If you recognize it, I probably don't own it. Mass effect belongs to BioWare and Microsoft.
here are some important stuff.
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
~"AI"~
*Sound Effects*
POV/Location/Time Change.
Legacy of the Lost
July 12, 2300 ES
Planet Valhalla
Their guide then led them toward the man and then began introducing him. "Respected Councilors, let me introduce to you Sir Hadrian Artrarus, Lord Commander of the Military forces of the Sol Confederation."
The man was even more intimidating now that they were near. Brahacus had great difficulty in suppressing the urge to introduce himself with his former military rank. Instead, he put his hand forward for a handshake. "Turian Councillor Brahacus, an honor to meet you, milord."
Lord Hadrian returned the handshake with a polite nod. Brahacus could see the scars on the man's hands and feel the strength of his grip.
Bemort went next and shook hands with the commander. "As my friend Brahacus said, it's truly an honor to meet you, milord."
Tevos went last, looking a bit stiff. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Lord Hadrian then finally spoke in a gruff yet polite voice. "Delighted to meet you councilors. It's such a shame that it wasn't in better circumstances. Such unnecessary loss of lives caused by the greed of certain a tragedy, won't you say?"
"Yes, absolutely milord. So many wasted lives…" Brahacus trailed off.
"Alas it seems we do not have much time to talk, the ceremony is about to begin. Perhaps we can continue this conversation over dinner?" Lord Hadrian says with a smile and then heads out towards the stage. Soon the councilors follow him.
Lord Hadrian gets up on the stage and begins addressing the crowd.
"Citizens of the Confederation, with a heavy heart I greet you all today! As some of you might know, exactly one month ago on June 11, 2300, we, humanity, made first contact with not one, but four new species of Aliens. Unfortunately, due to a grave misunderstanding, an overzealous captain of one of these contacts, the Turians, fired upon our Deep Exploration fleet in the hope of gaining personal glory. While most of our fleet remained unharmed the SSV Salt Lake was lost with all hands in the initial attack. Our fleet naturally engaged the opposing ships and emerged victorious. Today we are assembled here to Pray tribute to the 23 brave souls lost on the SSV Salt Lake."
The commander paused and looked at the crowd as if he was gauging their reaction.
And then continued.
"Today I bring a message of hope! The aliens are not the enemies that some would paint them out to be! They have agreed to work with us to uncover the truth behind the attack. We hope that this unfortunate incident will not stand between us and our potential new friends. As such today we also mourn the thousands of innocent Turian lives lost due to the greed and folly of one individual! And I assure you the perpetrator shall face justice! Terran Justice! Human justice!"
With these words, the crowd erupted into thunderous watched the crowd with a small smile. A very good speech. Very inspiring. It also gave them a clear view of how the common citizens thought about the attack.
Lord Hadrian then continued "I now call upon Mrs. Keira Lindholm wife of Captain Mathias Lindholm, the late captain of the SSV Salt Lake to come up on the stage and light the torch in front of this memorial."
One of the guards guided a woman in her thirties with a tear-stained face towards the stage. She was followed by a young boy holding a wreath of flowers. They were escorted to the large stone obelisk with the framed pictures of the crew displayed in front. The boy put the wreath at the foot of the memorial and held his mother's hand as tightly as he could, perhaps instinctually trying to support her.
Keira lit the torch and stood there crying silently as she stared at the flame.
The crowd was silent, as was everyone present on the stage. The moment was somber, filled with grief and sorrow. Brahacus couldn't turn his eyes from the sight of the grieving woman. Her husband so unfairly torn away from her, and her son left without a father, due to the greed and folly of one of HIS people. He didn't dare imagine what those countless Turian families were going through the same thing back home. To say that they and he wanted Captain Ugleas dead would be an understatement. Even Bemort was looking saddened but Tevos for some reason looked displeased.
After a few moments, Lord Hadrian continued.
"Citizens of the gather here today to remember the 23 souls, 23 families who had their loved ones torn from them. 23 people who shall not be forgotten! They live on! In our Hearts and minds! Their immense contributions to our understanding of the cosmos shall forever inspire the people! That, my friends, is the legacy of those we have lost! They, the Honored dead have earned their rest! These brave souls shall forever be immortalized in the annals of human history! As such, they are all posthumously awarded the Silver Heart Medal! For sacrificing beyond the call of duty in service to our people! I also vow that their families will be taken care of to the utmost capabilities of our nation!"
Another round of thunderous applause follows this declaration. Brahacus and Bemort were also clapping politely. Tevos however seemed unmoved by the speech for some reason.
"We now observe 5 minutes of silence in memory of those who have departed."
After the 5 minutes were over, Lord Hadrian then spoke.
"Thank you. I will now conclude this ceremony by inviting the honorable members of the council to speak a few words, starting with the Turian Councillor Brahacus."
Brahacus nervously walked up to the podium and began speaking. "People of the Sol Confederation, I am Dorminus Brahacus, Councillor of the Turian Hierarchy. Today I join you in this moment of great sorrow, in the aftermath of a tragedy that could have been easily avoided. We Turians pride ourselves in our discipline and honor. What the rogue captain Ugleas had perpetrated, has brought great shame and sorrow to my people. My whole species is disgusted and ashamed of the tragedy that he has perpetrated to satisfy his greed! I stand here and cannot help but shed a tear at the thought of the loss that the families of the departed must be feeling. I give my sincere condolences to Mrs Keira Lindholm and all the other families affected by this incident! We, humanity and Turians, are so similar yet different. Perhaps we can use this mutual loss to rebuild the hopes of friendship that was so unceremoniously crushed by the greed and arrogance of one single individual. Today we stand in mourning for all the lives lost in this pointless tragedy, all the families torn apart, all the dreams shattered. But if you would allow us, we the Turian Hierarchy shall be more than glad to extend a hand of friendship and cooperation so that eventually we may move past this unfortunate event! Lastly, I would like to thank Lord Commander Hadrian for allowing me this opportunity to speak on this occasion." As Brahacus concludes his speech and moves away from the podium, he receives quite a bit of applause.
Then Bemort takes his place in front of the podium and begins his speech.
"It's an honor to be able to speak at this ceremony, especially as an outsider. My name is Kudin Bemort, Councillor of the Salarian Union. This tragic incident that happened last month has brought us to the realization that knowledge is paramount to the happiness of our people! It is such a tragedy that these great academics who have contributed so much were lost due to a lack of information. I hope that we may be able to one day freely share our knowledge with all so that such misunderstandings never occur again. I give my sincere condolences to the grieving families. Thank you."
With this short speech, Bemort lets Tevos take the stage and then begins speaking.
"I am the Asari Councillor, T'Vessa Tevos. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and my sincere gratitude to the government of the Sol Confederation and Lord Commander Hadrian for arranging this ceremony. It was a most enlightening experience. It has reminded me once again just how precious life is. I can only hope that such incidents never occur again. We, the Asari, are very keen to further our relationship with the Sol Confederation and hope that our people can coexist peacefully. Thank you for your attention and time."
Her speech is met with a polite round of applause as she takes her seat.
Lord Hadrian then takes the lead once again. "Thank you, respected Councilors of the Citadel council, for your kind words." He nods.
"Today marks the beginning of a new era for humanity, as today we emerge upon the Galactic stage! This has only been achieved by the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors and forefathers! Let us make sure that their legacy is one of Peace, Understanding, and Prosperity and not of unnecessary violence and destruction! Remember my brothers and sisters, the Price of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance! For Sol! For Terra! For All Humanity!"
Shouts of "For All Humanity" echo across the crowd along with thunderous applause, as the councilors watch with fascination.
"The ceremony is now concluded. Thank you once again for attending. I wish you all a wonderful day and a safe journey back to your homes."
With this, the Ceremony concludes and the crowd begins to slowly disperse. Lord Hadrian then approaches Mrs Lindholm and her son and personally gives his condolences. He then proceeds to do the same with the other grieving families. Seeing this Brahacus and Bemort also give their condolences. Tevos also obliges rather reluctantly to keep up appearances.
After Lord Hadrian is done talking with the families of the deceased, he turns to the councilors, "Now that the ceremony is over perhaps we should talk in a more comfortable environment? Perhaps over dinner?"
Tevos is the first to speak up "We would be delighted to!"
Brahacus then hesitantly asks, "Um, as you might know, that I cannot consume your food due to my biology…"
Before he could finish, Lord Hadrian says "Our chefs have taken that into account and have prepared a special menu just for you and your guards."
"Is that so? Then I would also be happy to join." Brahacus replies.
"As would I," Bemort adds.
~~~~~~~~XXXXX~~~~~~~~XXXXX~~~~~~~
Few Hours Later
Hotel Resplendent, Valhalla
Lord Hadrian and the Councilors were seated around an oval table, with plates full of delicacies spread out in front of them. Their guards had also been given tables.
"The Chef has truly outdone himself with this… lobster you called it?" Bemort asks.
"Yes. It's a unique variety that can only be grown in the lagoons of planet Brilanna. It takes extreme care in preparation to preserve the exquisite taste." Lord Hadrian informs. "I suggest you taste the Lilyelan Caviar. It pairs quite well with the lobster," he adds.
Bemort and Tevos take a spoonful of the Caviar and savor it.
Bemort then says. "The flavor is simply exquisite. A perfect balance between richness and sourness. It leaves a pleasant tingling sensation in your mouth."
Tevos sips from her glass and asks "Might I ask what is this drink? I have never tasted anything quite like it."
"That is Lovoyan Ice Wine. Quite popular." The waiter answers and then asks "Another serving perhaps?"
"Oh my, yes." Tevos smiles.
Brahacus then speaks up, "These dishes you have made for me are delicious. If you don't mind, I just want to ask, how did your chefs manage to make these dishes? You did not have any contact with dextro-protein-based species before this I am told."
"The answer I'm afraid is quite simple, respected Councilor. These are just recreations of Turian and Quarian dishes we found on the Extranet with a human touch-up." The waiter informs him. "However, these…" He presents a tray with some cold creamy stuff in a glass bowl "Is a human creation that I hope you will enjoy."
Brahacus takes a spoonful of the stuff eats it and is immediately assaulted by a cold taste followed by something sweet dissolving in his mouth. "What is this, this, dish? It tastes amazing! I have never tasted something like this!"
"That councilor is Dextro-protein based ice cream. A quite common and loved delicacy of our species." Lord Hadrian answers as the waiters put bowls of ice cream in front of all the guests.
After a few minutes when everyone is done eating, Lord Hadrian begins "I have already discussed the matter with the President, and she has authorized me to grant you an exclusive interview for your news media. However, I would like to know what is being done on the issue of Ugleas and his batarian associate. It is rather important that we find out just how far their corruption has spread. Otherwise, your security would be compromised. I'm sure you can understand that no one wants a repeat of the June 11th situation. Do we?" He asks his voice carrying a thinly veiled tone of a threat.
Brahacus swallows nervously and answers. "Rest assured Sir. We are doing everything in our power to bring the traitor to justice. We have already stripped him of his rank and have done the equivalent of a court marshall. He will soon face Turian Justice."
Lord Hadrian then shakes his head and says "Perhaps you missed the part of my speech where I said he will face Terran Justice, Human Justice."
"The loss of Turian lives far outnumbers the human people lost in the incident, we can't just tell those thousands of families that they won't get to see the criminal suffer for his crimes!" Brahacus attempts to argue.
"You perhaps do not understand the gravity of this situation. Humanity made first contact with a new species and then was immediately attacked and lost 23 people. These are the first civilian deaths that have been caused by combat in more than a century. It is paramount that A human court sentences the criminal." Lord Hadrian informs.
"If I might interject?" Bemort joins "Perhaps a compromise then? A joint human and Turian court could be formed to sentence the criminal, And the proceedings shown live on all media outlets in both Human and Citadel space." He suggests.
"Hmmm, not a bad idea. I can accept such an arrangement." Lord Hadrian says.
"As can I" Brahacus adds.
Tevos who was about to suggest an Asari tribunal nods her head, while internally berating herself for missing such an opportunity and cursing Bemort for being a hurdle in her plans.
Lord Hadrian then asks "What of the Batarian then? Any leads?"
"I'm afraid not, we have however dispatched multiple investigative teams in the region. More detailed investigation would require our agents to venture into the Terminus regions which are, to put it mildly… volatile." Tevos says.
"Is that so? Then perhaps we will have to dispatch a fleet to hunt down the criminal soon enough."
"Did you say you will dispatch a military fleet to capture one criminal?" Bemort asks surprised.
"Yes, we will. If he is indeed hiding in the Terminus regions, and conventional means fail." Lord Hadrian answers. He then looks at his watch, gets up, and says "I'm afraid I must cut this meeting short, as some urgent work has surfaced. I do hope you have had an enjoyable evening, and wish you a pleasant night." With these words, he leaves.
The councilors also finish their meals and leave soon after, returning to their hotel. Once there they begin discussing about the events of the day.
"That man is dangerous, cunning, and has seen quite a bit of combat if I were to guess. We cannot underestimate him at any cost." Brahacus begins.
"Yes, quite smart. Every move he made was planned, every word measured." Bemort adds.
"Well isn't it obvious? He is the Lord Commander of these Humans after all. This entire ceremony just seems pointless. Why hold such a big event for only 23 people? He was clearly trying to intimidate us with the whole affair. Personally, I am not impressed." Tevos huffs.
"Didn't look like it when you were sipping glass after glass of Human wine…" Bemort comments.
"Also did you forget that you didn't want to leave the art museum?" Brahacus also joins in.
"All right! All right! I get it! But you have to agree that the speech was meant to aggravate the crowd." Tevos huffs.
"I would disagree. These humans have much more in common with us Turians in terms of warrior culture. That was a by-the-books military speech meant to boost the morale of soldiers." Brahacus informs.
"If they were so similar to the boorish Turians they would never have such wonderful art, craftsmanship, and architecture! They are so asari-like! They even look identical to us in physicality! There's nearly no anatomical difference! Why they even have similar geni-" Tevos stopped herself, but Brahacus and Bemort had already heard what she was saying and were now curiously looking at her.
"Similar what Tevos? Something you're not telling us?" Brahacus asks with the Turian equivalent of an eyebrow raise.
"Nothing! Nothing! I am going to sleep! Good Night!" Tevos then hurries out of the living room and into her own room, shutting the door with a bang. Her guard and assistant looking similarly flustered leave for their rooms themselves.
"You can't run forever Tevos!" Brahacus shouts from behind her. He then shakes his head and heads back to his own room.
Bemort and his agents spend a few hours discussing and analyzing their findings and then go to sleep themselves.
At the same time, in another penthouse a few kilometers away a woman dressed in a black business suit was laughing while listening to this conversation on her 12 monitor surveillance system, while reading through the search histories of the Datapads given to the Councillors. "Wow, looks like these asari are more human-like than I thought…" she says to herself aloud and then starts laughing again.
~~~~~~~~XXXXX~~~~~~~~XXXXX~~~~~~~
A few Days Later
Back at the Citadel
Tevos had managed to acquire not only a luxury shuttle from the humans(the FTL drive and reactors replaced with top-grade citadel ones, damn those paranoid humans!) but also a few barrels of their wine while departing their space. Consequently, she looked quite smug as she sat down for the Council meeting. Brahacus had acquired a Combat Knife as a souvenir while Bemort had bought a few books on University level physics. While the other two were surprised that Bemort chose such a simple souvenir, Bemort knew that the books were far more valuable than the other things, as they would give the Salarians a headstart in understanding human technologies. And truth be told he was also kind of surprised that the humans had allowed him to take those books.
"So what's on the Agenda?" He asks.
"The Batarian ambassador has a petition it seems. Call him in." Tevos says.
In a few moments, the Batarian Ambassador Kharack Gelbor enters the chambers while looking quite angry.
"Councilors! What is this I am hearing? There are Rumors that you handed over the Attican Traverse to some New race of Upstarts?! I request that you please dispel these false rumors as it's well-known that the Traverse is Batarian territory!" He shouts.
'Upstarts? The only Upstarts in the galaxy are you lot, bloody slaver scum!' Brahacus thinks to himself then answers "The rumors are true. We have indeed gifted the Attican Traverse to the Sol Confederation as a sign of comradery and trust."
"You cannot do this! The Hegemony has had a claim over that region for centuries!" Kharack shouts.
"Lower your voice! You have no authority to be disrespectful to us!" Brahacus orders.
"And besides, for all the time the Hegemony has laid claim to the Traverse, you have not a single colonized planet to show for it," Tevos adds.
"And as such we have decided that the Humans could make much better use of the given territory than you." Bemort finishes.
"The Hegemony will not stand for this! The Traverse is our Property! Many investments have already been made into developing the region in the future!" Kharack threatens.'Not to mention the countless illegal bases we have built for our privateers!' He screams internally.
"We are the citadel council. We do not care what the Hegemony does or doesn't stand for. You yourselves are to blame for not making use of the region in the given time." Tevos says sharply.
"you will regret this!" Kharack then storms out of the Council chambers while grumbling and cursing.
"Bloody Barbarians," Brahacus says out loud.
"Now, now, no need to resort to petty insults. I'm sure all will be fine." Tevos cuts in.
"What's next?" Brahacus asks.
"The Volus…."
The meetings continued as normal. But none of them knew how their decisions would change the galaxy.
After all the meetings were concluded, Bemort spoke up, "Can we now talk about the metaphorical Krogan in the room?"
"You mean the humans? What of them?" Tevos scoffs.
"The fact that we know next to nothing about them?" Bemort asks.
"What are you talking about? We know plenty" Tevos is interrupted by Brahacus "No we don't!"
"Exactly" Bemort agrees.
"We don't know anything of importance about them other than the fact that they have seemingly miraculous technology even beyond the Protheans, a method of FTL independent of the Relays, industrial capacity far beyond ours, and a long history of military accomplishments," Brahacus says.
"See, we know Plenty. What are you making a fuss abo-" Tevos is interrupted again as Bemort cuts in
"In all of that, did you catch anything specific? Any concrete numbers? Anything that would be useful? No. It's all vague, broad strokes that tell nothing of the details. At least I took the effort to read through the data I could access on the Datapads they gave us. They have over a hundred planets, and more than a thousand star systems. And a fleet of a few hundred thousand. Still nothing specific."
"That's absurd! There's no way those numbers are true! They must have altered the numbers to intimidate us. Yes, That's it! They are Liars!" Tevos almost screeches.
"It is possible that they are lying. But what if they aren't? You need to remember, they are not limited to the relays like we are. That gives them access to everything. This by itself is an unparalleled tactical advantage in their favor." Brahacus points out grimly.
"I think your old age is getting to you Brahacus, and your imagination is running wild. You should get a doctor's appointment. I for one shall no longer take part in this pointless conversation. Goodbye."
~~~~~~~~XXXXX~~~~~~~~XXXXX~~~~~~~
Lore time!
Planet Valhalla: The planet was originally named Lannoa. However after it was voted as the official burial ground of all military casualties, it was renamed to Valhalla due to popular demand. Most graveyards not of extreme historical significance have since been shifted to the planet, in most cases in symbolical recreations without disturbing the original graves.
Sol Military medal System: Medals and decorations in the order of precedence are:
Wartime Gallantry Awards
Sol Star For Exceptional services rendered at the risk/cost of own life above and beyond the call of duty in the presence of the enemy.
Terran Star For Exceptional Services rendered at great personal risk beyond the call of duty in the presence of the enemy.
Centaurus For Exceptional Services rendered at great personal risk in the presence of the enemy.
Peacetime Gallantry Awards
Alexander Cross Most Conspicuous Bravery or Daring or Pre-eminent valor displayed at the risk/cost of own life above and beyond the call of duty.
Ceasar Cross Valour or Courageous action rendered at great personal risk beyond the call of duty.
Leonidas Cross Valour or Courageous action rendered at great personal risk.
Wartime Distinguished Service Medals
Distinguished Service Star [PDF and Marines]
Stellar Service Star [Navy]
Peacetime Distinguished Service Medals
Exceptional Service Cross [PDF and Marines]
Storm cross [Navy]
Service Duration Medals
Supreme Meritorious Service Medal 150 Years of Service
Excellent and Prolonged Meritorious Service Medal 125 Years of Service
Meritorious Service Medal 100 Years of Service
Prolonged Service Medal 60 Years of Service
Long Service and Exceptional Conduct Medal 50-60 Years of Service
Extended Service Medal 50 Years of Service
30 Years Service Medal 30 Years of Service
20 Years Service Medal 20 Years of Service
10 Years Service Medal 10 Years of Service
Sector Army Decoration 6 Years of Service
Planetary Army Medal 3 Years of Service
Other
Silver Cross For sacrifice of life in combat
Silver Heart For wounds suffered in Combat
Army Commendation Medal
Navy Commendation Medal
Joint Service Achievement medal
Army Achievement Medal
Naval Achievement Medal
Presidential Unit Citation Award
Gallant Unit Citation Award
Meritorious Unit Award
Marksmanship Award
Excellence Award awarded for excellence in wargames