merrium Sollivey nods before approaching the desk, "The Collectors."

Tevos raises a brow before asking, "You have come all this way just to ask for the Collectors. My time is precious."

Merrium pulls a chair out and sits down. As she does so, she says, "More precisely, for a military alliance to get them. Humans, the Asari and the Geth. We all want a piece of them, so why sing off different song sheets?"

"What exactly are you proposing?"

"The Geth can get a fleet to the Omega relay with little issue. It's merely a stone's throw for them. We, Humanity, not so much, at least not without upsetting many of those who live in this galaxy or outright ignoring borders." They could go around Citadel space instead of through it, but doing so would take a thousand times the required time.

"As if borders have been stopping you so far." Tevos quips.

There is a slight pause, and Tevos notes a facial expression Ladochka uses when she tries to hide her thoughts before Merrium says, "One ship is easy to hide amongst the vast open space between the stars. However, the fleet we intend to send will produce gravitonic shockwaves detectable to the most obsolete sensors. You name it, carriers to frigates will descend on the Collectors." Tevos is still determining what a Carrier is, which is an unfamiliar military term to her, but she is sure it means a heavy-weight ship.

Tevos can feel her skin become statically charged, this Human is talking about sending a war fleet through Council space, "That is a war fleet."

Merrium leans in, "We are at war, as are you. Wouldn't you agree?" The Reapers speech silently rings out in the back of Tevos' mind.

Tevos leans back in her chair to think before leaning back in, "I will need to convince the Circle to advance on the Collectors. I am certain it is not an issue, the majority are already in favour and learning of your assistance will tip the rest to a landslide vote in favour. The Geth, however, are problematic."

"Non-negotiable," Merrium says, "They lost more than both of us combined to the Virus. While they do not seek vengeance, they do seek safety."

"I suspected this issue would not be on the table," Tevos blinks after a small sigh, knowing it would cause issues, "Many harbour feelings towards them. Positive and negative. We would need the right people in command for this to work, and the Asari government would need to face the wrath of the Citadel, which I assure you will not be easy to weather."

"A Geth ship is of the line," Merrium voices with clear conviction, "You would need three ships for every two of theirs, maybe more. It would be madness to turn down their assistance. As for your consequences from your Council..."

"Strong economic sanctions," Tevos says, "And a lot of political power up in smoke." None of her gifts or skills would save the Asari from Turian and Salarian outrage. Even the associated races would cause a stink.

"We do this together, with the Geth then we will open the Arcturus system to Asari workers. Joint research programs, education, trade of exotic materials." The Asari always play the long game; should she accept, the Citadel will eventually warm back up after a decade or so, and the Asari will be in bed with the Humans long before the Salarians or Turians. Temporary economic pain for long-term gains with the Humans.

"Why do you want Asari help?" Tevos asks as she leans back and into a relaxed pose, "What is in it for you? I doubt you need our actual help."

"Political ties." Merrium tells Tevos, "The Collectors are just the beginning and you already know this. Once we have worked together, we know how to work together again in the future for the real war."

"The Reapers?"

"That is a bingo."

"You know," Tevos says, "I only understand that because of Ladochka. But yes, I am willing to support this. You get me a signed document of what you are willing to provide at Arcturus, and I'll get you Geth support for our trip to the Collector homeworld."

"It's a deal," Merrium says before holding her hand out.

Tevos does not reach out, "But before we agree to anything, two things, first what do you see victory looking like?"

Merrium retracts her hand with a smirk, "Mission success is the defeat and unconditional surrender of the Collectors."

"And if they do not surrender? You are talking of war, possibly a long and protracted one," Tevos states, "Is this something your people are willing to embark on. It leads down a long road with many unsavoury sights."

"Yes," Merrium says as she too leans in, "A war can be long and protracted. My species knows this well; hence, we intend to hit fast and hard. A blitzkrieg of combined arms."

Tevos blinks in response, but silently notes to ask Osh about the definition of 'blitzkrieg' "Good. The second item, I want a signed document stating you will obey your laws of armed conflict. We already have a copy, but it is no guarantee you intend to fight that way. You lose Asari support if you break your word and issue orders from high command that contravenes your laws."

"We persecute our war criminals. I can get you that signature."

There is an extended silence till Tevos says, "I, the Asari, have lost countless lives on our outer colonies. I believe you have a saying, cry havok and let slip the hounds of war. Get me a signed document of what you are willing to provide at Arcturus, a signed copy of your laws of war, and providing all is as you promised, I will find you Asari fleets."

/.../