27th March 2156

Citadel

"The STG infiltrators returned with a lot of information. The humans built a rather impressive civilization without any help and in very little time. They managed to make AI's that didn't revolt against them and actually helped. They possess technology that the salarian union didn't even dream off, doctors, engineers and scientists that put the republics to shame and a powerful, albeit small military. We want to get them as a client state and we all know full well that they won't play second fiddle unless they are cornered. It is decided then that an invasion force of 350 ships will be sent to conquer Shanxi and force humanity to accept our conditions. Their technology will be a great boon to the council and the whole galaxy. Are you in favour councillors Tevos and Quilio?" councillor Zerok asked.

"I believe a surprise invasion will show them we are not to be trifled with. Human blood will be spilled for the 30000 crew members who died in the 314 relay incident. Shanxi will burn and the humans will be put on their rightful place. Quilio said, his anger visible.

"All I can say is that you are both insane. The humans clearly want peace and you are going to invade them? It will destroy every attempt at peace if we pull this move. Let me send a peace envoy. The Terran Coalition will see reason and join the Council." Tevos tried to persuade the salarian and turian councillors to cancel the invasion. Unfortunately for her, the just wouldn't listen.

"Councilor Tevos, the humans won't see reason. The only thing they understand is violence. Besides, the STG reported that their navy does not possess any dreadnaughts and their army has centuries to see war. 20 dreadnaughts and 330 more ships will be more than enough to beat them into submission and force them to join us as a client state." Quilio dismissed Tevos's attempts of changing his mind.

"From the data the STG gathered, it's obvious that humanity wants to keep her sovereignty and technology to themselves. Even the batarians didn't get much from the deal. Only advanced medicinal practices and engineering experts to help the build better infrastructure. We must strike now because they don't expect us." Zerok said.

The 3 councillors voted. All were in favor of the plan. Councillor Tevos didn't approve of the plan, but she couldn't risk division between the council.

"I still believe it is a bad idea." she warned.

Unknown to the 3 councillors and all the armed bodyguards, 4 people were watching the scene unfolding.

"You have no idea how correct you are councillor Tevos." said one of them, smirking under his mask.

The same figure pulled out a transmitter and waited for it to activate:

"Command, this is Shadow squad. The council is making a move. We are sending all the relevant data." the nameless figure said.

"Data received Shadow squad. Keep watching and wait for the signal to begin phase 2." The voice in the other side ordered.

"Order received and understood. We will keep a low profile. Shadow squad out."

the nameless figure answered.

Relay 314, human side

Cruiser Roadrunner

Lana's duties took an unexpected change.

Instead of patrolling and babysitting scientists who were opening mass relays, she was chosen as an ambassador of humanity to the batarians. More like a babysitter for aliens, she thought. Not really knowing what to do, she tried to start what her superiors called a cultural exchange. That involved a lot of talking about art, history and other stuff she didn't know shit about. So, she chose to show the batarians human sports. After listening to captain Karn, who remained in the Roadrunner as an ambassador of the hegemony to humanity, about the batarian civilisation, their aggressive nature and strong bound to honor, she found just the thing to show the batarians.

"I bet 50 credits to Galloway!" yelled one batarian.

"No you idiot! Kozin is tougher, bet on him!" said another one.

"Hey! You drank my beer?" a human asked.

"Hey, stop pushing!" shouted another.

Lana decided to show the batarians sports. While they liked football, biotic ball, car racing and rugby, what they took a real shining was fight sports. Now, Lana, along with Karn and about 100 more humans and batarians were watching the boxing heavyweight match between Earnest 'The telegraph' Galloway and Vladislav 'Mad dog' Kozin. One human crewmember also had the bright idea to show beer and cigarettes to the batarians. Now the crew mess was filled with a bunch of drinking, smoking humans and batarians who were cheering and shouting when Galloway landed an uppercut right to Kozin's jaw, who slightly staggered but held.

"Well, that went better than expected. what now?" Jason asked Lana.

Lana, Jason and Karn were watching the whole scene from a balcony. It was pretty amusing, but as captain of the ship, Lana had to make sure things wouldn't get too out of hand.

"You humans have a good taste at sports. Boxing really is a fine display of strength, endurance and technique." Karn said while enjoying the match and a can of beer.

The trio sat quietly for a bit, sipping beer and watching the two boxers exchange punches in 3D TV. Suddenly, one heavy set batarian got in a heated discussion with a human crew member, the same one who gave them beer. Lana, who didn't want it to escalate further, went down there to calm the spirits, Jason and Karn following behind.

"You really think you're a better boxer you four eyed mook? Prove it then!"

the voice belonged to Zaeed Massani, one of the toughest son of bitches to ever enlist to the thanatonauts, but not much of a charmer. He was arguing with a batarian who Karn recognised as Abakor. They looked like they were ready to brawl with many humans and batarians around encouraging them. Lana was about to shout at them but Jason sent her a thought. She looked and smiled towards her direction and then she told the two arguing people:

"Gentlemen please. Why not settle this in the ship's ring? Prove who is the best."

she goaded.

Both Abakor and Zaeed looked at her direction, surprised to hear these words coming from the ship's captain. Quickly they both shook of their suprise and Zaeed said first:

"Because this jackass is all bark and no bite. I've seen pudding harder than him."

"Don't listen to this crusty old beaver. All he could beat is a child. Only if the child allowed it." Abakor said.

"Alright then you son of a whore. We'll settle this in the ring." Zaeed challenged.

No one paid attention to the TV anymore.

Everyone headed to the gym to see Zaeed and Abakor fistfight. A few minutes later, the gym was fully stocked with people. Everyone wanted to watch the first cross species heavyweight match.

"Ladies and gentlemen. It's boxing time in the Roadrunner arena. The match is between Zaeed 'The relentless' Massani and Abakor 'Four eyes' Sagparah. Place your bets in. You can't win if you don't bet!"

Jason announced like a referee, goading the crowd into betting and cheering even more.

"Front row seats are for betters only. Don't make us have to spank you! Hahahahaha!"

Jason continued.

Lana had to admit. Jason really had it in him. Even without his psychic powers, he really knew how to rally the crowds. Also, getting a cut from the profits helped to lighten her mood and enjoy the show.

"Alright fellas. I want a nice clean match. You know the rules so don't disappoint your fans. NOW, WHO WANT TO SEE BLOOD?" Jason said again, making the crowd go completely berserk.

Lana took her cue and shouted over the gym intercom: "Round 1, FIGHT!" as she hit the fire alarm, which she then closed.

The two fighters were really giving it all. Zaeed was tougher and more experienced but Abakor's four eyes and strength put them in even terms. As Zaeed landed a successful direct at Abakor's cheek, Jason said:

"Owww, that looked like it hurt!"

Abakor retaliated with a 1-2 combo strike, both hits catching Zaeed of guard:

"Zaeed is successful at being the puncing bag folks!" Jason said again.

After 6 rounds, both boxers were tired and bruised. Zaeed's right eye was swollen and he was breathing heavily. Abakor looked a bit worse, he had a cut over his left eyes and his right lower eye was also swollen. But, they didn't look ready to quit.

"Round 7, FIGHT!" Lana said and striked the gong. The two fighters went into the slugfest again, playing more aggressively than before. Hits were flying, some blocked and dodged and a few landing.

The crowd knew that the end was near.

But who would win?

"Are you all entertained? You better be, they bleed for your amusement, HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Jason goaded once again, raising the cheer of the crowd.

Finally, Zaeed had enough. He had enough of being punched, enough of the cheers and shouts and enough of that punk.

"FUCK YOU! RAAAARGH!" he shouted through his mouth protection. He landed several blows to Abakor, who was spooked by the sudden violence. 10 hits later, Abakor went down and Zaeed was still standing, raising his arms in the air as Jason was counting down:

"...7,8,9,10! THIS IS A KNOCKOUT FOLKS!"

He raised Zaeed's right arm high in the air shouting:

"The winner of this cross-species Slugfest is Zaeed 'The relentless' Massani! Let me hear it fellas!"

The cheers were nearly deafening. Even those that lost the bets were happy. It worked out perfectly Lana thought. Later, when the crowd dispersed, only Lana, Jason and Karn stayed at the gym.

"Here is your cut Lana, better luck next time captain Karn. No hard feelings, right?" Jason asked as he gave Lana a bunch of credits.

"No problem Jason. This may be the beginning of a new profitable business venture. The terminus systems are full of people who enjoy fighting and possess substantial amounts of credits. Cross-species slugfest could become a very profitable new business. I have a few contacts who can help. And if you retire from your army, I could use a good referee to rile up the crowds." Karn offered.

"That sounds good. One day, who knows." Jason answered.

Lana left, leaving the other two to discuss whatever they wanted, and returned to her cabin for some rest. She only slept for half an hour when the comm flared to life:

"Captain Kushner, an urgent message from high command just arrived." Brenda, the AI said.

Lana opened it and heard:

"Captain Kushner, the council is mobilising troops to invade Shanxi. 350 enemy ships will invade in 48 hours. Reinforce the Shanxi garrison until further reinforcements arrive." said the message.

Lana sat down to contemplate what she just heard. The council would invade after the previous defeat at her hands? They really were that stupid? Didn't they have any sense when to back off? Still, 350 ships and who knows what size of the coming invasion force, she had to follow orders.

"Shit." she huffed and relayed the orders.

AN

In the next chapter, we will learn why you shouldn't approach the desolators, why avoid the tesla troopers and also why anyone should empty his bladder before any fight.