Feared Reverence
-The Book of Guidance, Enlightenment: God of Darkness
[1:3] When you have something to love, you value every moment, but when you lose it, everything loses its value.
-The Book of Guidance, Illumination:God of Light
[1:3] One cannot love when one has never understood love or has never been loved and taught to love.
...
[Human standardized date: August 8, 2536.
Chamber of Embassies - Ambassador Venta
The Volus ambassador for the Citadel, Venta Tox, is a noted politician and orator hailing from her people's home planet of Irune, and now she was walking towards the human embassy for her most important mission today; negotiating fees for Human fiat exchange rates to the Citadel's currency, and since the Volus were responsible for the economy of all Citadel space, she was deemed a better choice to discuss this with the humans than the council itself who had no monetary knowledge.
She's also representing her clan in this negotiation, Clan Tox is the largest and most important clan among the Volus and has the responsibility of keeping the Central Bank of the Citadel running without a problem.
Venta, flanked by her guards, walked towards the human embassy on her way to the receptionist. She walked up to a human who worked as a secretary and introduced herself.
"Hello Earth Clan, I am Venta Tox of the Tox Clan of Inure, the Volus Ambassador and I have a meeting scheduled with your ambassadors."
The human male greeted Venta and fiddled with the computer on his desk to verify the information, then took a paper from his desk and made some hand movements and then handed it to Venta and called another human to take them to meet the ambassadors.
A human male approached and greeted them with a slight bow. "Konnichiwa, I'm Shindo Nara and I'm going to take you to the ambassadors' office; they are already waiting. Tell me, Ms. Venta, did the receptionist give you a paper?" Venta confirmed by showing the paper she had in her hand. " Well, this is very important. Remember to keep it with you, otherwise, you and your guards could get lost in the embassy.
Venta didn't understand what the human meant by that, how could she get lost inside the embassy? Of course, it was a big building, but no way that could happen. Even with doubts Venta followed the human, she had work to do.
...
Shindo Nara guided Ambassador Venta through the corridors of the embassy, passing through more and more rooms, he could see that his companions were uncomfortable with the long walk and in doubt about realizing that there was something wrong with the internal size of the embassy.
That wasn't a lie, as the embassy was bigger inside than outside because of the Space-Time jutsus placed on all the walls and floors when they built everything. But that wasn't the only jutsu placed in the building, there was also a powerful Genjutsu (幻術; means: "Illusionary Techniques") that created a labyrinth for those who weren't allowed enter the embassy and the only way to not be affected was having permission in the form of a seal on the body or on paper that would self-destruct when leaving the embassy, and this paper was what Venta got from the receptionist at the entrance who did not let Venta and his guards, who were three in total, suffer any harm.
After a few minutes, Shindo stopped in front of the ambassadors' room.
"Ma'am, ambassadors are waiting for you in this room." Ambassador Venta thanked the Human Man and entered the room.
...
Ambassadors' official meeting room.
Venta was greeted by Ambassador Hana as she entered the room, and soon the other two ambassadors joined her as well.
"It is a pleasure to be here doing business with you. The last time this honor was bestowed was in the days of my ancestors since the last species joined the Citadel, and I am now here to help bring our governments into a monetary partnership. for new future agreements."
"Yes, it is indeed an honor to make this agreement with you, Ambassador. I and my colleagues are very happy with your acceptance to accept our invitation to discuss the exchange of our currency," said Hana.
"How can I not agree with this, establishing an exchange is an important step towards establishing a harmonious union and helps to keep the market free of problems because of traded materials with no clear value where many people can be harmed."
"That's true, Miss Venta." ChoKuma agreed. "Now I would like to know how we are going to price our currencies."
"That's easy, let's evaluate our raw materials and the importance of each one for each government and its abundance and quality. I am aware that the Earth clan does not have commercial agreements with any other species, therefore we cannot evaluate any finished products, just the raw material."
"I understand this is the best way to go about it, don't you think?" Hana spoke, turning to her friends who also agreed. "And Lady Venta, we humans know the importance of clans, so you may refer to us by our clan names."
Venta upon hearing this was glad that she no longer bothered to hold back while talking to the ambassadors, as most of the time when a volus was referred to by their clan, many species would be bothered and found the way the Volus spoke strange.
"I rejoice and also agree that ambassadors may address me by my clan name." The humans smiled knowing that both parties to this agreement were willing to accept each other's courtesy.
"Very well Miss Tox, to start the negotiations we have to know what each species considers its most valuable material," said Ambassador ChoKuma.
"What the Citadel considers most valuable is the Eezo, as it is used for everything and is the foundation of our technology."
"I can understand that, we also have a similar concept in our government. We consider Chakra one of the most important things in our society, but also other issues like steel, gold, refined metals, and refined gasses as well." Inokou spoke for the first time. Chakra was the source of all of their technology and was used for thousands of different things. Its importance cannot be underestimated as some jutsus could manipulate and create all of the raw materials. Although they were difficult to learn, they weren't. impossible.
"I am happy Ms. Yamanaka. We also use these materials and they are very valuable. We can start to calculate the value of all the raw materials that each government has and their quality." Said Venta, starting to quote each material used by the Citadel and what it was for and its importance and rarity to compare with humans and soon starting to see its quality which took almost 5 hours of discussion and calculations being made.
"This has been a tiring discussion, Madam Tox, but we managed to establish a very good exchange between our currencies and I am happy to see that there is not much difference between the values of Alliance ryō (両) and Citadel Credits." Inokou was tired but happy to have achieved such a good result as it would make any future business reliable and not break or harm the human economy.
"So the bottom line is that Alliance ryō has an exchange rate of 7 ryō worth 10 Citadel credits, a value that's very close and shouldn't shake the market when it's introduced."
The ambassador then handed the humans an official document showing the comparative value of all the raw materials they had agreed to trade, showing that the human materials were of high quality but not produced on a large scale like the Citadel's, which boiled down to the quality. vs quantity.
As Ambassador Venta was getting up to leave, she was stopped by Ambassador ChoKuma.
"Wait Madam Tox, before I go I would like to deliver an invitation for you to deliver to the Council." Venta took the invitation and opened it after ChoKuma said he could read "This invitation is for the celebration
Subarashi o Miyagi (Great Souvenir
素晴らしいお土産) that happened in Shanxi and the Kage decided that it would be a good idea to invite the Citadel species to foster a good relationship. And of course, you are also invited as a representative of Volus, and in this formal invitation there is a file with information about this party."
Venta felt honored to be the person chosen to deliver the invitation to the Council and I agree as she walked towards the exit of the human embassy in her joy she didn't even notice that the paper given to her by the receptionist fell apart as she left the embassy.
...
Main Council Chamber
Venta was in front of the Councilors as she told about her encounter with the humans and the discussion about currency exchange.
"Advisors, this is not the only message I have for you."
The Councilors were curious about the fact that the ambassador only had this meeting to define the value of human currency. Could there be something more?
"Tell us Ambassador, what else could you tell us? Would the humans like to enter into other agreements with the Citadel?" Vikkan couldn't think of anything else, as humans were very slippery and didn't seem to want to get involved with the other species.
"No, Councillors, I have an invitation from the humans." Venta handed the invitation to Councilor Vikkan.
Vikkan looked at the envelope in her hands and opened it. Inside, written in the Citadel's calligraphy, was a beautiful invitation for the Citadel's species to participate in an important human event that would take place in the Shanxi Colony.
On behalf of the Kage, the Shinobi Alliance is pleased to invite the Citadel Council and all member species ambassadors, along with their citizens, to our annual Subarashī o miyage (Great Remembrance 素晴らしいお土産) event, which will be held in August 23 at the location of Shanxi Colony to hold a harmonious meeting between our governments.
Inside the envelope, there was also a chip and Councilor Vikkan took it.
"What about this chip, ambassador?" Vikkan said, placing the chip in his Omni-tools.
"It has information about this event from the humans, Councilor."
The Councilor glanced at the hologram that appeared in front of him, then turned to Ambassador Venta.
"Your work was an excellent ambassador Venta and this invitation will be of vital importance for the Citadel's relations with the Alliance."
"Thank you, Councilor, I am happy to contribute to this relationship.
"Councilors, I would like to retire to my chambers to rest." The Councilors gave authorization and Venta left the room exhausted, finally managing to rest.
...
Seeing the departure of the Volus Ambassador the Councilors began to quickly read the chip's information about the human event.
"This invitation is wonderful! I never thought that the Alliance would propose something like this so soon, they always seemed so distant and now we have the opportunity to strengthen our ties." Tevos was ecstatic with the news, she figured it would take longer for the Alliance to want to approach the Citadel.
"It is unexpected news, who would have believed that they would send us an invitation to an important festival like this?" Vikkan was trying to understand what that meant.
"What is this Subarashī o miyage festival? There's a lot of information on this chip, but it doesn't seem to speak so clearly about what this celebration is about." Sparatus asked, confused by so much information.
"Well, Sparatus seems to be a mix of a few cultures that have similar symbolism and that throughout the history of the Alliance have come together to create something new. It seems very focused on remembering and honoring those who have passed away and also a time to be with family and friends because they believe that someone can get lost at any moment, so they must take advantage of the now." Tevos gave his opinion on the reason for the party.
Vikkan was reading the information and started naming the events that would happen at that time.
"That's very interesting. It seems that this whole celebration revolves around death and the certainty that they are going to die, so they like to spend the first two days of the festival with their family. So many families go to their ancestors' homes or Clan houses on this holiday. The celebration begins on the 22nd of August at midnight, when families eat pasta (representing long life) and tomato soup (representing the need to seek comfort and shelter in difficult situations) and then go to some local temple or shrine to pray for good luck in the year."
"On the 1st day of the festival, August 23rd, a special breakfast is served. The children receive sums of money as gifts and everyone reads the cards that the family members wrote wishing them happiness, which are delivered first thing in the morning, and then everyone gathers to write letters to the deceased, as it is believed that the spirits of loved ones who have died return to their homes at this time. Both houses and graves are cleaned and special food is served for these spirits. Many events take place at this location. season, such as dance festivals and fireworks.
"It is also customary to go to cemeteries to visit the graves of loved ones and prepare altars with food, candles, flowers, and other elements. It is said that only on these days can souls return from the beyond to be close to their loved ones. Remembrance Day celebration may vary depending on which village it is."
"There are also a series of festivals dedicated especially to children, in two of the villages Suno and Kiri the Festival of Dolls (Hinamatsuri) is celebrated. On this day, people place in their homes a showcase covered in red and with several shelves that are adorned with many beautiful dolls and dolls that symbolize childhood and the innocence of children, and girls and boys of three or seven years old are taken to a nearby temple to pray for his health.
And in Iwa Village the Festival of the Stars (Tanabata). There is a legend that says that two lovers, separated by the Milky Way, can meet every year on this night. During the Tanabata Festival celebrations, people write their wishes on strips of paper and tie them to bamboo branches." Tevos commented smiling thinking how humans who looked so brutal could be so sentimental too.
"This is only for the first three days, why did they invite us to the 26th if the celebration starts on the 23rd?" Sparatus asked.
Hearing this Tevos stopped and thought a lot about the celebration starts on the 23rd because they invited him to the 26th
"There must be an explanation for this Sparatus, perhaps because the first 3 days are exclusively for honoring the dead and spending time wishing good things and performing ceremonies, for humans it has a lot of religious importance and as there was a conflict not long ago with the Turians in their colony they don't want to disturb such an important moment for their citizens and that's why they invited us 3 days later to the most touristic and commercial moment of that time," she answered after thinking a lot trying to find a reason.
"Anyway, this is an opportunity we cannot miss. I vote to launch this invitation publicly and organize the preparations for this event with the ambassadors of the other species." Vikkan said, turning off his omni tools.
"I vote in favor of this decision, interaction with human culture will be important for your future integration into the Citadel," Tevos said.
"I also vote for it." Sparatus also agreed knowing it would be a chance to find out more about the humans and perhaps observe their defenses without arousing suspicion.
After all, this was an opportunity that couldn't be missed and humans wouldn't know what awaited them, would they?
[Author's Note/I Tell or You Tell]
[Editor note: Why are we whispering?]
--
[Standardized human date: August 9, 2536. 1 hour before official council notification of Alliance invitation.
Citadel-Amateur reporting program The Sans
"Good morning Citadel!" Sanara appeared on the screen smiling beautifully, her expression conveying joy.
"Today I have news that will shake the entire Citadel. And today to catch up again we have our special guest Chomoro Akimichi once again!" Sanara screamed with emotion.
The image shifted to the most famous human in Citadel news, just behind the ambassadors.
"Kon'nichiwa everyone, I'm happy to be back and even happier for the exclusive news we have today." Chomoro greeted everyone with a short bow.
Sanrus appeared on the screen smiling.
"Exactly folks, the news we have is exclusive, and as we know Chomoro is one of Ambassador ChoKuma's guards and must have our permission before any official announcement from the council."
"Sanara, Sanrus, and ChoKuma, you should stop being so mysterious and tell this very important news soon." The Turian Sansa said, full of mockery.
Sanara and Sanrus burst out laughing upon hearing their friend try to sound like it would be more like laughing with them too.
"You're right, Sansa." Sanara agreed after recovering from her fits of laughter. "But the best person to answer is our resident human Chomoro."
"Yes, I have good news for you. The alliance is inviting the Citadel species to take part in one of mankind's greatest festivals, Subarashī o miyage, on the 26th of August of the human calendar in Shanxi Colony."
"Ahhhh! This is wonderful news, the Alliance is allowing us to see and learn more about your culture." Sanara exclaimed excitedly.
"Exactly Sanara, but we'll find out more about that when we get back from the break." Sanrus interrupted her friend's bout of happiness to announce the breakup.
And the screen where the program passed went out.
...
Citadel-Apartment complex for military personnel.
Saren turned off the TV after the commercial started.
"Saren, you won't say anything, or you'll stare at the walls as if they hold the solution to all your problems," Victus asked his friend as he watched his frustration with the news. "Saren maybe this story is false, if you still don't hear any official pronouncements from the council you shouldn't believe everything you want to hear on the websites."
"Victus, I appreciate what you are trying to do, but we know that this news is true, that the human is indeed one of the ambassadors' guards, as well as we know that the Council would not miss this opportunity to approach the damn humans and try to seize it."
"Saren, you know that humans are not to blame for Desolas' death, he was killed in..."
"HE WAS KILLED BY TURIANS WHO WANTED TO CONTINUE THIS STUPID WAR!!." Saren yelled angrily, turning to his crying friend. "THEY DIDN'T WANT TO SURRENDER AND THEY BLEW UP THE VEHICLES WHERE THE SURRENDERING SOLDIERS WERE BEING TAKEN TO THE PRISON CAMP, AND THEY EVEN MADE SURE TO PUT THE BIGGEST BOMB IN MY BROTHER'S VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE HE DIED, I-i didn't ."His voice cracked with untold emotion," I don't even have a body to bury Victus. He didn't even have a warrior's death, an honorable one ."
The tears fell more and more as Saren said each word. How those who should have been his army companions could cause his brother's death, and worse, the humans who should have been the Turians' enemies at that time were responsible for saving much of his squadron and for arresting those responsible and when all the Turians were returned the humans made a point of handing over the culprits and demanded that they be condemned for the murder of their brother but the Hierarchy never made their judgment; the public and everyone thought that his brother died due to the injuries caused by the battles with humans before the surrender and that he only held out until he was sure his men were safe.
"Saren even if you are angry with the advice you couldn't do anything unfounded here in your apartment You have to act and try to make a difference somehow."
Saren was entering a spiral of inner rage trying to find the culprit for his brother's death until he heard the words of his best friend and remembered something.
" I know what to do, Victus!! not only to find the culprit for the stupid actions of the Hierarchy trying to impose their power on a race they've only just met, but also to prevent it from happening again." He yelled as he got up and ran to his room to shower to get ready."
Startled by his friend's scream, Victus saw him running towards his room and went after him wanting to know what had happened.
"Saren, what do you mean you know what to do?"
"Do you remember that instructor we had in the army," Saren asked when he left the bathroom and was already dressed and started looking for his bag where he kept all his important things.
"I remember him more than this has to do with Saren."
"He invited me to a test." Saren was already at the door ready to leave when his friend stopped him.
"Saren, what kind of test? And where are you going."
"A test to become a Specter!" He yelled as he got up and ran to his room to shower to get ready."
I will become one and make sure no one goes through what my brother went through." Saren left the apartment determined to prevent such a thing from happening again. He knew that it wasn't the humans or the Turians who were to blame for all this, but there were people in the Hierarchy who used their power and thought they were untouchable, but he would prove otherwise.
...
[Standardized human date: August 9, 2536.
Solar system. Saturnine docks.
Located in Saturn's orbit and extracting materials from the surrounding moons and asteroid rings, the Saturnine Docks are the largest orbital complex in human space, serving to supply the Alliance with a variety of raw materials for building ships, vehicles, weaponry, and parts. simplest replacement parts for all types of technology.
Walking through the corridors of one of the factories were 5 of the most important figures of humanity accompanied by the person responsible for the entire station.
The Mizukage stopped in front of the room where two new ships could be seen being built.
"Tell me, Kito, how's the construction of the ship going so far?"
Kito Kai-lan was part of the Kai-lan Clan, one of the most important clans in Kiri and one of the five families in charge of the Saturnian Docks. He was now responsible for something that hadn't happened in generations, which was the construction of the Alliance's two newest battleships.
"Mizukage-Sama the SSV Hyuga and the SSV Sakura are doing very well and will soon be ready, now The Destroyer class ships already have 14 points and are in tests with 36 under construction and 47 new models in planning where we will try to create something new and different And we also have 162 frigates ready, with 237 under construction and 400 models in the planning phase."
"This is impressive Kito, it looks like your dock is running at an impressive speed." The Kazekage said marveling at the feat of human ingenuity.
"Kazekage-Sama, these are not the only ships being built, there are also many ships without FTL capability that will be an additional protection with destructive power to destroy a small fleet or any invading force."
"You are doing very well Kito, but I have doubts that the companies that work at the Docks won't give you trouble if they use your services without remuneration?" She asked.
"I had some problems at first, Kazekage-Sama, but when they asked how the government would pay for it. He told them, and I quote: 'Ask me if we will survive the next time our colonies are attacked. If not, If we do, it doesn't matter much, does it? They managed to double their production numbers quickly."
"Hahaha You said that Kito, my friend You don't have any tact." The Kazekage's serious demeanor dissolved as he laughed uncontrollably.
"I realize I don't have time for greedy people who only think about money when the fate of so many human lives is at stake." He said grimly but then sighed in tiredness. "I know this directly affects the economy because Saturn's docks are the most important for the solar system and without remuneration companies cannot pay employees, so I'm using your idea Kagome. and I contacted the churches of the two Gods asking for help and they agreed to send food and medicine to all the collaborators' families, all basic assistance for their needs so that they don't have to worry about supporting their families."
Smiling, Kagome was satisfied with the news, it was true that although shipbuilding was necessary, it could harm the economy and that would be disastrous for civilians, that's why the war economy was so important since the state guaranteed that even without remuneration, everyone could go on living their lives without worrying about hunger or the lack of help with medical treatments since everything was supported by the State and the Church.
Their mode of government took a while to settle in at first, but as they had 300 years building everything up, they managed to pretty much abolish capitalism in its most damaging form and now their government was stable and would not be hampered by any wars in the future.
Humans have the right to make and own private companies and private places, but he is not above the Law of the Kages. If he orders, he can take away his assets or all companies can work without remuneration to help the population in case of disaster.
But as civilians do not pay taxes, their work pays off, they only have to pay for what they consume such as food, clothing, leisure, and housing.
As the government ensured that everyone had a job, the Alliance could go on like this for many years before feeling pressure.
since in the past, the villages accumulated enough wealth in the years of peace.
"That's good news, Kito, so I think we'd better look at the other projects." The Mizukage said leaving the room with the two.
………
[Standardized Human Date: ?? in ?? of 2536.
Kagami was again in the room where Desolas was, only this time he remembered his grandfather's warning and was eating while watching his friend waiting for some sign that he was reacting positively to the treatment. Then he turned to the other person in the room.
"Tell me, cousin, are you going to stand there and look at me?"
"Am I making sure you're eating well, Kagami, or do you want to test our grandfather's threat?"
Sighing, Kagami placed his already empty plate on top of the dresser next to the hospital bed where Desolas was lying. "Is that the only reason for ChoMuryō (Beautiful Butterfly) or do you have another reason?"
ChoMuryō Akimichi approached his cousin revealing that although they were distantly related, they bore a striking resemblance to their ancestors Chōchō Akimichi and her husband Mitsuki Akimichi, despite the Hebi Clan being known to be part of the Uzumaki Clan, they were also part of the Akimichi. As the third son of his ancestors started the Hebi Clan when he married, and as the leaders Akimichi and Hebi were distantly related, their families were closely related.
ChoMuryō as the second daughter of the Clan leader always had a close relationship with her distant cousin Kagami who was the second son as well.
"Tell me, Kagami, was it all worth it? Because of your decision, you are now compromised and can no longer act like a ninja. What was on your mind when you used the forbidden technique Toka kokan no jutsu (equivalent exchange) to get information from a Turian officer just to pass information to our side." The look she cast at Kagami was one of pure anguish and regret for her choices. "Do you know why it's forbidden, did you know it could destroy your mind and you could lose who you are?"
"I knew the main risks, but I was willing to try and my attitude led to the end of the war. Getting Desolas to listen to me and agree to surrender, is the most important thing."
"Desolas! That's all you think about Desolas, you don't think about the people who also care about you.
You're trying to hide that you only care about him because you have the memories of that damn Turian called Spati in your head, otherwise, you wouldn't do half of that and lose your post trying to save this alien's life."
She finally screamed out what was stuck trying to get her cousin to stop and think that he gave up a lot of things just because of that, she finally screamed out what was stuck trying to get her cousin to stop and think that he given up a lot of things just because of that man and it wasn't like her cousin cared about Desolas, it was just the memories of that Turian Spati that he'd extract information from and deploy them
Because of this, he made so many reckless decisions.
Kagami watched his cousin explode and spoke what he knew she was keeping since she received the news that he had been dismissed as a ninja for using the Toka no jutsu and that he was so committed to saving a Turian's life.
"ChoMuryō, it's true that I'm compromised because of the memories and sometimes I relapse, but I still know who I am. I just have someone else's whole life in my mind and every moment they live trying to occupy my own life experiences. I'm in better control every day and although they affect me I can assure you that I can still make my choices and I chose to help a friend. I may have memories of him from someone else but I've also created my memories and that's why I'm doing this."
The time being. "Okay, I can accept that for now, but rest assured I'll be watching you and if he wakes up, I'll keep an eye on him too." She turned around leaving the room and her long white hair was the last thing Kagami saw of her.