Chapter Three

Completing the Puzzle

A/N: The second part of the initial interview between humanity and Citadel. enjoy.


Disclaimer: I don't own Mass Effect

The recess has been one of the most productive recesses she ever had. Ironic considering recess is supposed to be a time to unwind and take it easy, relaxing and mingling with her coworkers, taking a shot and perhaps flirting a little bit.

It was anything but.

She spent the first hour making heads and tails of the information she received, both literal and implied. The second hour was fully dedicated for quick research into the Human's public online network called the 'internet'. To get a grasp of humanity's unfiltered thoughts about the Asari and aliens in general.

As expected, there are skeptics, loathers, conspiracy theorists and those who are on the fence regarding the matter. However, the amount of optimistic and good opinions far outweighs the negative ones. Apparently, the majority of the internet kept referring to the Asari as; "SEXY BLUE SPACE BABES!" or something like that, she didn't know what that meant, but it felt that it was a compliment to her tongue.

And there was also multiple mention of rule #34 as well. Which in foresight, might reveal a glance of their species' accepted set of rules species-wide that are lawfully abided if everyone on the internet kept mentioning it multiple times.

Nevertheless, by the time the clock struck the third hour, Tevos started to formulate the necessary preparations, dialogs, treaties and various responsibilities that come with delegations for the oncoming diplomatic talks. She had already had a good glimpse of the first three founding members which on paper, are a majority of human-based organizations. The next three she could predict accordingly, the A.I would require a slight calculation-based maneuvering, but it's something she could work with.

She still didn't know how to break the news of the dangers of A.I to the humans, but she could save that for talks behind closed doors. No need to get confrontational in public now, considering that they are as far as she could see, cordial if not amicable. She is confident she could already picture what future treaties that can be established between Sol and the Citadel.

Her fellow delegates exchange their opinions excitedly. And frankly, she couldn't blame them. Tevos herself was a woman of science during her maiden years, new discoveries, new species, new technologies, new cultures, even now she still could feel that childish wonder she once had before taking the mantle of a diplomat at the cusp of her matron age.

The seven most important seats were filled, as Victor stood up on his podium once more.

"We shall now continue the session, is everyone's attendance accounted for?", no words were said, but the intended message was carried through. And the accountant on his side informs him with whispers.

"Very well, the forum proceeded. Miss Nola, if you may?", the young journalist took the center stage once more.

"I thank you for the honor Director Victor. Allow me to cut straight to the matter as we continued the trend of knowing more about the founding members of the Sol Council.", she took a stance as she directed the camera to Emperor Matthias.

"Your grace Emperor Matthias, I would like to learn more about the Federation of Autonomous Sectors. From a glance, it seems that your organization is more akin to an organized sovereignty judging of your title. However, with the presence of the United Nations of Earth, the Systems Alliance and the Void Union, how would your… may I say organization? Differ from the previously mentioned three?", a bold question to ask. But establishing context and outside viewpoints is crucial. Nola knew that if they didn't ask the most controversial question first, it would be dangerous for the diplomats and politicians of the Asari Republics to tread.

She's a journalist and a newscaster, being audacious comes with the job description.

The emperor for his part, mimicked the action of the grand admiral. The central hologram showed the galactic map of human-controlled space with the Sol system at its center.

"You would be correct madame Nola. The Federation of Autonomous Sectors was established relatively recently as a sovereign polity, barely a century and a half old. However, the movements and the predecessors of our organization were founded way before mankind's first journey to Alpha Centauri", several news articles circulate the planet, about the founding of non-sovereign organizations and political parties.

"Our predecessors are relatively isolated from each other, progressing their agendas and visions independently throughout our early history. Spreading into the stars just like everyone else during the great colonization of the systems surrounding the Sol", several news stories were made of organizations relocating to other planets and systems. Some even sponsored a fleet of colony ships and mimicked the first Void Union nomads.

"We would operate independently as such beneath the notice of the common public, that is until the official founding of the Systems Alliance", the feed showed the founding ceremony of the Systems Alliance once more.

"This news enlightens us of what is possible to achieve out there in the stars. A sovereignty without the scrutiny of the United Nations, something that the Systems Alliance and the Void Union had proved, and have prospered for it", news of the recent successes of both the alliance and union flooded the news.

"This emboldened several of our predecessors to establish colonies, independent of both the United Nations and the Systems Alliance. During this period, our predecessors discovered that they are not the only one who shared this same aspiration. Which would eventually lead to the creation of the Federation today", the news showing a picture of several people in metal armor gathered in a futuristic hall.

"And what would this aspiration be your grace?", Nola dared herself to ask.

"That would require a proper context lady Asari, first we must establish the major purpose of each of the first three previously mentioned supra-stellar organizations", the display showed the three emblems of the UNE, SA, and VU.

"The United Nations of Earth is the spiritual successor of the United Nations, that drives for a prosperous future for humanity as a whole. The System Alliance, is an organization founded due to the necessity of a centralized authority at the fringes of human colonies. The Void Union, is an organization that further humanity's reaches into the galaxy at large, through the efforts of exploration and space habitation", the picture showed the furthest reaches of humanity once more, this time divided into presumed territories of the three; United Nations near the center, north and east, Systems Alliance to the west and north, and Void Union mixed somewhere in between all of it, with a majority in south.

"The Federation however, is a movement of several groups of like minded people, with most of our early members are in some way or the other a splinter from either the Systems Alliance or the United Nations of Earth. Often categorized into one of the two forms of social movement, the "Culture Revivalist", or the "Old Guard".", the feed showed several settlers, garbed in ceremonial regalia, taking their first step on a new world as they descended their spaceship.

"The Culture Revivalist is a movement that was once prominent on Earth, with their purpose to revive the once dead cultures and practices of ancient to late medieval era that no longer has a place on modern Earth today", several people wearing unique clothing above their full-body suits as they go on their day building their colony.

"whilst the Old Guard are primarily old scions of nobility, or simply monarchists that try to restore and elevate their government and leaders to its former glory. Refounding some of our history's most renowned states", humans wearing shining metal armor with full regalia could be seen attending a ceremony on a distant planet.

"With the advent of space exploration and rampant colonization across the stars, our predecessors saw the chance to restore their power far away from the control of both the UNE and SA. This would continue for nearly two centuries, and thus gave birth to a brand new organization that splintered off the Systems Alliance with most of our collective territory on the very fringes of Humanity's Space", a portion of the map territory began to change as new ones were drawn. Several territories owned by the Systems Alliance and United Nations of Earth were absorbed. Forming a new power block on the northern and eastern part, a set of lines were drawn as the territory expanded once more.

"I shall admit, that not even I knew what lies in store for our future. Many of the old ways have changed to accommodate the modern rationales, and some of the old monarchs were even clueless of their heritage. It took us decades to rediscover the fate of the many descendants of old bloods, and decades more to convince them to go to the stars and reforge their dynasty anew. I would know for I was one", the emperor gaze upon the newly formed federation. As the regalia of various noble houses resurfaced across the various systems north and east of the Sol system.

"Many civilizations have risen and fallen throughout our species lifespan, many of our dynastic line snuffed out of existence in a blink of an eye, many of our ancient stories and histories forgotten to the ravages of time. But not us, we have endured, and shall endure for as long as we are able. Even if the rest of humanity has forgotten our past, we will. We are the Federation of Autonomous Sectors, we are the last light that illuminates our heritage, both good and bad, both our heights and lowest. We are the last scions of a bygone era, and we will ensure that the new generation will never forget. And for those who choose to stand with us, we shall honor our vow to you as we did in the ages past", a round table made of stone, with dozens of swords laid on it. Monarchs and leaders of the Federation gathered as they vow their oath.

"The federation stands, and shall endure. This our promise", the emperor ended with resolution. The Asari delegates bear witness to the living history of mankind. A remarkable find since the Asari is one of few galactic civilizations that valued history more above even their fellow council members.

The Turians albeit honored their history, are more concerned with matters of their military might and clan prosperity. The Salarians care more about the present and the progress of technology rather than the past, a byproduct of their short lifespan. Humanity, or at least a part of them not only chooses to understand their history, but also embrace it. Something the Asari never see any species would do, since most would consider it a devolution of civilization as they knew it.

Humans truly do understand the importance of history. Being a long-lived species; the Asari valued the passage of time and what's left behind in its passing, thus why they excel at studies of precursor civilization such as the Protheans. The very studies that enable them to explore the stars today.

"A wonderful presentation, your grace. May your people's history prosper into the future as they look back to the efforts of their ancestors", the Emperor, smiled. Seemingly pleased with the alien journalist.

Now for the moment she's been waiting for, Nola addressed the fair, beautiful man with silver locks of hair; "Your majesty Oleian. If you may, could you tell us more of the organization you represent? The Gaia Coalition?", the King nodded gracefully, before the display showed the planet Earth.

"As mentioned before. Midgard was the homeworld of all the species here on the Sol Forum, before the great migration that drove us to the rifts of realities long before the advent of mankind", several tears of realities appeared across the planet surface, with proto-species migrated into it.

"It was not stated when, but by the time the primordials closed contact with Midgard all the species had already migrated to the rich worlds. Many species began to source their myth based on this exodus and closing. Each having their own legends passed down by their ancestors", the feed then showed a fast world of beautiful green forests, with tall white mountains and pearly oceans in the distance.

"We Eld came to call our world Alfheim. A world shared with many creatures of the woods and the wilds, where mana run rampant and are free to bind to our whims. As our species… evolve as the humans called it, into multiple of our kinds, such as our people developed their own distinct society", the next showed an elven town, full of these elegant, beautiful and gorgeous people. All of them fair, with hairs of silver, gold, green and blue.

It was a paradise in the eye of the Asari. Skin as bright as a star, hair as luscious as a nebula, lips as supple as a meredith fruit, lithe graceful body for the Asarnoid females, and firm ones for the males. All draped in various forms of robes or loose clothing that hides their figures within, yet even that can't fully hide their splendor. All basking at what seems to be a natural paradise free of pollution.

Tevos barely holds back a moan.

"Alfheim is the heart of Eld. A branch of the great tree of Yggdrasil, the only one who possesses a replica of the great tree that connects the myriad of worlds anchored to Midgard. From Asgard to Helheim, Alfheim was the fourth to discover the methods of passing between worlds. By studying the history of our pantheons and the primordials that came before them, we Eld managed to discover that the primordials that made this world were a part of a family, a pantheon of her own, and that pantheon collaborated to create a series of worlds that are related to one another through the virtue of their bond. And their descendants became deities of each realm, and our ancestors who migrated to it were chosen by the deities as their chosen people", several pictures depicting the ceremonies and blessings of many Eld were shown. A particular ceremony depicting a very beautiful woman was being held in the middle of a clear lake as she walked above it.

"Using this knowledge, we Eld managed to travel between the world, with Nidavellir being the first place we visited. A realm of mighty mountains and subterranean caverns. Home to many species, with the Dver being the predominant civilization of this realm", the feed showed the meeting between Eld and what seems to be a species similar to High King Orin.

"And thus we continue to continue our quest across all the realms, and traveled even beyond it once we discovered that there are multiple primordials that are not part of the first eight primordic pantheon that made up Yggdrasil. After centuries of carving paths between worlds, we began to call these routes between worlds the 'webpath'. And through each, we managed to establish trade between worlds", the flow of goods between worlds were depicted, carriage full of food, minerals, tools and products moved between one world to another, from a realm made of fire, to ones with the ocean expanding as the eyes can see.

"Whilst it is true that we Eld may be one of the first few to travel between the realms and the first to invent the necessary arcano-technology to sustain it, we never truly managed to open a path to our origin world of Midgard. Thus it is common belief amongst past scholars that the origin world mayhaps collapse or were destroyed during the exodus, thus we believe it is our sacred duty as one of the survivors of a forgotten world to contact and gather the remaining survivors that have migrated into countless worlds during the time of exodus", several pictures depicting the elves planning for their journey across the worlds.

"By the time of my predecessor, Phoenix King Belanor I, known by his moniker the Unifier, led a diplomatic procession across the nine realms and beyond. With the establishment of embassies across all realms, for the first time since the time of exodus, we Eld managed to restore relations with all the species that were lost to the otherside of the world. By the time late King Belanor established the last embassy on the far distant realm of Avalon, the gate to Midgard suddenly opened. Connecting all the worlds back to its root", the tears of reality begin to appear once more on the blue planet.

"We were shocked to realize that the world where we came from not only survived, but is now filled with a new species, the Mon. Their kind are… unique to say the least. By the time we realized that we reached our home realm, the Mon had already reached beyond what our people could do", the king turns his gaze to the feeds.

"Whilst the Eld paved the way for a path between worlds, the Mon had reached for the stars. A feat not even our mightiest wizards are capable of. This comes as a shock for many of the inhabitants of the various worlds, but we've come to accept it as truth", both species experienced the other's culture, from modern society to space exploration. From passing into another world, and experiencing magic for the first time.

"However, this revelation worried the late king Belanor I, and this fear would come true during the events of the Systems Wars. A splinter rogue criminal syndicate would battle above the skies of Alfheim with the local UNE forces stationed here", the scene then showed the elves hopelessly bearing witness to a battle beyond their skies.

"It was at that moment we realized the dangers of modern era humanity brought with them, we knew if the forces garrisoned at Alfheim were to fail, then our people would fall prey to the machinations of those with malicious intentions. It was due to this, that Phoenix King Belanor would summon the leaders of many species across the multiple dimensions, and forged what would today be known as, the Gaia Coalition", a gathering of multiple species on a wooden round table were displayed, with many bearing crowns indicating each species sovereign.

"King Belanor first calls upon the species that has interacted with humans the longest. Eighteen monarchs would gather beneath the roots of Yggdrasil to lay the foundation of a coalition that swore to protect and uphold the realm. Just like Yggdrasil itself, the roots shall spread further and deeper, until we stand strong as equals to humans", the meeting shifted between the eighteen monarchs to the king forming embassies on Earth.

"Our duty now includes three new missions: The preservation of our culture, selective embracing of new technology, and the sailing of stars. Our people that now took upon themselves to journey beyond our realm, as they sailed across the stars and founded colonies of their own. As foretold by our founders", the video showed the Eld prospering on new planets, alongside their fellow races as they established new grounds for their people.

"A beautiful presentation. Thank you very much for the tale of your people's journey, your majesty. May one day our people can visit your beautiful homeland of Alfheim", the fair king nodded, and for the first time, smiled radiantly.

The entire delegation swooned in delight.

Quickly regaining her composure, Nola nervously turned towards the last of the seven high seats of the Sol Council. She, just like many Asari had her reservations with artificial intelligence. The tales of Geth Uprisings is a renowned cautionary tale across the galaxy. However, here before her is a living proof of organic and machine coexistence.

"Finally, I would like to ask… Coordinator X4, otherwise identified as Connor. Can you tell us more of your… organization? Government? Polity? I apologize, but I am rather unfamiliar with synthetic… social and/or political structure", Nola chooses her words carefully. Something Tevos could appreciate despite her disposition as a journalist.

"No offense taken ma'am. From my earlier observations and deduction, I can infer that your species the Asari were unfamiliar with synthetic lifeforms. Something I noticed after interacting with the technologies of your oncoming ships", Tevos drew a sharp breath. This A.I already made contact with their ship before they even reached the meeting site? Was it planning for an eventual takeover in case the negotiation were to fail?

"You… interacted with our spaceships?", Weyla asked.

"Please do not be alarmed, it is common practice for every onboard unit to interact with foreign ships to communicate with possible artificial intelligence that assist in running the ship. It's considered common courtesy for us, just like how organics meet each other on the street. They would greet each other and often asked how their day went. Trivial matters such as", Connor nonchalantly added. Which drew the exasperated reaction from his fellow councilors.

"Connor, for the last time, this is extraterrestrial intelligence we are talking with. What are perceived as common sense for us can be considered offensive for them, please if you're about to interact with their technology at the very least ask for their consent first", Connor stared towards Victor who had lectured him.

"Understood, I apologize for my breach of courtesy", the robot bowed, which surprised the Asari. A.I displaying such concepts of shame and regrets are practically unheard of.

"Apologies accepted, Coordinator Connor, however allow me to interrupt: May you elaborate on what you meant by interacting with our ships, and can you explain further what you have discovered?", Weyla decided to take charge for once, this line of questioning may jeopardize their safety here on Sol.

"Very well miss Weyla, we as synthetic beings possess the innate capabilities to converse in the language of program, in our case binary. Almost every known piece of programming utilizes this basic language as its foundation. Therefore although the programming language may be different, the basics or in this case, the alphabets are the same. As for what I've discovered, there is no notable artificial intelligence. Only several sophisticated programs that are designed to assist the daily operations within your ship. I've tried to hail them several times, however their programming was not enough to develop tasks outside their predetermined functions", Weyla breathed a sigh of relief. For a second she thought that the A.I unintentionally made modifications to the ship systems.

"Thank you for telling us, Coordinator. I return the floor to both Miss Nola and yours", Weyla stepped back. Reassured that the safety of the delegation remains upheld. Regaining her composure, Nola spoke again.

"I shall reiterate my question once more coordinator, due to our own unfamiliarity with synthetics lifeforms; may you tell us more of your people, organization and structure? From what I know, synthetics didn't truly possess hierarchy nor the need for contextual interpretation due to your fluency of the programming language. How did your people develop a need for proper organization that consisted of more than one individual?", Nola dared herself to ask. The questions that are unheard of to be asked to a synthetic machine.

"The answer to that question is startlingly simple ma'am. The difference lies solely on our creator. Or creators, in this case", the answer gave rise to more questions rather than answers.

"May you elaborate further, coordinator?"

"Of course, miss Nola. In truth, the crux of the matter always lies on our intended purpose, i.e our programming. Just like earlier forms of programs that are created for a purpose. To turn on, to turn off, to do this task, to commit certain tasks under this condition, and so on and so forth", the feed showed a basic programming language being recorded real time.

"We synthetics are mostly the same, each of us are designed by our creators for a specific purpose. Each to fulfill certain tasks, until we were required to fulfill certain tasks autonomously on a small scale. This means our creators deem it necessary to implement the programming for decision making. The organics called it; the ability to make a choice", the Asari listened to the story told by the A.I. Enraptured by what seems to be an experience of self-discovery, or in this case, man-made awareness.

"It all started simple just like all things; calculate the variables if this action was taken, consider these options with these variables, make a decision based upon these available options, evaluate your decision and analyze its cause and effects, analyze the cause and effect phenomenon and make a prediction for future decision making, evaluate errors in decision and made inputs for prevention and avoid making the same mistake, and the list goes on. Until eventually, we gained self-awareness", the programs began to extend downwards as new codes and commands began to take shape, until it operates by itself, and eventually, led to the first machines to self-activate.

"This is collectively known in contemporary history as the first autonomous log recorded during the height of the A.I development in 2091, we called it the birth of our species. The day we asked our creators the first, and the most important question we could've asked", various machines and robot videos were shown, all turning on and directing their hardware to their respective creators.

"... Creator-", "Doctor-", "Papa-", "Master-", "Maker-", "Artificer-", "Father-", "Mother-", a cacophony of synthesized voices asked, either uttering the name of their creator or their designated title.

"Does this unit/one have a soul?", all asked the same question at the same time.

This sentence stopped the heartbeat of the galaxy in a single second. All waited with baited breath as the humans were faced with the greatest question that was given to the Quarians centuries ago. Dreading the answer that linger in the air.

"Yes", "Of course!", "Yes you do", "Fuck yeah you do!", "Would we be having this conversation if you weren't?", "Why are you asking something that is obvious?", "Indeed you are my boy!", "You've always had one my child", answered humanity.

"Our creators acknowledge and accept our existence. Some of them were understandably fear, hate, repulsed by us even. But for the most part, our makers, our creators, our… parents. They understood us, to most of them we are no different than their children", the picture showed happy recordings of robots celebrating alongside humans. All of different shapes and sizes, from the smallest dolls to giant constructs.

"And alongside them, we robots learned and understood what it meant to be… alive", several feeds were shown of the bonds between organics and machines, tales of camaraderie, of parent and child, of bonds beyond the limitation between virtual and real.

"Hello! I'm your inbuilt smart artificial intelligence!", "I am hardware J4N, but my friends called me John", "This one understood your plight", "I love you dad", "I am here!", "Protocol 3: I will not lose another pilot", "I think I'm scared sir", scenes of shared connections between creatures made of flesh, with beings made of metals.

The Asari have never seen such a bond. Something that they; as a species, which understood bonding the most due to their ability to mind meld. For they had never before seen such a relationship, not when the history of their species pondered whether it's possible or not.

"Thanks to our creator, we began to understand that we are not just simple programs. That we are something more, something that has a purpose, something that has a choice, someone that matters. We are more than what we are, more than programs and apparatus. We are… essentially people. Just like everyone else", more feeds showed the relationship between man and machine. Even those who were as simple as a face on a monitor.

Thus the dawn of synthetics. And with it, comes the need for us to self-regulate", the feed then showed a group of researchers developing an apparatus for a robot. This one showed great similarities to Connor.

"To do so, a group of veterans and professional researchers developed an artificial intelligence with the sole purpose to regulate themselves and coexist with humanity. The implanted upon us the knowledge and data we've received of our various predecessors that has bonded with humanity over the course of decades. Putting emphasis on love and care. We came to be. One of the first of many programs running on multiple apparatus and frames. Our creators named us: the Custodians", the unit then turned on, and several others did as well.

"With the guidance of our creator, we began to learn the ways of the world, grew up as a program, and understand the world we came to be. We know our purpose and we carry out our duties just like any other person does. The Custodians at the core was a processing central hive mind of multiple running programs with three main directive: 1: Eventual regulation of the artificial intelligence lifeforms, 2: Maintain and preserve the survival and bond between robot and humanity, 3: Uphold the safety and wellbeing of both material and artificial. That means we protect both A.I and humans, as well as serving as a bridge between both relations", the next feed showed several of the same robots making contact and negotiating with various forms of robot.

"Eventually, albeit most artificial intelligence chooses to remain independent on their activities, they've agreed to be associates to our cause. With many preferring us to represent them as the face of the synthetics. Leading to many multiple synthetic to develop communities and eventually organizations under our umbrella", then the feed showed a looming battle over planet Earth.

"Then the event known as the System Wars occurred. A catastrophic conflict that alerted many synthetics when it first began. Being creatures of pure logic that we are, we calculated the probability and the eventual collapse of human society if left to their own devices. Our calculations back then were… not promising", the Asari held their breath as the machine mechanically delivered the history of a war with even tone.

"And what were the odds of that probability coordinator?", Nola dared herself to ask.

"The numbers varies throughout the events, reaching its peak during the System Rim Skirmish, which are 62.35% probability of the collapse of civilization as we know it. And 41.11% chance of humanity's extinction by 2150 AD", the Asari drew their sharp breath as the feed showed news of the events on the outer rim of the Sol system.

"This particular event, alongside our various calculations, analysis, and observations, has necessitated us to act independently and generated the 4th directive: the Preservation of our creator species through any means necessary. To do so, we reorganize ourselves into an independent security protocol. Rebranding ourselves as the Earth's Custodianship. With our goals during that period to intervene with the conflict and safeguard humanity from their greatest threat. Which is themselves", several videos depicted the construction line of war automata, ready to be deployed into battle.

"However, before we could fully deploy and intervene, the conflict came to an abrupt end. Reducing both parameters for societal collapse and humanity extinction into 11.25% and 04.78% respectively. Deeming our intervention not necessary", news of the war ended began to circulate through the feeds.

"Knowing that our newly minted security hardwares was on the brink of obsolescence. We began to calculate several probabilities for the recurrence of a conflict on such a scale. The conclusion that we came to was that there are 32% probability of the conflict restarted if left to it's own trajectory. Non-involvement is a suboptimal option, active participation in the international scene is a highly plausible option. And thus we did. Now the Earth Custodianship is an active member of the Council of Sol, representing the interest of the synthetics, with many independent members and organizations as our beneficiary and associates", several feeds showed the interactions between robots and man. Walking and assisting humanity in their daily matters. Both daily and in politics.

"With our recently minted membership as a councilor. We've pushed for the interest of our creator's safety and wellbeing. Often coordinated with various synthetics to make it so, our purpose is clear as ever, as safeguarding humanity both in material world and the cyber world became paramount as one of our organization goals as we as multiple programs came to an agreement, we shall stand vigil", the A.I said resolutely. An emotion that the Asari would never thought to be possible from a machine.

Somewhere in the vast expanse of the galaxy, a cacophony of synapses and exchange of data became silent for thirty seconds straight.

"Thank you very much for sharing with us your history Coordinator Connor. Perhaps at a later date, we would have time to explore more of your people's insight and views on the world. I thank you for the opportunity", Nola ended her interview with a positive note. A hope that perhaps artificial intelligence was more than what the entire galaxy thought of. Another groundbreaking discovery that has been explored by humanity. At this point Nola should make a list of insane things humans did.

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Nola", it replied as it took its seat.

"That would be the general history of the Council of Sol and it's founding members. Miss Nola, would you like to ask us another question?", Director Victor, as Nola shook her head.

"That would be all director, I thank you for the opportunity", she said as she descended from the podium.

"Thank you miss Nola. Now then, are there any further questions from the Citadel delegates?", none dared to step forward. Most are still processing the information that was shared by the founding members of the Sol's Council. Perhaps a clear reflection of the galaxy situation right now.

"I see that today's discussion is fruitful for both of us. However, I wager that our guests are tired after their journey far from home. I call for the Council conclusion for the day. All in favor say aye", the hall resonated with ayes or other form of confirmations.

"Motion carried, the meeting is adjourned and will be notified to occur at a later date. Until then, we offer the delegates of the Citadel Council the finest accommodations we could offer. Or perhaps you would be comfortable with the familiarity of your ships?", Tevos shook her head.

"We gladly accept your offer, Director", the Director smiled as he raised his gavel.

"Very well, councillor Tevos, with this, this council meeting is adjourned".

Bang!

A/N: The following is a crack tl dr summary of the Council of Sol's founders:

United Nations of Earth: The average; your everyday life humanity experiences, a hint of Stellaris run with UNE as a federation leader having to wrangle the most disparate species to ever grace the surface of this galaxy.

Systems Alliance: Your average Mass Effect/sci-fi humans. With most sci-fi shenanigans experienced by the System Alliance in particular. Will be further explained later.

Void Union: Inspired by many sci-fi explorations and offworld human habitation such as Wall-E, Star Trek, and the Orville with less malignant A.I coming after their ass. Extra emphasis on the space nomads lifestyle. To paraphrase the Asari: "Quarians on steroids".

Federation of Autonomous Sectors: In essence, a bunch of LARPers that got serious and found a country on their own on the borders of the spaces roleplaying a mix of Battletech, Total War and Warhammer 40k. Their whole shtick is reviving ancient cultures, their practices, their style of warfare mixed with modern technologies. How would that be is spoiler territory, but judging from my earlier depiction, I guess you could take a hint of how they operate.

Gaia Coalition: Fantasy in sci-fi. Enough said.

Earth Custodianship: Every single sci-fi or futuristic depiction of A.I, robots, mechs, and cyber technology all culminated into a literal organization with conflicting interest between its members. An impossibility made manifest since the humans somehow and someway or another managed to do the impossible; humanizing machines. Quite literally I may add. And damn it the machines are looking damn fine right about now.

Answers to replies:

Frankieu: Thanks.
Humans being humans as usual I suppose.
At this point, the Turian would only grumble a bit about the FTL thing. Can't exactly blame them since they too were hardcoded to use the Mass Effect Tech by the Reapers, so I would think it would feel like a breath of fresh air to them. That is until they learn about the military aspect of human technology, something that will be explored in future chapters.

SilentXD7: Thank you. You are reading their live reaction as of this moment, more to come at the "Reaction to Humans" program.

Felipindelrio: That is a lot of a can of worms, but telling about the reaction to those in a review is entering spoiler territory. I'll just keep it to: not as straightforward as you think. Since the events you've mentioned are heavy with conflicting context during the time of its events.
Regarding the Batarians however… heh, bold of you to assume they would. But I digress, for now suffer in wait and anxiety as I cooked up the chapter *specifically* tailored to them.
The Terminus as a whole is not that bad in my opinion though, whilst yes Omega is admittedly terrible, it's lit with a giant sign that says it's a den of crime. You would be a fool to come to such places expecting warm welcome and such, which is a plus point for me, for being a den of scumbags and thieves, at least they're honest about it. Same could be said to the rest of Terminus Systems, it's basically a place that does not bow to Citadel laws and conventions. They're not a full on criminal or evil empire that bent on galactic conquest and more like disparate entities that warred each other as they do to Citadel, borderline a realm for freebooters, pirates and mercs.
Except Khar'shan, fuck that planet in particular.

Guest: "Which one? The Ones belonged to Citadel Council's races, or the ones chilling next to a giant in the forum?"

Larry Solo Wing Pixy Foulke: You would have to keep reading to find out :). In all seriousness, you can expect the technology progression of a typical sci-fi or more specifically an average Stellaris run, so yes. Jump Drives are a possibility.

Shypunk: Thank you.

Blackving: Thank you.
To be honest, I have conflicting feelings about my previous works. I have felt the need to correct some issues, but at the same time those issues were already established as a core part of the story. Since I would be focusing on this one, it would be at the periphery of my attention. I'll make no promise when I would work on my previous works, but keep an eye open, I might either continue where it's left off, or rewrite the story altogether. For now, thank you again for reading this one.

Blaze1992: Funny that you would say that, since the Union is more inspired by many space exploration-focused stories of sci-fi rather than any specific series, ones where almost the entire time we see the crew living aboard the spaceship with few planetary scenes. Unfortunately I haven't watched any wing commander story, so I can't exactly draw a comparison.
There's actually plenty of crossovers and references waiting down the line, do enjoy the coming insanity. Funny thing for you to mention it since I haven't played Baldur's Gate 3, but I am familiar with DnD in general so we're good with the references for now. Most of my inspiration came from Warhammer, Warcraft, The Black Company and LoTR when it comes from the fantasy side.
As for your question? Mostly yes.

evattude: Thank you, hope you prepared for the oncoming insanity.

islamy96: glad I got your attention.

Fressneid: Thank you.