Prologue
First Contact
Disclaimer: I don't own Mass Effect, or any other elements or work of fiction mentioned in this story.
-Mira System, Edge of Council Space-
Log #241- 6741 GSY (Galactic Standard Year), Captain Weyla Nav'tali of the ARS Alura
We've completed the task of observing the last planet codenamed; Mira-07 of the recently discovered Mira System. With this we've expanded our reach to the furthest expanse of the Citadel Council's space. Another successful and more importantly, safely controlled endeavor for our team. One of our more daring expeditions in recent decades if I might say so myself. Both lucky and unfortunate for us to not find any sentient being in this system, but I guess it's better than finding another offshoot Rachni Brood. Would've to resort to destroying the Relay from our side to ensure no repeat of the Rachni War, but we could leave those depressing thoughts for another day.
Another thing of note, we've discovered new coordinates to another inactive relay leading to unexplored parts of the galaxy. So far, we've yet to cross-reference with the other groups, but as far as the reports concerned, this might've led to a wholly new frontier. Of course, proper precautions and contingencies have been set in place. As mentioned before, we will not suffer another Rachni incident, not with my ship leading the vanguard of the Asari's Galactic Exploration Effort. There were no previous records left behind by the Protheans who have utilize this Relay coordinates, but one can hope to find another species in this vast open galaxy. Well, besides the Rachni and the Geth that is. The crew are equally excited and dreaded the upcoming mass relay jump, with any luck this will be another boring survey mission on an empty system at worst, and meeting a new species open for diplomacy at best. - End Log.
Captain Weyla Nav'tali of the ARS Alura heaved a sigh she subconsciously held. Closing her personal omni-tool, she stole a glance to the window showing the recent planet they've surveyed. This would mark the sixth month since her assignment of surveying the edge of Council's space. Another day work at the frontier if you would.
Still, she couldn't help but feel trepidation for the upcoming Mass Relay activation. Another coin flip in the grand scheme of things, but Weyla chooses to play the optimist in the coming events. Mayhaps they'll be the first Asari to discover a new civilization in the recent century.
"Captain, we've completed the preliminary diagnosis. We're ready for the activation of the Mass Relay", her senior pilot reported. Taking a quick glance of her command deck, her fellow Asari researchers that have accompanied her for the last decade are akin to her second family now. And today, would mark their names in history as either a team that had made a grand discovery, or the first page of a great catastrophe. Both, certainly gave quite a bout of anxiety especially being in charge of the whole operation.
"Show me a quick review, what's our status?"
"All sectors are operating at optimal capacity, yesterday's shipment run is enough to last us for three months, the crew is healthy and all accounted for. We're ready to commence our expedition to the unexplored system captain", Weyla nodded.
"Then there's no need to further delay our operation, we will begin the mission the Citadel Council has entrusted upon us and reactivate Mira's Mass Relay to the uncharted coordinates. Our new objective is to survey the newest system and report back any findings to both the Asari Government and the Citadel Council as soon as we establish a comm-buoy back to Mira's Relay. Secondary objectives involve contingencies that will be enacted during extraordinary events such as first contacts be it either diplomatic or hostile. Be sure to sent words to the nearest Turian Fleet of our latest activities here", one of her communication officers affirmed by sending the latest report to the local Turian patrol fleet.
"The standard procedural and contingencies protocols are in full effect captain, the Alura and it's crew is ready for this endeavor", Zaya Noel'a, the former C-Sec operative – an Asari matron with jagged purple markings on the left side of her face – the de-facto ship's head of security reassures her. With a deep breath, Weyla steeled her heart.
"Then let us begin, reactivate the relay", the ship technicians started operating the ship's interface, and their pilots steer the vessel approaching the larger space station. When they near the technological marvel, it began to pulse with power, the inner hollow ring began to rotate, generating the required energy mass for the jump.
Once the ship lined up next to the relay, the science exploration vessel began to be enshrouded with mass effect, realigning itself to strafe next to the relay, once it reaches critical mass, the ship ejects and travels millions of light years away from the Mira system into the unknown across the galaxy.
-Unidentified system-
The Alura emerges from beyond deep space, across the unexplored system. The first thing the crew noticed was a foreign planet with five satellites orbiting it's body, one of them is just over half of the dwarf planet in size.
"Thrusters fully operational. Navigation up and running. Internal emission sink engaged. All systems online. We've completed the jump safely captain."
"Excellent work, set up our network and re-engage our external probes and sensors. I want a detailed full view of the system in ten minutes."
"Yes, captain", one of the navigational officers activates several of the ship's specialized scanners that encompass the entire system. The main hologram on the CIC displayed a rough mapping of the foreign territory. Which slowly gets clearer with each passing second.
"A single healthy G-type main-sequence star, eight planets, two among them are gas giants, another two ice giants on its fringes. A belt of asteroids separating four inner planets with the outer ones. Another belt of frozen volatiles circled the outer rim of the system, many possessing dwarf planets and irregular objects."
"Any clue on where the relay is on this system?"
"There's a faint reading of a dormant relay near the outer belt, possibly inactive. Previous records that we've uncovered from the coordinate data showed similar results. High possibility that the relay is orbiting one of the dwarf planets on the outer belt",Weyla placed her hand on her chin, contemplating the next move.
"Any readings for possible lifeforms so far?"
"Negative captain, our probes and sensors haven't detected any signs of life at the current moment. However, preliminary scans and leftover record from Mira's relay noted that a single planet is potentially habitable for levo-based lifeforms' ', the captain hid a slight smile of excitement. A good sign for the Council and the Asari as a whole, a chance of finding another species that shares many similarities with theirs, no matter how small is always welcomed for the recently risen matron.
"I suppose that's good news as any. While we're at it, it would be best for us to-", Zaya's words were cut off by the sudden transmission they received.
"Captain multiple contacts heading our way!", the alarming voice of one of her navigators put the crew on alert. Just on the distant void beyond the viewing window of the bridge, several objects are moving fast towards the Alura.
"Everyone remain calm! Vera, do we have proper visuals?"
"Yes captain, there's no reading of the mass effect field on our sensors, we can trace several faint leftover mixes of chemicals and radiation from the approaching objects. One of our probes is just in range, I'm sharing its live feed on the CIC now", the hologram view of the system fades away, replaced with a feed of their immediate empty space. With its main highlight being the three vessels, an unmistakable form of a space-faring vessel with its design a combination of simple blocks of metal, yet elegant in its structural integrity. Several paintings and alien symbols dotted throughout its body, possibly its designated name and affiliation.
"Captain! They're hailing us! I repeat, the alien vessels are hailing us!", one of her comms officers called out. That news assuages one of her initial fears, good. This means that the first contact protocol is still salvageable and on course. At best; these are the welcoming committee. At worst; they're the response to their unintentional trespass of their territory. Both can be solved with diplomacy, which are the Asari's specialty amongst the Council member species.
"Do we have visuals? Are they using radio signals or through other forms of communication?"
"We've caught several samples through multiple radio frequencies. Broadcasting the strongest signal now", several static sounds filled the control room, until a foreign voice boomed throughout the bridge.
"This is the SGV Illustrious of the Homeworld Defender's 2nd Screening Patrol, please state your identity and respond, over", that alien words alone pushed Weyla glee through the roof, the same could be said with the rest of her crew if their reaction were telling. A first contact situation with a spacefaring civilization, and they are the ones who initiate it first? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Alura and her crew, and Weyla shall not waste it.
"How should we proceed? First contact protocol stated that a silence response could be construed as a sign of hostility", said one of her senior officers.
"Try to establish a clear communication first, I'll compose a quick message to the Citadel Council of the ongoing events", one of her senior comms officer; Raeli began coordinating with the rest of her team with unbidden enthusiasm, Weyla herself composed a quick message to the Citadel Council, although with the absence of a comm-buoy on this system will take the message a longer travel time compared when they're still in Mira. Thus, she must keep it short.
First contact situation ongoing. Spacefaring. Initiated the contact first. Request further instruction. That should be enough, not that Weyla wouldn't respond to the alien ship, but it's better safe than sorry.
"I repeat, this is the SGV Illustrious of the Homeworld Defender's 2nd Screening Patrol, state your identity and respond, over '', the alien repeated its word.
"Visual and audio link established, we can share a live feed through the CIC. Your orders captain?"
"Connect them, start recording and initiate first contact", her words carried the motion of both the crew and the Council's will. A display of short static flashes on one of the front windows, before it cleared up to reveal a small deck of the alien crew.
Six individuals, each bear two sets of limbs, five visible digits of fingers on their hands similar to the Asari currently sitting with a tall straight posture with a diverse complexion on their skin. Two of them are pale, three of them possess a darker complex with one of them being the darkest with furs atop their head and optics. Two of them possess a stark similarity with an Asari body structure, whilst the rest possess flat, yet broader torsos with differing heights.
Hiding her excitement, Weyla put on the mask of professionalism; "This is captain Weyla Nav'tali of the ARS Alura. Welcome to the galactic community. We look forward to mutual cooperation and progress in the millenias to come", her voice caught the attention of the crew onboard. Their expressions are a diverse shade of surprise similar to the Asari, quite apparent to the crew of ARS Alura.
"... Oh shit", "Wait, what-", "Wait! Everyone holds their horses!", "Oh my...", "Overlord this is SGV Illustrious! Code Grey! Code Grey! First contact unintentionally initiated! We're jumping straight to stage four!", a cacophony of noises were made across the live feed. Clearly they weren't expecting aliens on the other side of the feed. But how could they mistake the Alura to any of their own? Did they perhaps make contact previously with another species? No, they wouldn't be so shocked otherwise.
"Should we take this as a good sign or should I start planning for evasive maneuvers?", Zaya offered, and Weyla's only reply was a quick stern glare. Weyla herself is not daring to make any gesture in the presence of an alien species. Any actions of theirs could be perceived as an underlying aggressive intent, which is detrimental in a first contact scenario.
"I repeat, first contact situation, stage four! Request-"
"Overlord hears you loud and clear sergeant. We're switching gears to SYSCON 3. Maintain your position, but get ready to bail once the situation turns south. You copy?"
"Sir, yes sir!", another low baritone voice interrupts. None comes from any of the visible crew onboard.
"Alright, now if you would be so kind. Please share your live feed with my private network. I'll see what I can do to salvage this", one of the crewmembers started inputting through one of their interfaces. A few seconds followed with a feed from another source, perhaps their superiors going by the immediate strict response to the voice.
A quick static revealed another pale masculine Asarnoid. Broad shoulders with graying brown fur atop his head and face covering his lips. A stern visage that spoke years of experience. Weyla felt that she was facing an Asari matriarch, denoting this person's station and rank as far above the ship's crew. A clear sign of either a high ranking bureaucrat, ambassador or military officer altogether.
"..." his silence is deafening to every Asari onboard. The same tension could be felt across the feed with the alien crew. It was as if he was silently judging the Asari for trespassing through his species' territory. Nevertheless, Weyla braved on; "As I've said to your fellow kind, this is captain Weyla Nav'tali of the ARS Alura, I personally welcome your species to the galactic community. We look forward to our mutual cooperation and progress in the millenias to come ''.
Weyla made sure to utilize her most disarming tone. The tension caused by the alien superior remains palpable, his neutral gaze boring deep both to her crew and her specifically. He paid attention to her body language, the movement of her mouth and tongue, her expression that she painstakingly masked with the most disarming smile she had. Well, what her species would constitute as a smile anyways.
"I would first like to apologize for the unwarranted transgression into your space. However, we assure you that we mean no harm. If you'd like we could arrange a proper meeting at a later date. We would understand your response and would be willing to vacate our ship to the edge of the system", Weyla tried to negotiate despite lacking the necessary understanding of their language. However, she is confident that-
"Curious. Your language is similar to an offshoot dialect branch of Aldur'tal, there's a lot of mistranslations compared to the genuine article. But for the most part its structure and syllables are similar", the man replied in proper Galactic Common, no. He replied in the mother tongue of the Asari, High Thessian. This single action alone shocked the entire crew of Alura speechless. Complete with wide eyes and some fallen jaw amongst the younger members.
"But I digress, for now let's get back to addressing the glaring issue. Greetings Weyla Nav'tali of the ARS Alura. My name is Theodore Noa, Head of Publics and Interstellar Relations of the Homeworld Defenders, Representative of the Twenty, Lord Commander of the Second Legion, and the Anointed Spokesperson of the Department of Extraterrestrial Affairs. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Sol System, the home, heart and capital of our burgeoning interstellar domain, planet Earth. The very cradle of our civilization. Humanity", his introduction bears the weight of his entire species before them. Despite having not overcome their shock of his sudden fluency of their language, Weyla forced herself to calm down and reassess her position.
"I am honored to speak with you, Commander Noa. It is my greatest pleasure to be the first to meet your species here on Sol. On behalf of the Citadel Council and the Asari people, Allow me to welcome you to the galactic community", Weyla took control of the conversation. A prerogative born due to their nature as the leading members of the Citadel Council. Something that needs to be established early during first contact that they are not just the only species they'd encountered.
"I presume that the Citadel Council is a multi-species polity that pretty much governs the galactic community?"
"An astute deduction, but no. The Citadel Council is an executive committee composed of representatives from the Turian Hierarchy, the Salarian Union, and the Asari Republics. Though the council has no official power over the independent governments of other species, the Council's decisions carry great weight throughout the galaxy. Our expedition to this foreign system is only possible due to the sanctions given by the Citadel Council to explore beyond our collective territory, dubbed 'citadel space'.", the human softly caresses the fur that grew on his chin. A contemplative gesture perhaps?
"Hmmm, have to admit that I would've never thought that we would meet an advanced extraterrestrial species this relatively early, let alone an entire community of them. As much as I would love to continue conversing with you ms. Weyla, there are several matters that need to be addressed. First and foremost, what is the purpose of your expedition?"
"We are tasked by the Citadel Council to explore and catalogue the recent cluster systems that have been discovered in recent decades. Following the completion of the task, the council deemed us free to proceed as we see fit. We may choose to return back to our home, or to continue exploring into uncharted regions previously left untouched by the galactic community. The Alura and its crew obviously choose the latter", the human chuckled, a sign of amusement?
"I suppose I can't fault that spirit of adventure. Onto the next, what is the Citadel Council's policy regarding first contact with extraterrestrial species?"
"To summarize a long list of regulations and protocols, the answer would be; 'it varies'. There are far too many conditions and circumstances for the Citadel to have a single definite response towards a species. There are cases where we've met pre-space age civilization, those who have already discovered faster-than-light travel, or even outright non-sapient species. There is never a single instance where we would meet a species with the same characteristic that would require us to establish a precedence. Similarities yes, but never duplicates of the same circumstances'', a nod, hopefully it meant approval in Human's gesture.
"Then allow me to ask this final question. Are there any directives given by the Citadel in the events you meet a species that accept open communication? Would we be given the 'opportunity' to become a client state of the Citadel; 'encouraged' to join them to be a part of the galactic community; or are we free to decide our diplomatic stance as a collective species, regardless of our affiliations to the Citadel Council?", the question struck deep. Weyla understood the underlying suspicion towards an intergalactic institution. Weyla acknowledged, and often heard the protest regarding the political power that the Council has despite remaining separate with the influence of each of their leading member's governments. However, Weyla would expect that suspicion coming from long standing non-council members of the Citadel like the Volus, not a recently discovered species that are unaware of the political affairs of the galaxy. Perhaps this is a glimpse of their past history with politics. Were their species were disunited at one point of their history? A question saved for another time.
"No, the Citadel Council will respect the political and diplomatic boundaries established by every species. Both members and non-members of the Citadel are allowed access within Citadel Space no matter the status of their current membership with the Citadel, however bare in mind further negotiation and concession need to be made for non-members to access further privileges and benefits that comes with the membership of the Citadel, such as the sharing of technologies and trade agreements amongst member species", her words are prefaced with the promise of respected boundaries, followed by the benefits and privileges given to aspiring members of the Citadel. The standard procedure of all first contact. Well, usually for the later part. This could be considered a prime example of differing first contact situations as mentioned before by the captain of the Alura.
Weyla herself felt fortunate that she and the Asari are the first to discover the Humans. If the Turians or Goddess forbid the Batarians did, things could devolve into an interstellar conflict. If this was their first reaction towards the Asari who are renowned as the most diplomatic race amongst the Council members, Weyla dared not to imagine their reaction to the militaristic, honor-bound Turians or the Batarians and their peculiar tradition of... acquisition of unwilling individuals.
"Very well, I am glad to consider this day as a monumental moment for our people, both mine and yours. I suppose you possess the means for us to contact the Citadel, or should we also prepare delegates for each of your individual governments?", the human replied with a relaxed tone. Weyla breathed a sigh of relief alongside the rest of her crew who had been subconsciously holding their collective breath.
"That would be delightful commander Noa. Rest assured, the Citadel Council would be more than happy to bridge relations between our respective governments. With your permission, we can establish a communication buoy that will connect this system with the rest of the galaxy through the Galactic Extranet. It would only take us a few days to do so and once it's completed, the Councilors of the Citadel Council would be more than happy to meet your leaders personally."
"See to it done then Weyla, I shall also arrange a diet for the Council of Sol. Join us on the Luna Forum on the Earth's moon. We'll prepare the welcoming committee for both your crew and the Citadel's Councilors in whatever capacity they can attend. You are free to bring with you any journalist or observers from Citadel space, I figured we might as well nipped the bud early on for those of you who are curious about us now wouldn't you?", the human shared a warm smile. Strangely Weyla could discern such even through his facial fur, another thing to keep in mind.
"A generous offer sir Noa. With your permission, I shall immediately start the deployment of the Comm-buoy on the edge of your system. By four standard rotation hours, we would've finished the assembly and can contact the Citadel Council. You can expect their arrival in a few days, a week at most".
"Well that is surprisingly quick. Our farthest colony needs a few weeks just to travel here to Sol even with our most advanced FTL drives. A byproduct of your space-faring technology I take?"
"That is correct, we Asari utilize a rare material known as Element Zero. When subjected to an electrical current, it releases dark energy which can be manipulated into a mass effect field, raising or lowering the mass of all objects within that field. Using this material, alongside another technology of an extinct species known as Protheans and their greatest achievement and legacy to the galaxy; the Mass Relay", Noa seems intrigued, but once again she was perplexed by the juxtaposition of suspicion that showed on his face.
"Interesting… is this Element Zero also a byproduct of the Protheans?"
"Our earliest effort for space flight could be attributed to the Protheans ruins we found on our homeworld of Thessia, as well as the abundance of Element Zero reserves we could harvest from our planet. We are one of the first species that fully utilize Element Zero as our FTL solution. The discovery of the Mass Relay further extends our reach towards the galaxy."
"And what exactly does this Mass Relay do?"
"A mass relay can transport starships instantaneously to another relay within the network, allowing journeys that would otherwise take years or even centuries with only basic mass accelerators to occur in only a handful of days, or even hours", Noa's fur above his eyes shot upwards. Perhaps a sign of shock for humans.
"I see, then would it be correct if I assumed that there is an active Mass Relay somewhere here on Sol System? Or perhaps it's on the very edge of our space where you've come from?"
"That is correct, a Mass Relay may require another relay to travel between two locations in the galaxy. However, deactivated Mass Relay can still serve as a beacon for the adjacent relay that previously possessed a connection to it", sharing crumbs of essential information is also good to prevent information overload for new species. a steady stream of river is better than spilling a tub of lake as they say.
"I shall keep that in mind, Miss Weyla. For the time being, I suggest you remain on the outskirt of our star system. Luckily your arrival trajectory is away from any of our system's entry points, so there's no issue with your ship blocking any of our traffic. Once your party arrives, we will send in our escort team to guide you to the forum", a quick and concise resolution, ending with a positive note for both of them. Just the way Weyla likes it.
"I thank you for your generosity sir Noa. May this be the start of a greater cooperation between the humans and the galactic community", Theodore for his part shared a warm smile, before it became stern once more as he addressed the human crew.
"Alright listen up, the situation has been handled. At this very moment we enter Stage five of first contact, we're going down to SYSCON 4, I fully authorize radio and video communication with the purpose of deciphering both languages. The alien species identifies themselves as: "Asari", do note that they're a part of a galactic community that consist of more than their species. Just for heads up, their language is similar to Aldur'tal, although I haven't seen any written form, I'm confident you can decipher the rest through the few days you'll be spending together. Be advised that in a few days, a group of delegates of their community is coming to open diplomation with us on the Forum of Luna Station. I'll be sending in backup in the near future, maintain your distance and monitor appropriately. This is Theodore Noa signing out", with that the ambassador's feed shuts down. Leaving both the bewildered crew to stare at each other.
"So… I guess welcome to Earth?", one of the humans said with a strained smile. His crew put their palm to their faces dealing with his antics, immediately diffusing the tension that has been building up.
"While we may not know what words you've spoken to us, we also offer you our welcome into the galactic community. We look forward to getting to know each other", Weyla allowed herself a small smile, shared with the rest of her crew, most of them now can barely contain their excitement meeting a new species that are so similar to them. The humans despite possessing no understanding of their language (barring the one irregularity that is Theodore Noa) returned with smiles of their own. Which could allege the action of smiling as a positive one.
"We can only hope they got that one across, Annie you're the one who has experience with Aldur'tal. Any help on that front?'', one of the Asari-like human grumbled beneath her breath. "Similar to Aldur'tal my foot. It sounded like an offshoot, ancestral, sub-branch of the language. There's only a few similar words, most of them I've only heard in complex speech spoken by the elderly. A few sounded like one of the branches of the defunct ancestral tongue, the rest sounded like gibberish. How am I supposed to-".
"Easy there Annie, one step at a time. Besides, I highly doubt we can decipher their language before the diet starts. By that time I'm sure Lord Commander Noa would've already deciphered their entire language if the Grand Magos didn't already beat him to it and developed an alien automatic translator or something", another chuckle escaped one of the humans. Weyla for her part, cannot wait for the coming days of the meeting between the two governments.
-3 Days later-
After the back and forth communication between the Alura and Citadel Council, a diplomatic vessel arrived at the Sol system alongside a fleet of escorts. The motley crew of the Alura were requested to accompany the entourage. Not long after their entry to the system, a small party of ships approached the group.
"I suppose this would be our escort captain Weyla?", spoke the Asari Councillor; Tevos.
"Yes, councilor. The humans have notified me of their welcoming party a few hours ago before your arrival".
"Very well, inform them that we shall follow their lead".
"By your will, councilor", the feed was cut off. Leaving Tevos to her thoughts. A new species of non-hostile space faring species during her term as a councilor of Citadel, Joy couldn't even begin to describe what she'd felt today.
The memories of the Rachni Wars still scar the Asari deeply, the series of events was a welcome surprise. The first peaceful contact since the Yahg, the latest events proved to be fruitful due to assigning the young Matron Weyla as captain of the exploration team and head of communication effort.
"Something on your mind, councilor?", Livea, one of her closest aides asked her.
"The diplomatic reply, or the plain truth Livea?", she asked.
"I've worked for decades under you councilor. On any other cycle I would've asked you to be straight with my inquiry. But I'll play along just for today, let's start with your 'diplomatic reply'".
"It is a joyous day for us, yes, as we accept another into our community. A fledgling species in which they are open to both diplomacy and communication that can further our relations, a most bright news for the galaxy at large", Tevos' word uttered with temperance and calculated flection, slightly altered to mock its delivery.
"And the truth?"
"Frankly, I am… agitated, anxious even", Tevos admitted.
"And why is that, councilor? Is this related to Captain Weyla's report?"
"Yes. The initial reaction of their ship's crew is expected for a first contact situation. Most of our first contact with space faring species that are open for diplomacy often started that way. Yet the immediate response and caution is…", Tevos hung the word at the tip of her lips.
"Worrying? I thought signs of distrust or caution is one of the most common, if not the expected reaction in first contact situations", Tevos ran over the report Weyla submitted days ago.
"It is not their reaction that worries me so Livea, but the weight of their first inquiry. For such a young species to cut right into the sociopolitical status of the Citadel denotes a part of their society that is often unseen at first glance. Was it simply their natural predisposition of being cautious or was it through a scar in their history to warrant so?'', Tevos still cannot shake the uneasy feeling deep in her gut.
"Fair, but as far as I'm concerned it's a classic case of healthy paranoia. Remember the time we made first contact with the Turians?", Tevos chuckled. The history lesson she took as a maiden resurface in her memory.
"True enough. I just hope that it doesn't devolve further into hostilities. That I have Weyla to thank for", Weyla was one of her trusted operatives on the Citadel before her resignation to another post. The abundance of experience shadowing the councilor during her maiden years has bore its fruit.
"Honored Councilor Tevos, we're approaching the designated meeting site", one of her attendants called out. And lo and behold, a celestial body orbiting a green ocean planet. Its white bone coloration reminded her of the three moons of Thessia. Perhaps this lone one was theirs, what a strange location to choose for a meeting. Perhaps the moon was a site of cultural importance to their people? Another information to keep in mind.
"Any news from the Alura?"
"They were hailed by the human's lead escort. We were instructed to follow them to the landing zone", Tevos nodded, as the group of ship descended to the moon, the small group of ships dispersed, leaving only the lead escort, Alura and her small fleet of escorts, approaching what seems to be an open hangar.
The lead landed first, followed by the Alura and the rest, with her personal ship landed last. "The Alura reported that we are allowed to attend with journalists and minimum escorts. Around thirty guards are allowed to accompany you to the bridge", Tevos nodded, those numbers are reasonable enough, given she brought an entire company to assist with the diplomatic mission.
"Spectre Livea, arrange for the finest unit you can muster, call both Spectre Taren and Gelvid for escort duty. It's time", the Asari that stood guard behind her nodded, as she exited the CIC. Tevos herself stood. Steeling her resolve for a monumental moment for both the Citadel council, and the Humans.
-Luna Forum, Council of Sol Space-
"This is Citadel Everdawn News, reporting live from the ARS Nola Shantia. We've been given the esteemed honor of witnessing this day, as Councilor Tevos herself led the procession for first contact with the species which identified themselves as "Humans" here on their soil. This of course is thanks to the efforts of captain Weyla and the crew of the Alura which boldly led the exploration expedition here to foreign space-", the newscaster continued her reports on who knows countless watchers on Citadel Space. Despite not being the main limelight, Weyla felt slight anxiety with her being broadcasted across Citadel.
"Weyla, it is good to see you", Tevos greeted as she sauntered to her group with her personal escorts. Three of them bore the uniform of Spectres, an Asari, Turian, and Salarian, how fitting.
"Councilor Tevos, a great honor to meet you again."
"Please, save the formalities. You were one of my finest minders were you not?", Weyla chuckled, still recalling the fond if not somewhat hectic memories of her working at the Citadel.
"That I am Councilor. Are you well?", the Councilor threw a knowing glance to her.
"Hale as my days as a maiden Weyla. I believe you could still attest to that?", Weyla blushed slightly. She still couldn't forget that particularly eventful night at the Flux.
"Please Councilor, not now during the delegation", Weyla shook her head, exasperated by her old boss/mentor's antics. Some things still remain the same.
"Oh well, now were we expecting a meeting or?", Weyla took the initiative.
"The humans have arranged for a diet with their leaders here on the moon of their home planet of Earth. The person who has arranged for it; sir Noa, will personally greet us at the bridge", as if on cue, the gate to the bridge opened, a tall individual, flanked by four guards stood at the front of the entrance.
Weyla takes it as the sign to start the procession. She led first alongside her crew, with Tevos following alongside her escorts and the Citadel journalists and crew. She stopped in front of the man she met and spoke with days ago, how it seems like it was months was a slight torture to her inquisitive nature.
As she and her entourage approached, she began to notice a… stark disparity.
Both the human's ship and hangar crew, well pretty much the humans they've seen so far had the average height of a fully adult Asari. The same could be said with Noa's personal bodyguards, the man himself however…
Noa stood around two to three heads above the average human. his regal uniform didn't do much hiding the broad massive frame he possessed. If it weren't for the obvious structural anatomic similarities with his fellow humans Weyla would've mistaken him for a very tall Krogan.
"Captain Weyla Nav'tali, it is good that you have made the journey safely. Welcome to Luna. Or as my people like to call it; the Moon'', Tevos, her escorts, and pretty much the rest of the journalist crew reeled back in surprise. Tevos had already read the report regarding the human leader's astonishing fluency in High Thessian, but to hear it in person from the alien species themselves without prior mind melding is another thing altogether. The situation is even more bizarre for the rest of the journalists who have accompanied them.
"It is my pleasure to be here Sir Noa, it is good to finally meet you in person. Allow me to introduce you to Councilor Tevos of the Citadel Council", Tevos stride forward as she stares at the tall man.
"Greetings commander Noa, as my colleague Weyla has told you I am Tevos, one of the three councilors that oversee the running of the Citadel. It is a great pleasure to finally be able to meet you and your species in person", Tevos gracefully nodded, a form of greeting in Thessia.
"The pleasure is all mine, captain Weyla, councilor Tevos. I am pleased to know that my men have been treating you properly so far, is there anything that requires our special attention before we proceed? You are after all, a foreign species with differing biologies than ours", Tevos hummed, a good sign for them to offer. A sign for them not neglecting the possibility of first contact with their xenobiology advancement.
"There is no need to concern yourself with us commander Noa. Whilst it's true that there are several known incompatibilities and allergies for us Asari, we've taken the precaution needed for a first contact situation. This includes immune boosters and a team of Citadel's finest medical unit", Tevos gestured to a small group draped in all white.
"I see that you have your bases covered. Very well, now that is out of the way; it is good to finally meet you all in person", Theodore offered his hand forward to Tevos. She stared towards the gesture as she hesitantly mirrored his action, before Noa took the initiative and took her hands into his own.
"This gesture is known to us as a 'handshake'. a sign that we accept you as our guest with open arms, to show we bare no hidden arms or tricks up our sleeves", Noa explained as the journalists started taking pictures. Tevos could already see the headlines back at the Citadel. Theodore let go of his hands and went straight to Weyla.
"Captain Weyla", he offered his hand again. This time, now knowing the significance of such gestures she immediately held it, his hand was really warm despite the cold air of the bridge. Not that she would say that out loud.
"Now then, shall we proceed to the forum?"
"That would be grand, commander. By all means, lead the way", Noa led the group deeper into the building. Human architecture is quite peculiar, for the most part it resembles the practicality of many Citadel space vessels, whether this building is made with pure utility or with subtle aesthetic design in mind are still left as mystery for the citadel crew and the people back home watching the live feed.
By the end of the corridor, a rather bizarre sight presents itself. A gigantic door, larger than a vehicle, almost as large as a space vessel even, stood in front of the group. Although Tevos expected the main hall would be spacious just like back at Citadel, she didn't expect the entry to be as large. Considering the average size of humans is similar to an Asari, baring Theodore himself, there's no reason for a door to be that big.
"Here we are, behind this door is the assembly of the world leaders. I need to warn you beforehand that my people as a whole are fractious by nature and we haven't yet achieved species-wide unity, as such there are multiple recognized independent entities from organizations to nation-state polity represented on the Council. This forum was designed with that idea in mind, a place for us to share global information and discuss special events that could affect our species as a whole", Tevos nodded, a surprising turn of events yet not that uncommon. The Turian Hierarchy had a history of strict, yet fractured clan feudalism a hundred and sixty years before the events of space flight. Perhaps the Humans are still settling the few remaining differing nationalistic identities before fully unified, this forum could be considered the start of that path.
Theodore took her silence as the unspoken affirmation, he took the lead and interacted with the interface, the giant door opened revealing an empty platform. "Originally this was the main forum, however we needed to expand the space once we got a lot of new members a few decades ago. This platform leads to an underground complex where the new forum was built", Theodore led the group to the center of the platform.
Once the giant door closes, the platform descends into the lower level. The platform seems to work with magnetic technology, similar to the lift on the presidium. Once it was near its end the crowd was blinded by the sudden influx of light.
By the time Tevos and Weyla recovered, they reached the bottom of the floor. And before them, a circular room, with rows of elevated platforms of varying sizes similar to a lecture hall, with their group stood at the very center of it.
If the room above was spacious, then the underground one was ginormous, it extend almost as large as the space hangar where they've parked their vessels. But the size wasn't exactly what surprises the citadel delegation.
It was those who took the seats around them.
Tevos saw many humans that are similar to the Asari with varying shapes, furs, color and features. Albeit all of them share the common body size to an Asari, they are pretty much what Asari would look like if they aren't specifically blue (or indigo) and had furs instead of crests for a scalp.
That's where the similarities ended.
Tevos saw what seems to be a human at a first glance, with fair skin and long beautiful blonde fur, yet that didn't stop her from noticing a large and pointy ear protruding between the strands of fur. Another has a height half the size of an average Asari, yet possesses a thick facial fur that covers pretty much half of its torso.
If it was just that, then Tevos would've surmised that humanity possesses multiple evolutionary paths, but no, it wasn't just the first two she noticed.
There was a bipedal creature similar in size to a krogan, yet built like a turian with scales, horns and long snouts; various anthropomorphic creatures that stood on two legs, ranging from canids, felinids, mamallians, to what seems to be reptilian and amphibians; creature with bovine features that are the size of a small vehicle; Asarnoid that are similar to the previous sharp-eared one yet with various eye and skin color ranging from tan to purple; what seems to be a moving leaves and vines forming an Asari body shape; a bipedal mushroom; a walking amphibian humanoid; green-skinned human-look alike yet built like a Krogan battlemaster.
Then there was humans the size of thresher maw; a bipedal creature similar to an Elcor but stood up straight and had stone skins; humans yet with another creature body parts such as tails, equine, wings and talons; a strange amalgamation of multiple creature mixed into one; literal tree coming to live with two sets of limbs; aquatic creatures with life support yet stood on two legs or supported with mechanical limbs; insects the size of Turian with various forms and shapes; strange mollusk creatures that either stood straight or supported with cybernetics; creatures with Asari skeletal structures yet hollow and ghastly; stones and crystals forming a shape and glowing, idly moving as if it is living being; elements of flames, water, wind and lightning forming vague shapes and existing without any fuel or manipulation; gigantic lizards with wings and horns. And was that an automaton? Wait, there's also humans with mechanical parts, and is that a full blown synthetic?!
"I have taken the liberty of studying your language and made a rough translation with your data cache. Your autotranslator technology has also given us a good head start", one of the humans that sat on an elevated seat, stood up.
"Greetings representatives of the Citadel Council, I am Victor Valdi, director of the Council of Sol's meetings. With me are the six supranational organizations that represent the bulk of the membership in the Council. Now if you'd please?"
The first human with dark skin stood, "Hello, my name is Dolores Muwanga, the secretary general of the United Nations of Earth, I extend my greetings from the people of Earth."
The second human followed; "Greetings, my name is Amul Shastri, prime minister of the Systems Alliance, the distant human colonies welcome you to our home friend."
Next, a human with black sclera draped in what seems to be an uniform, "Grand Admiral Stahl Magnold von Charlemagne, head representative of the Void Union. A pleasure ma'am", he saluted.
Another human draped in a mix of uniform and metal armor; "I am Matthias III Von Habsburg, Archduke of the Six System of Styr, elected Emperor of the Neu Holy Roman Empire, and the current elected head of the Federation of Autonomous Sectors. Honor to meet you Asari", he followed with an elaborate bow.
A tall humanoid with broad shoulders, possessing white silvery fur and fair skin with long ears presented himself; "Mine name is Oleian II, the eight reigning Phoenix King. Also known by my moniker as the Starspeaker, and the current chief representative of the Gaia Coalition. We welcome you, visitors from foreign stars", a small hand gesture was made, mimicked by many of the furthest human-lookalike on the podium.
an automaton with its hardware built similar to humans were next; "This unit is identified as Coordinator X4, also known colloquially as; "Connor" the spokesperson and voice of the Earth Custodianship. We are happy to make your acquaintance miss Asari", the AI spoke, which honestly spooked Weyla more than anything she'd seen so far.
"Welcome to the Sol system, honored representatives of the Citadel council. The Council of Sol and its people welcomes you here at the very heart of our collective interstellar domain", Victor announced with open arms.
Tevos felt her heart dropped to her bowels, she swore to the Goddess that the feeling was mutual with the rest of her escorts and those who watched the event live back on Citadel space. And she knew that everyone who witnessed this moment had the same collective thought.
What the actual fuck is humanity.
Had this idea cooking in my head for a long time. The basic idea was what if the Citadel Council found the human species that has barely touched the Mass Effect Technology, whilst having to go through so much main character development species-wide all at the same time and ended up as an (unknown) intergalactic superpower through the virtue of being the center of so much universal/parallel/fantasy bullshit storyline and basically have to juggle through all that, before finally solidifying themselves in a few decades following centuries long struggle. I know that this may not be the first kind of story on this website, but with luck, I hope you can enjoy the sheer magnitude of madness that are thrown towards the Citadel due to this small altercation I made. Funny that this started with just me thinking what if Humans were discovered alongside elves, dwarves and orcs. Anyways, hope you enjoy and tell me what you think on the comment section. This is Chief, signing out.
Update 1 July 2024: Forgot that the Doc Manager didn't translate the Bold and Italic parts of my editing process, had to make a few adjustments to make things more readable and highlight key aspect of the storytelling. Other than that, enjoy.
