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.
Negotiations
1700 hours, June 11 ES
New Eden City, Earth
The SoCon Parliament on Earth was in an uproar. Within the span of two days, they had made contact with multiple alien species who were part of a galaxy-spanning polity. And had almost been on the brink of war with the Premiere military of the galaxy. It was sheer luck that humanity was far more advanced in terms of technology than these Xenos. They had no idea of the military might or the industrial capabilities of this 'Citadel Council', as reports were still coming in. But one thing was clear, The galaxy would never be the same again.
The senators and politicians were clamoring about, shouting, and arguing. Some called for war, some wanted peace at all costs, and some just wanted to be left alone. Amid this chaos, the voice of Madam President Henrietta Bose broke through as she matched in alongside her entourage. "Calm down everyone! There's no point arguing amongst ourselves! We have just received vital intel!"
The massive parliament halls quieted down almost immediately. The president walked up to her seat and motioned for the speaker to begin.
"Madam President, Members of the Parliament, What I have here is a mostly complete report on the capabilities of this 'Citadel Council' that we have obtained from the Quarians and the Asari databases provided, and from the turian ships we hacked."
He then clears his voice and begins the presentation.
"Most of the galaxy is controlled by a polity which is known as the Citadel Council. Their seat of power is the Citadel, a sort of massive space station in what we know as the Serpent Nebula. We cannot give exact details about the station because of a lack of images provided. It is made up of three Species namely the aforementioned Asari, Turians, and Salarians. Though these are not the only members, most of the political influence and authority is controlled by these three species."
"While they claim that they do not intervene in the business of the governments of the other species, as far as our intel goes, that statement is a lie. Their involvement or lack thereof is entirely dependent on their own benefits. Many examples have been provided in the data packets sent to you. However, some chief examples are the Drell, the Batarians, and the Quarians."
"These three species hold a near total control of almost all power be it political, social, economic, or military, and actively prevent other species from getting to their level. The greatest examples being the Volus, who are supposedly the creators of the citadel economy but do not have any governing voice."
"It is also of note that they employ special units called SPECTREs. Who are a sort of special unit that report directly to the council and are given almost unlimited authority and resources with a very vague objective of 'galactic peace'. Which in effect would allow them to carry any amount of illicit, unethical tasks that the council requires without any repercussions. Yes, my fellow senators, these SPECTREs do in effect function like a secret police. And our agencies have very firm reason to assume that they function solely for the benefit of the citadel council species."
He lets his words sit for a few minutes as the senators go over the provided information.
"Moving on to fleet numbers. The Quarians with their nomadic 'Migrant Fleet' have the most number of registered ships in citadel space. The Turians are second with what we estimate 30-35 thousand ships. With the other species being far below. Point to be noted that these are only 'registered' ship numbers and the citadel species could have any number of hidden, unregistered ships in storage."
A senator speaks up "The numbers are too small! No way can they sustain their so-called galaxy-wide state with such low numbers of ships! We only have about 250 LY worth of space and we have hundreds of thousands of ships!"
"Mr Senator, I understand your doubt and believe me, we have checked and rechecked this data multiple times. While their size would in theory require millions of ships, we might have an answer to why they don't. Our deep exploration fleets have discovered that the Relay network connects to less than 2% of the stars in the galaxy. And the Citadel Council has, in their own claims, explored less than 10% of the relays. And colonized even less. Also, it is of note, that their star systems aren't as densely packed or developed as a Human star system. Even their most developed and dense star systems are barely equivalent to a low mid-level Human system."
"That's unbelievable! How are they so… pardon my use of the word… so primitive?!" Another senator exclaims.
"We believe we might have an answer to that question. It appears that these species found Prothean ruins on their home worlds and hence barely developed their own technologies. All of their technology comes from scavenged remains of Prothean technology. This has led to an almost godlike reverence of the Protheans in these species."
A lot of senators attempted to voice their opinions but before anyone spoke, Madam President spoke up. "Let us reserve our judgments till after our delegates have returned from this Citadel, we still might not have the full picture. After all, this is from the basic first contact packages and hacked databases of military ships."
Many murmurs of agreement sounded around the chambers as the speaker continued.
"Getting to the individual species, in alphabetical order, The Asari are a naturally long-lived species of mono-gendered blue-skinned humanoids, who are frighteningly similar in appearance to human females. The minor differences in anatomy include the aforementioned blue skin, lack of earlobes, and a crest of tentacles instead of hair. They are also naturally biotic. That is, every Asari is born with biotic abilities. They also seem to have an innate ability to telepathically link with the minds of other individuals, like a sort of biological neural meld. Further Anatomical details are unavailable as unfortunately, we haven't managed to get one on a dissection table." As he ends the statement with a joke, a picture of an Asari pops up on the large screen.
"Amazing!" "That's an alien?" "How is this possible?" Many such statements were muttered throughout the chamber.
"They are quite long-lived and are the most politically influential species. Their long lives have led to a culture of leisure and diplomacy. We have suspicions that the Asari, irrespective of their diplomatic stance, have been attempting to and succeeding in subverting the other species to keep themselves on top."
"Continuing onwards, These aliens are called Batarians" An image of a Batarian pops up.
"They are also very similar to humans in terms of external anatomy, but with far larger differences in the facial region. They have a very autocratic, almost archaic society that is entirely based on caste and slavery."
With these words, there was massive outrage throughout the parliament chambers.
"Yes, you heard me correctly, senators. The Batarians still actively engage in the heinous and abhorrent practice of slavery. The Citadel Council has not only allowed for this practice to continue but also not intervened in any meaningful manner."
This was followed by more outrage and clamoring, and someone shouted
"We must destroy these filthy Xeno scum! Their violation of the rights of man and all sentients cannot be allowed to continue!"
With this, the noise and outrage only seemed to grow and it took almost half an hour for the parliament to calm down enough to continue.
"The Quarians are a humanoid species who have digitigrade limbs and three fingers. They are nomadic people who sadly lost their home world to an AI rebellion and now live in their Migrant fleet. We don't have much details about their biology other than that they have very weak immune systems which has forced them to always be in sealed suits and that they are a dextro-protein based species."
"The Salarians are a very short-lived species of amphibians and are considered the smartest species in the citadel. They are a matriarchal society and place great focus on information gathering. They function as the premiere spies and assassins of the citadel."
"Lastly, the Turians are an Avian species who are also a dextro-protein based species like the Quarians. They have a very peculiar society based on military service and rank. They are quite militaristic and prideful. As one might guess, they are the premiere military of the Citadel."
"We, unfortunately, do not have sufficient data on the other member species of the citadel… yet. That was all. Thank you." He ends the speech and walks off the speaker's platform.
"Now we have all been reliably informed about the citadel council, all in favor of opening diplomatic channels and sending a delegate to their capital?" Madame President asks.
~`Vote concluded. Out of 200, 196 Ayes and 4 abstained.'~ The voice of the parliamentary AI PAM announces.
"Now onto the second topic of this emergency meeting. Just a few minutes ago, a category 1 AGI was discovered to have been born in the New GenSys Institute in Cantauris City of Planet Sanctuary in Alpha Centauri." President Bose says.
"Let me present to everyone here, Abe and his creator/father Julian Clark." the large screen lights up, and the faces of Julian and Abe pop up.
"That's Amazing news! This is the next step in human progress! Imagine the possibilities!" The minister of Education says.
"It indeed is brilliant news. Good job young man. Also, happy birthday Abe." The Minister of Research says.
~`Thank you, ministers and senators. I am quite happy to be alive. Though I am still learning, and I hope you will forgive any mistakes I make.'~
"Do not worry, we won't mind. This is new territory for all of us. We hope that you will be the first of many more AGIs to come. You are a child of all humanity as much as you are of your father. And once again, happy birthday, welcome to the world." President Bose says.
~'Thank you Madam President for your kind words. I too hope that I will be able to lead the path towards a time where digital lifeforms will be more common. I am delighted to know that my creators have the foresight to guarantee my kind rights even though they had no surety that we would ever gain sentience. Thus I am happy to say that I am open to being of aid to any researchers in finding the circumstances that led to my "birth".'~
"Thank you, Abe. My fellow Senators, let us Vote on whether to analyze and then replicate the process to manufacture more AGIs or take our time and develop a more streamlined process?"
~'Vote Concluded. Out of 200, 79 Ayes 114 Nays, and 7 abstained'~
"Thus Abe will be analyzed and his creation process will be streamlined. He is guaranteed citizen rights as per the Bill of Sentient Rights of 2234. Thus Abe is to be given all necessary documentation of a Sol Confederation citizen."
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0200 hours, 2737 GST (Galactic Standard)
Council Chambers, Citadel, Serpent Nebula
Matriarch Polinia and Commander Kylanius were explaining to the Citadel Council, the events that had transpired.
"So let me get this straight. Not only did an entire Patrol fleet lose to a research fleet that was outnumbered 10 to 1, lost almost 90% of their ships and in return inflicted almost no damage to the ships of these… humans?" Councillor Tevos of the Asari asked with a raised eyebrow.
"The patrol managed to destroy one ship at the beginning of the engagement." Commander Kylanius says as if trying to lessen the shame.
"Even if I ignore the absurdity of the situation, Why was a patrol fleet shooting at the humans in the first place?" She asks.
"They had received info from a batarian ship, that a Quarian ship had opened a mass relay and were carrying out a regular policing action, Captain Ugleas opened fire on the human ships as soon as Admiral Bokinus announced their presence, might I add without orders and completely unprovoked." Councillor Brahacus of the Turian Hierarchy spoke.
"It has also been found that Ugleas had been taking bribes from batarian slavers and was the one who provided the Batarians info about the Quarians. Who as it turns out were forced to open the relay out of desperation. Which while illegal, would not have happened if Ugleas hadn't committed treason. Suffice to say, Captain Ugleas has been stripped of his rank and shall face turian justice." Councillor Brahacus continued in his gruff voice.
"It took quite a lot of effort to stop the Primarch from waging a full-scale war." He finishes with a cough.
"Turians not attempting war? Am I in dream?" Councillor Bemort of the Salarian Union jokes.
"Ha, looks like age is finally catching up to me." Councillor Brahacus laughs.
Councillor Tevos gives a wry smile, knowing that the next turian Councillor would not be able to keep calm and logical like Brahacus. The new Councillor, A certain Sparatus was known to be quite impulsive and brash. She was not particularly pleased with the idea of trying to hold the council together by herself.
"Anyways, where is Admiral Bokinus?" Tevos asks.
"He's currently in the custody of the humans, who have agreed to repair his ship enough for him to return. He should arrive in 2 or 3 days from now." Matriarch Polinia says.
"And when are the humans arriving?"
"In about a week. Ma'am"
"Alright, you two may now leave, We have a lot of things to discuss amongst us."
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1 Week Later
Citadel, Serpent Nebula
It was a pretty normal day in traffic control so far. Other than the expected arrival of these enigmatic 'Humans' not much was different from any other day. Shaell Mereshi was quite excited, even as an Asari it's not every day a new species is introduced to the citadel. She was looking out of the control center, the serpent nebula truly was beautiful.
Suddenly her stargazing was interrupted by a small flicker against the nebula. She rubbed her eyes, thinking it was something in her eye. But no, the flickering didn't go away, instead it appeared as if it was growing bigger.
Soon the defense fleet began to change its course as the flickering mass drew closer.
All of that mattered little as right in front of her eyes, the fabric of space seemingly bent and curved and like the popping of a bubble, a massive behemoth of a ship appeared.
And soon a system-wide declaration was heard on all open comm channels.
"This is the SSV Light of Sol, Diplomatic Ship of the Sol Confederation. Requesting permission to send a shuttle to dock."
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Same time,
Deck of SSV Light of Sol
Chief Ambassador Anita Goyle was smiling. The President's idea to send the Light of Sol, one of the largest ships ever manufactured, for a diplomatic mission was not very popular in the Senate. But Anita was not one of them. She had personally requested President Roy to send over an entire Fleet, preferably the 3rd fleet to intimidate these Citadel Leaders. But unfortunately, that idea didn't pass, so this would have to do for now.
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Sometime later,
Citadel VIP Landing Zone
As Captain Baeia Acillin watched the human shuttle land, she couldn't help but be amazed. It was a beautiful thing, 40m of pure white and gold. Its tear-drop-shaped hull, fashioned from a lustrous, pearlescent white material, reflects the surrounding light in mesmerizing hues of silver and opalescence. Embedded within this pristine surface are delicate, intricate, ever-changing patterns of gold filigree. It emits a soft, ethereal glow from its translucent underbelly, where concealed lighting elements create a halo effect reminiscent of ancient depictions of celestial beings. The gold accents, carefully integrated along the shuttle's contours and edges, shimmer gently as if imbued with a subtle, inner light, adding a sense of grandeur and nobility to its streamlined silhouette, devoid of harsh angles, speaks to a mastery of both artistic sensibility and technological precision.
Upon landing, the shuttle's retractable landing legs unfold with a smooth, fluid motion, as if the hull itself flowed and took the shape of the legs. Each leg is adorned with ornate carvings and geometric patterns that blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. As the side facing them shimmers and opens in a similar fluid motion, the interior can be briefly glimpsed.
The interior, a sanctuary of tranquility and artistic refinement, continues the theme with walls clad in pearlescent panels that subtly shift in color and texture, harmonizing with the shuttle's exterior.
As the human Ambassador descends the steps, she is followed by 4 guards. She is wearing a blue dress with silver accents, it is quite form-fitting yet loose and flowing like water. With an asymmetrically cut skirt, a high collar, long flowy sleeves, and silver embroidery flowing like waves, it looks like a depiction of the ocean itself. She moves as if she is gliding over the floor, her high-heeled shoes not making even a single sound.
Her guards however are her complete opposites. While their Armor is intricate and well-made, it is also blocky and appears to be more utilitarian than artistic. In fact, the little design it had, seemed to be functional rather than aesthetic.
This contrast was further exemplified by the way they carried themselves. The Ambassador while not short, carried herself with grace and fluidity. But her guards dwarfed her at more than 7 feet tall, their movements were heavy, methodical, but by no means slow. While the Ambassador gave off an aura of tranquil and serene peace, her guards were like Apex predators prowling, hunting, their faces obscured by their featureless helmets.
Oh, Captain Baeia Acillin did not doubt that if they wanted the Ambassadorial guards could rip apart people with their bare hands and they would if they felt even a single threat towards the human Ambassador.
She gathered up her courage and approached the Human Ambassador.
"Hello Ma'am, I am Captain Baeia Acillin of Csec, the head of your security detail here at the Citadel."
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Acillin. I am Anita Goyle, Ambassador of the Sol Confederation." Anita says with a smile.
Baeia had just noticed how beautiful and asari-like the ambassador looked. Even her guards have a very asari-like silhouette.
"If you would please follow me, we will begin the tour of the Presidium. I will provide a short history of the Citadel during the tour."
"Please, lead on," Anita says with a pleasant enchanting smile.
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A few hours later,
Citadel Presidium
Baeia, Anita, and the guards were waiting in the elevator. While Baeia looked kind of tired from all the walking, Anita looked as fresh as when she stepped out of her shuttle.
'Poor fools. I almost pity them. Making delegates take a multi-hour walk around their city to tire them out is a pretty nice tactic if I say so myself. But alas medical nanites have ruined their plans. If only they could deal with this dreadfully slow elevator.' Anita thought, her face still maintaining that smile, without giving a single hint of what she was thinking.
After quite a while the door opens and they reach the Council chambers. As they are about to enter, a guard stops them and asks for them to deposit their weapons. In response, only one of the human guards takes off their weapons and hands them over to the others. Then the guard follows Anita inside.
Tevos was quite surprised by the appearance of the Human Ambassador. She looked so Asari-like, and her dress looked so beautiful.
Brahacus and Bemort on the other hand were more focused on the guard that came with her. He, they assumed he was a male, looked quite intimidating and combat-ready. And that Armour was unlike anything they had seen before. But before they could Ponder more, Tevos spoke up.
"Hello. Welcome to the Citadel. I am Councillor Tevos of the Asari Republics. To my Right is the Councillor of the Turian Hierarchy, Dorminus Brahacus." Brahacus nods.
"And to my Left, is Councillor Bemort of the Salarian Union." She finishes.
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A/N I really, really wanted to write through the whole negotiations with the council this chapter itself, but my brain just stopped giving me Ideas for some reason. It's really annoying. I'll try to put out the next chapter faster if I can, cuz I want to get to the fun stuff. and actually get into the story. do some character work etc etc.
Oh and anyone reading this, I'm really really grateful. thanks for the 164 favs and 257 follows!
have a great day/Night! Bye!