Chapter One

[Quantum Rain]

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----Intro post shall arrive later----

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Wreckage of the destroyed Hierarchy dreadnaught begin to fall from the sky in a rain of fire. Instantly, Marduk bulls forward and seizes Septimus, wrapping his tentacles around the General and lifting him high. The Rachni's multiple eyes are clearly angry.* Marduk: EXPLAIN THIS.

*Septimus struggles to breathe and speak from the tentacle around his neck.* Septimus: There...subordinate of mine...hated Rachni...disobeyed my orders...fired on your colony...not my doing...not my people's doing...only his...

*Marduk yanks him closer to stare into Septimus's eyes as the General fights for breath. After a long moment, the large Rachni releases Septimus, who falls to the ground and is helped up by his escort of soldiers.*

*Tiamat also relaxes, with the threat neutralized.* Tiamat: You have our gratitude, General--your word is true. Return to your people and let them know our song.

Septimus: I will. I'll try to get them to see...but we don't have enough ships to take our civilians with us.

Tiamat: Let them stay with us. We will sing after them well, and craft a vessel to take them home with our notes.

*Septimus hesitates.* Septimus: ...very well. Admiral, I am returning to the fleet--I suggest you do the same.

*He returns to the waiting shuttle with his soldiers, and as the door closes, he waves to the gathered Rachni. As one, they wave back, appearing comical indeed. The shuttle lifts off and flies back to the fleet, where Septimus transfers himself temporarily to a turian cruiser. After exchanging good-byes with the Free Peoples, the Legion departs the world, leaving its people to the Rachni and the Rachni to their own.*

[Roach]

*Wreckage of the destroyed Hierarchy dreadnaught begin to fall from the sky in a rain of fire. Instantly, Marduk bulls forward and seizes Septimus, wrapping his tentacles around the General and lifting him high. The Rachni's multiple eyes are clearly angry.* Marduk: EXPLAIN THIS.

*Septimus struggles to breathe and speak from the tentacle around his neck.* Septimus: There...subordinate of mine...hated Rachni...disobeyed my orders...fired on your colony...not my doing...not my people's doing...only his...

*Marduk yanks him closer to stare into Septimus's eyes as the General fights for breath. After a long moment, the large Rachni releases Septimus, who falls to the ground and is helped up by his escort of soldiers.*

*Tiamat also relaxes, with the threat neutralized.* Tiamat: You have our gratitude, General--your word is true. Return to your people and let them know our song.

Septimus: I will. I'll try to get them to see...but we don't have enough ships to take our civilians with us.

Tiamat: Let them stay with us. We will sing after them well, and craft a vessel to take them home with our notes.

*Septimus hesitates.* Septimus: ...very well. Admiral, I am returning to the fleet--I suggest you do the same.

*He returns to the waiting shuttle with his soldiers, and as the door closes, he waves to the gathered Rachni. As one, they wave back, appearing comical indeed. The shuttle lifts off and flies back to the fleet, where Septimus transfers himself temporarily to a turian cruiser. After exchanging good-byes with the Free Peoples, the Legion departs the world, leaving its people to the Rachni and the Rachni to their own.*

*Roach returns to his ship the tattered remains of the Battle group return home for repairs.*

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Aves--

*Ackbar is relocated to the Unified Children of Aves's capital, the city of Farruvien, and resumes his duties in his office despite being wounded so. A day after he arrives, a knock sounds on his door. With a relieved sigh, he looks up from signing the endless amounts of paperwork.* Ackbar: Come in.

*The door is opened by a guard, and in walks the medic Dr. Fallah. The kiwi is visibly shaken at Ackbar's haggard face and ragged, unkempt plumage.* Dr. Fallah: Err, sir...with all due respect...your feathers need tending to.

Ackbar: I know, Doctor. You're the one who treated my wing, yes?

Fallah: Yes, Commander. You also tasked me with finding a certain nestling...

*His face instantly lights up.* Ackbar: Yes, I remember that much! Well, did you find him?

Fallah: I did, Commander, but... *The hawk's expression crumbles, then fills with joy as General Ironbeak walks into the office with a bundle in his beak. Sticking out of it is the head of the little nestling.*

Ironbeak (around the cloth): Sir, I believe you asked for him?

*Ackbar hisses with happiness and rushes forward, seizing the nestling from the General and hugging the little creature his chest. Dr. Fallah is greatly relieved to see at least some life return to her Commander.*

Ackbar: Thank you, both of you! How did you find him?

Fallah: Well, that's just it, sir. He was way too far away from the bunker you were found in to have crawled there. He was safe, don't worry, Commander, but still...anyway, I found him resting high on a shelf above the ground and asked for backup. General Ironbeak came and took the nestling away to safety, but something happened as I was about go, sir.

Ackbar: And what was that?

Fallah: I heard...something and then I smelled...something. I can't quite recall what it is right now, but I know that what I heard and smelled was definitely not avian in nature.

*Ackbar's eyes dart nervously for a second, and he sets the nestling at his feet.* Ackbar: I...see. Anything else?

Fallah: No, Commander.

Ackbar: I'll send an investigation team to the area right away, Doctor. If they find anything unusual, I'll let you know. You may go.

Fallah: Thank you, Commander. *She exits the room, leaving Ironbeak and Ackbar alone. The two smile and embrace warmly.*

Ironbeak: You crazy hawk! Are you trying to get yourself killed?

Ackbar: You know me, Ironbeak. I like to gamble.

Ironbeak: And yet not long ago you were telling me how important it is to take safety precautions. You astound me sometimes.

Ackbar (mischievous grin): Oh, I think all of the time.

Ironbeak (grunt): Maybe so. How long are you out?

Ackbar: No flying for three weeks. And no slapping uppity generals with the wing in question for six weeks.

Ironbeak: Looks like I'm safe...

Ackbar: Not. *He playfully bats Ironbeak with his good wing, then picks up the nestling, flies it to a nest he has built, and then returns.* What's the situation with the thing from space?

Ironbeak: We've moved it to a research facility at Lagopus. Any results obtained will be forwarded here to you, sir.

Ackbar: Good. Addrson's handling leadership on the front pretty well, I've noticed. If there was a front left to lead from.

Ironbeak: Sir, with respect, I think there'll always be a front to lead from.

Ackbar: I agree, Ironbeak. *He flies to his desk and pulls up all available reports. They show occupations in the formerly True Children cities to be going smoothly. Ration distribution is encountering few problems, and ravaged neighborhoods patrolled by soldiers are mostly quite. The hawk studies it contemplatively.* Where do we go from here, General?

Ironbeak: I suspect, sir, that we restore our people and our planet to life once more.

Ackbar: Easier said than done. I always knew that winning this war would be hard...but how could we ever know what would come afterwards?

Ironbeak: You're our leader, sir.

Ackbar: I need your advice, Ironbeak.

Ironbeak: I'm honestly the wrong avian to ask, Commander. But my heart says that tearing down The Great City of Sapare--save for the residential districts, of course--and creating a new capital for our people somewhere else.

Ackbar: A new start. I like it, Ironbeak.

Ironbeak: Thank you, sir, but there's another matter. Scouts in the forests and mountains, not far from the impact site of that thing, have reported something in the forest. *Ackbar's eyes widen, and Ironbeak deposits a folder on his desk.* Something clearly alive, but it is as far from being one of our people that can be. They describe it as a "huge avian" that walks completely upright like a murre, covered in strange, shiny material, with no feathers anywhere on its body except its head.

Ackbar: By Aves...order those scouts to keep tailing it. I will decide what to do in the long run later on.

Ironbeak: Yes, sir.

--Aves, wilderness--

Wraith: My personal computer indicates that I'm about a day's walk from a suitable place to deposit the beacon. All's gone well so far, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched. It must be nerves--nothing shows up on my scopes.

[Quantum Rain]

Daniel took one last sip of tea and then looked at the commander. "Or, you could save yourselves the trouble and eject me in an escape pod to the nearest planet." The kid was being mostly sarcastic, but he also sounded as if he may be partially serious.

The kid's reflection facepalmed at him. "You really think that'll help?" It scoffed at him.

---

--In Transit--

"And have us all thrown in jail for a multitude of accusations? I'd rather have my head cut off by the captain..." The commander replied glumly, as he took a sip of his coffee yet again. "I wonder how much sleep he's gotten this time...?" He walked towards the door, it opening automatically as the man came near it.

---

--Piram II, Orbit--

I'm not an expert mechanic but this ship is rather simplistic as far as its circuitry goes. Cross the right wires and apply the right signal and it can be controlled easily... Rain thought, as the ship landed inside the Leviathan that served as Marion's flagship. Still... how I'm going to keep this from Lara, I have no idea. As he looked at his hands, he saw several burn and black marks all over it from touching and controlling the wires and circuitry. ...I'm doomed.

The large battleship finally outran the pursuing fleet, knocking many of them into a derelict status, floating in space with minimal life support and heavy damage. The Leviathan itself managed to escape with only a few scratches, Marion noticed. It's unlike them to spare an enemy... She thought, trying to give a reason for this ship's survival. She called up damage reports with a flick of her hand over the arm of her chair. It responded with a series of projections appearing in front of her. Few casualties, no deaths, several ships are dead in the water... clean, methodical, and lacking lethality... what are they up to to do such? She wondered, trying to make sense of this new information.

Just as Dominae's shuttle emerged from the planet, Lara could see the large ship entering FTL, escaping from the Imperial pursuers. She didn't really feel any disappointment from this failure, which was odd for her. Then again, the main task was to disable the installation, which she did. Nobody could have predicted or prepared for one of the Primitus ships to be fully functional and aware, let alone capable of disabling the entire home fleet here without so much as a scratch it seems. She would have to ask Jacen what he knew or found out when she gets the chance. It was all too odd, that the fleet to be prepared and this ship to be utilized for this mission... Too convenient...

--Four hours later--

Rain was sitting on the medical bed, his hands inside an odd gel-like substance carried by a white container on a table. "...this feels so weird." Rain commented, squirming a bit from the uncomfortable sensations. "That's because the dead skin is being revived piece by piece." The doctor explained as he sat on a nearby bed, relaxing, and reading his datapad. "I can't believe they woke me up for an emergency shift and only three people on this ship got hurt..." "Hey! You should be grateful!" "I could have a few more hours sleep by now, and the nurses could have taken care of it all..." "...You really are self-centered, aren't you?" "No more than you." "...[censored] you." Rain said plainly, turning toward the newcomer that emerged from the door.

[Wynn]

--In transit--

"So off with our heads then, huh?" The kid remarked, still just sitting there. He would stare off into oblivion and not seem to realize the commander had walked out.

[Roach]

Roach stood atop the top most tower of his fortress carved into Mount Remus the sun had just broken the horizon as Ramius' two moons set. The spires of Moscow Ramius' capital city glittered like spires of pure obsidian in the distance the swift waters of the Volga river sparkled like silver and the trees swayed in the wind like emerald spires. Roach took in the sight it sent a calm feeling through him he cleared him mind and meditated soon he was hovering several feet above the towers roof sitting cross legged. As the city began to awaken vehicles filled the streets and air speeders filled the skies but the technical noises did not detract from the beauty of the world it simply added to its ambiance and character. After he had finished his meditation roach slowly lowered him self back to the roof of the tower. He climb down the long winding stair case and took a series of corridors to his quarters. He opened his wardrobe and withdrew an outfit he dressed in a Violet Arda navy undershirt under witch he wore a mithril breastplate and black pants with a red stripe down the length of the pant legs. Roach pulled his heavy brown trench coat over his shoulders and fastened it with straps on the inside allowing his admirals undershirt and rank to show. The long coat hang down to his knees and was lined down both sides with medals and campaign ribbons on the shoulders it ore his rank insignia roach also wore a blue sash with gold trim bearing more medals. On his right sleeve in a small black holster sat a small disruptor pistol, a pair of lightsabers hung from his left hip and on his left thigh there hung a large heavy blaster pistol. On his back in a large holster was a cut down Winchester 1892 10 gauge lever action shotgun his heavy rancor leather belt was lined with blue shotgun shells with green casings. Having fully out fitted him self he walked out of his room sealing his room with several enchantments he followed a corridor down a wide stair case to the courtyard of the fortress. It was filled with lush trees and colorful flowers he crossed the distance with his long regal strides he stopped at a pair of large oak doors he raised his hand and the swung open revealing a great hall.

The hall was lined on either side with tapestries and banners at the far end in a massive fire place a fire roared it kept the room at a surprisingly comfortable temperature a long table that appeared to be made of granite ran the length of the room but with a touch of a button it turned into a large electronic briefing table with a large holo projector in the center. Roach leaped the length of the table and landed gracefully in his throne like chair at the end soon the room filled with intelligence personnel to roach's right Kane took a seat with Tsar Putin at his left after all members were present either by hologram or actual presence Roach called for the briefing to begin. Bleak new followed reports of several defeats along the borders of two thousand ships had been lost in a week leaving the Free people navy down to six thousand ships. At this news Roach rose infuriated.

"You mean to tell me that a band of Pirates and raiders has reduced our navy by twenty percent in a week? I cannot believe this situation if we don't find a way to Break this enemy soon it wont matter we will be left with a shattered fleet and our people will be turned into mindless slaves we have to find a way to supplement those losses." Roach paused thinking for a moment he stroked his beard in concentration.
"What about the customs ships? How man do we have?" Roach asked a simple idea popping into his head

"About 3600 outdated CR-90 Corellian Corvettes and 120 Warrior Gunships why?" Asked an tall blonde man seated to the right of Kane.

"Refit the CR-90's With Disruptor strip all the comforts add back up generators replace the turbolasers with Obelisk class laser cannons, add some Missile tubes and armor up the drive section. That will give us fast capital ship hunters at minimal cost and man power. Also pain them victory red and call them the Stingray Refit."

"All of that makes sense except the name" Kane said looking at Roach.

"My 1967 Corvette stingray is my favorite car and its painted victory red."

"I see Kane replied with a chuckle."

The briefing wore on for several more hours when it finally adjourned the entire customs force had been recalled to Arda's Shipyards for refit.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Aves, Farruvian, Ackbar's Office--

*Ackbar gives the nestling some pre-cropped fish as he has before, and finds the process somewhat easier than the first time. He regards the little creature as it gulps down the last pieces.*

Ackbar: I suppose that if you're going to stick around, I'll have to give you a name.

*He closes his eyes as he searches for a name for the tiny life before. His mind offers nothing good, until suddenly he remembers the faint, half-whisper, as if from a dream.* (Whispers) Bularr...

*The nestling's head, which had begun to droop in sleep, jerks up again and for the first time, it opens its eyes. They are bleary at first, but soon adjust--great yellow orbs shot through with black circles. It opens its beak, hesitantly at first, and sneezes before uttering a single sound.*

Nestling: Buhlar?

*The nestling's voice causes the corners of Ackbar's beak to turn up in a smile. He ruffles Bularr's downy head with a wing.* Ackbar: Close, little one. Bularr. Buuu-larrrr.

*The newly-named nestling shakes its head and tries again.* Bularr: Buh...Boo...larrrr...Boooollarrrrr...

*The hawk nods approvingly.* Ackbar: Very good. *He flies over to a ledge and comes back with a juicy caterpillar in his beak, which he offers to Bularr. Bularr eagerly takes it, then looks down shyly after swallowing the treat.* Bularr: T...th...ank...youuu...

*Ackbar is delighted, but they are interrupted by an urgent knock on the office door.* Ackbar: Come in!

--Aves, Wilderness, some distance from the impact site, several hours earlier--

Wraith: I've almost reached the mountain I'll need to climb to set the beacon. One part of me thinks I should ask these natives for help--logically, they have every reason to hate these monsters as much as we do. However, for all I know they'd stick me on a spit and roast me alive or sacrifice me to some god for a ritual. No, I won't. Maybe once we know more about them...

*Wraith reaches the foot of a mountain and readies herself for the climb to set her beacon. However, as she digs her boots into its sloping sides, a loud hum suddenly fills the air. She instantly draws her gun, but is too late as a large vehicle swoops down from the sky and halts in front of and above her, with what appear to be cannons trained on Wraith. Already backing towards the safety of the forest, Wraith points her pistol at the attacker and fires several shots, but the rounds are deflected by some kind of energy field over its hull--previously invisible--that once again disappears from the visible spectrum once she stops firing. Hatches open on the thing's sides.*

*Wraith looks around wildly, then dumps her pack, yanks out the beacon, activates it, and then throws it with all her might over the vehicle. The construct turns to track it as it lands somewhere farther up the mountain, and Wraith is already far inside the trees. The Hiigaran is running faster than she ever has, but something, or somethings, are keeping up and even gaining on her. She can hear their heavy, rapid footsteps getting closer and closer, though when she looks back they are nothing but shadows in the woods. Desperate, Wraith pulls a grenade from her belt and throws it off to her left, then dives beneath a bush. The grenade explodes, and the pursuers follow it, leaving her in temporary silence.*

*Without wasting time, Wraith finds the nearest tree and begins to climb.* I can wait them out until nightfall and then retrieve the beacon.

*She stops just short of emerging from the canopy and tries to find a place to settle down. However, the Hiigaran operative is struck across the face by an unseen force that disappears as quickly as it arrives. No blood is drawn, but more impacts rattle her body. Wraith angrily draws her pistol and waves it about in an attempt to bat her assailants away, but then it is knocked from her hand by another, harder blow. Her weapon tumbles to the foliage below, and the Hiigaran finds herself suddenly surrounded, her tree filled with strange, varied creatures of all shapes and sizes. All have weapons, though only a few are pointed at her.*

*Wraith desperately looks this way and that, even considering jumping to another tree, but all the others have the creatures in them as well, and more have gathered around the base of her tree. Finally, she runs her tongue along her teeth until it finds a small capsule lodged between some of her teeth, expertly pops it loose, and prepares to crush it between her molars, but then something actually darts into her mouth and yanks out the poison before she can subject herself to it. With no other options left, Wraith finally admits defeat.*

Kharak forgive me. *The Hiigaran slowly raises her hands and places them over her head in an unmistakable gesture of surrender.*

--Aves, Farruvien, Ackbar's Office, present time--

*The office door opens, and Ironbeak and Addrson enter, along with two burly avian soldiers, pushing along between them a creature the likes of which no avian has ever seen before. It is tall--as tall as Ironbeak, and taller than Ackbar himself--and has no feathers. It has four limbs like the avians themselves, but the upper two are not wings and appear to be prehensile. Its face is flat and its alien expression unreadable. Its skin is mostly covered with a strange material colored with various hues of green that remind Ackbar of the camouflage armor worn by his own soldiers when fighting in the forest during the war. He shudders at the memory, and, composing himself, addresses Ironbeak.*

Ackbar: Well, General, what have you brought me today?

Ironbeak: The creature from the forest, sir. You asked to be told when we captured it, so I figured it could tell you yourself.

*The hawk chuckles.* Ackbar: Well done, General. Thank you. (to Addrson, Ironbeak, and the soldiers) Leave us, but Addrson and Ironbeak, wait outside my office. I will call you in shortly.

The others: Of course, Commander. *They salute and walk out, closing the door behind them. Ackbar flies up and peers at the creature, which meets his gaze steadily with its strange eyes. He gestures to a dais, hoping it will understand, and it does, sitting awkwardly in the padded cup. Ackbar nodds and smiles, then flies to his window and opens it, fluttering onto a balcony overlooking a peaceful forest scene. After a moment, he clears his throat.* Ackbar: Well, Shadow. I think it's time they knew, don't you?

[Roach]

Roach sat in his office behind a heavy wooden desk made of a sturdy
white wood. Its top contained Roach's computer terminal, a large tankard
of dwarven ale from with Roach had been sipping , A .44 magnum handgun
lay nonchalantly next to a pair of lightsabers at one corner a stack of
data cards and reports lie piled at one end of the desk next to were
roach had perched his boot clad feet. Roach reclined back in a large
leather chair his heavy brown trench coat slung over the back. The door
to his office slid open a man dressed in a Moscow S.W.A.T Uniform he
approached Roach's desk and saluted. Roach returned the salute and
motioned for him to sit.

"Sergent Kurtis Stryker, your service
record is impressive singlehandedly stop the bombing plot on the capitol
last year highest arrest record in your precinct before you joined
S.W.A.T. I need a man like you my former security chief Trevor Knight
recommended you so the question is do you want the job?"

"I'd be honored Admiral"

"Welcome aboard." Roach stood and shook Styker's hand.

-----------------------------


Stryker

[Quantum Rain]

--Aves, Farruvien, Ackbar's Office, present time--

Shadow stepped forward from standing beside the captured alien, slowly appearing and taking shape, first the outline of his body, then the color, and then definition. "Are you certain of that?" He asked skeptically, as was normal for him. "The truth won't be easy for them." He said, then turned to look at the Hiigaran. "Let alone accept her." He said, the Hiigaran also being able to understand Shadow's words as well as Ackbar could.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Wraith starts at being able to comprehend Shadow's speech, but just as quickly composes herself and begins looking around the room, looking for possible weapons or avenues of escape. Despite having her arms being pinned to her sides and her feet bound together by traditional avian wing-pinions and footcuffs, she might be able to jump out the window...*

Ackbar: I'd rather take their skepticism now than have them believe me later, when Aves is being invaded and all remaining hope is lost. We have several factors working in our favor as well. I am, after all, the hero of the entire avian race, who has helped to save our people from extinction and our homeworld from desolation. Surely they'll give my words at least consideration, no matter how outrageous. Secondly, I won't be the only witness. Thirdly, we have evidence. Fourth, we will have more evidence.

*He allows himself to grin devilishly at Shadow as the implications of what he is saying become clear to the being.*

[Quantum Rain]

--Aves, Farruvien, Ackbar's Office, present time--

"I don't see...wait, more evidence?" Shadow asked, thinking for a moment. "...wait...you want something from me..." He said reluctantly, getting the hint now. "Something tells me I won't like this." Shadow was clearly distracted by Ackbar now, his attention not aimed towards Wraith for the moment at least.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Ackbar gets out his PDA.* Ackbar: Addrson, convene a meeting of all the top military officials across the planet--and get it done quickly, please. Time is of the essence.

Addrson: Yes, sir.

Ackbar: Yes, Shadow, you'll have to speak in front of a crowd. But don't be shy--for now, let's see what this...creature knows.

*He turns toward Wraith and speaks, trusting in Shadow to translate his Avian Common for the Hiigarran to understand.* Who are you?

Wraith: ... *She stares resolutely at the ground.*

Ackbar: Where did you come from? Why did you crash on our world?

Wraith: ...

*Ackbar tries several more questions, gets nowhere, and then has an idea.* Ackbar: We're wasting time. The Primitus won't wait for me to bandy words with you, you know.

*Wraith's head jerks up at the word, and just as quickly she tries to conceal her surprise. Ackbar looks at Shadow triumphantly.* We're not your enemies. Doubt me all you like, but we are on the same side.

*The Hiigarran's eyes begin flickering nervously from side to side. The Commander sighs.*

Ackbar: I'm only trying to serve my people, you know. We have just ended a war that brought our race and our world to the brink of annihilation. Now I must tell them that yet another war is once again coming, and that in one year it will be far more catastrophic, deadly, and chaotic than all the 500 years of our war ever were...how do you think they'll react to that without some evidence?

Wraith: By the sands!! How in the equatorial hells does he know this much, despite clearly having never ventured into the stars?! *She cannot conceal her surprise.* 500 years this planet has been at war--no wonder it looked so [censored]-up from space. But...they haven't put me on a spit yet...and however little we know about the Primitus, we do know that when they return, we'll need every ally we can possibly get...and these five hundred years of war are sure to have honed this race into a fearsome one in battle, despite their insane variety. Very well. Kharak forgive me, but it can't be said I didn't try. *Clearing her throat, Wraith speaks slowly and hesitantly.* My...name...is Wraith.

*Ackbar's face brightens.* Ackbar: Most excellent. I am Ackbar, leader of the avian race. Where did you come from?

Wraith: I serve under the banner of the Hiigaran Daiamid, and the equatorial hells take you if you abuse me while I stand as prisoner. The Hiigaran Navy will wipe what's left of this planet from the face of the galaxy.

*Ackbar grows visibly angry at the insult but refuses to rise to the bait.* Ackbar: Good, but threats will get you nowhere. Remember, we're on the same side--right, Shadow?

[Quantum Rain]

--Aves, Farruvien, Ackbar's Office, present time--

"I'm just here to watch and influence in the background of things, Admiral." He replies, purposely not being helpful. "As it stands, I need to come up with an epic speech now thanks to you..." He ponders for a moment on that very thing he stated. "And yes, Wraith, we know a lot for a race who hasn't entered space yet, plenty more than you think right now in fact." He said, making it obvious that he can hear her thoughts as well as he can hear her voice.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Wraith is even more startled by Shadow's revelation of her thoughts.* Ackbar: At any rate, you didn't answer my question. Where did you come from?

Wraith: ...

*Ackbar grows mildly frustrated and decides a different tack.* Ackbar: Come now, we're all on the same side. I only want the same thing you do--to serve my people. Let's work together here; it's the only way we can ever hope to defeat the Primitus.

*Wraith remains silent for a long time, and then nods once.*

*The Commander brightens and .* Ackbar: Good. Now, what can you tell me about our shadowy enemy?

*Wraith thinks for a moment.* Wraith: From what we know of the Primitus, they were an advanced race lost in the far reaches of history and once warred against the Progenitors, another ancient race. They're gone now--we don't know why--but we have found...signs pointing to their return, and it is coming soon. We also know that the Primitus despised the Progenitors and will not look kindly on those found in possession of any of their enemies' technology. As it so happens, we happen to have...some Progenitor tech. So, we've been preparing for their return, but many of our top intel people don't expect we'll be able to survive a war with them.

*Ackbar ponders this information.* Ackbar: Very interesting, thank you. *He switches to Raptorian, his native language, which only Shadow will understand for the moment.* Shadow, I don't remember seeing these Progenitors in my visions, nor you ever telling me about them, yet it seems they play a large part in events. What are they?

--Palaven--

*The battered Legion comes out of FTL travel at the Palaven orbital perimeter and is cleared to priority docks for emergency service. Septimus is called to a meeting of the Primarchs and whisked to the surface of the planet in a shuttle. There, in the Temple of the Primarchs, Septimus is escorted into the Grand Chamber before a gathering of nearly a hundred turians. They appear to have been impatiently awaiting his arrival, because the moment he walks in, they all begin talking urgently in low whispers. Septimus, military man that he is, is very confused.*

Septimus: What's going on here?

*They glance at him and return to their muted conferences. A familiar face walks up to him: Garrus Vakarian, High Primarch of the Turian Hierarchy.* Garrus: General, they want you to give them your report on the rescue mission--something went wrong with the tightbeam receiver here and it didn't get through. They want to know why the fleet is so battered and why you brought there Sansha carriers with you.

Septimus: Can do, High Primarch. *He walks up to a lectern looking out at the gathering turians and, when they indicate that he can begin, proceeds to recite his account of the mission from memory. The tension in the air is palpable, especially as he describes how the fleet began to crumble against the overwhelming Sansha/Blood Raider numbers, how the crippled carrier was saved by then-unknown forces, and how they met the Rachni. On the last fact, all the assembled turians draw in a sharp breath. When he is finished, they immediately begin to hawk at him.*

Primarch of Palaven: General Septimus, you claim to have found Rachni on this planet?! And you didn't obliterate them at once?!

Primarch of Invictus: And you left forty thousand civilians in their hands?!

Primarch of Gahlven: Why do you have three alien warships in our skies?! Where are our civilians?!

Primarch of Macedyn: What really happened to the Legion's flagship?!

*Their questions and jeers build up in a veritable cascade, overwhelming the visibly shaken Septimus until Garrus roars over the tumult.*

Garrus: ORDER IN THE TEMPLE!!!

*Grumbling, the Primarchs fall silent, allowing Septimus to respond.*

Septimus: Your Eminences, I sought to leave the matter of the Rachni up to you. With all due respect, we have no quarrel with their people--they never ravaged our worlds during their wars. Additionally, we were meant to capture the Sansha carriers with the civilians onboard, and use them to get our people home as well as capture valuable prizes of war. With that carrier crippled, we had no way to get our people home and had no choice but to leave in the trust of the Rachni. The Rachni know full well that if they harm our civilians, we will destroy them...but the Rachni have promised to send our people home personally.

*Despite his efforts, the Primarchs continue to hiss and jeer. Septimus dithers until Garrus shouts again.* Garrus: ENOUGH!! Your Eminences, I expect better of you, but I can understand your...doubts. There are ways we can try to soothe them, though. Let us send word to the Free Peoples and request Roach's testimony in this hearing. In fact, let us send for the Rachni themselves. Let them and Admiral Roach speak to you and try to ease your fears. Hear them, at least, your Eminences, before you go deciding the fate of an entire race. *The last statement is dryly worded.*

*The Primarchs deliberate for several minutes and then acquiesce. The hearing is closed for the moment, and a coded transmission is sent to Ramius requesting Roach's presence to testify regarding the mission and the Rachni. At the same time, a Hierarchy frigate departs Palaven, en route to the Rachni's new home, to ask them to come and speak to decide their fate.*

[Roach]

Roach appears before the Council in a bright flash as it dissipated roach stood his eyes glowing with blue fire that quickly subsided. He is dressed in his brown Trench coat lined with hundreds of medals and campaign ribbons. A single lightsaber hangs from his thick black belt with a gold jeweled buckle. Beneath his coat he wore is vibrant Violet Admirals uniform his five stars on his collar. He completed his ensemble with heavy black boots and black trousers with a red stripe down either leg. His long beard was tied in a tight braid in the same fashion as his jet black hair.*



Eminences" he says with a polite bow.*


"I am High Admiral Roach Commander of my peoples military forces. I will tell you all i know of the Rachni and the encounter I had with them two thousand years ago. For i can provide unique prospective on the matter, A first hand account that no else could give." Roach said his tone level and respectful.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven, the next day--

*Roach's appearance startles the Primarchs and many of them reach for their weapons.* Garrus: Stop that! This is the man we requested to testify.

*The other turians mutter ascent and listen as Roach introduces himself. Admiration is palpable is he describes he credentials and addresses them with the correct formality. However, the politicians remain tight-lipped.* Primarch of Gaulus: Greetings, Admiral Roach. We will hear your testimony; please proceed.

[Roach]

*roach closes his eyes and finds the proper memory before recounting his tale.*

"It was roughly two thousand years ago the civil war on Ramius had just ended a democratic planetary government had just been installed, I was supervising the test of their first FTL capable warship. There was a malfunction and we made a blind jump into unknown space. We began to make repairs on the navicomputer when we were assailed by a strange space craft. They ignored our hails and drug our small vessel into their docking bay. Our two thousand man crew was overwhelmed by the strike force they sent thousands upon thousands of them but it all felt wrong like the creatures had been taken by some madness. As i fought my way through the beasts i was able to reach the bridge of their vessel. Their i encounter what must have been one of their queens she spoke to me but the voice was not hers i felt a dark presence in her mind something was suppressing her thoughts controlling her. We were forced to do battle it was long and difficult but I prevailed the only survivor or the expedition." Roach paused to draw breath and slipped out of his trance like state coming back to full awareness.

"The Rachni i meet now have no such dark taint in their minds their thoughts are there own no other force is controlling them. I believe they can be trusted and it is morally appalling to decide the fate of a race based on action committed by their ancestors 2000 years ago. Especially when their ancestors were not acting out of their own volition."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Silence reigns in the chamber. The Primarchs are visibly moved by Roach's story.* Primarch of Palaven: Thank you, Admiral, but we have some questions. Namely, if your ship was destroyed, how did you escape that encounter? The data we have regarding the Rachni indicates that their ships were living, sentient creatures that could not be piloted by any being.

[Roach]

*Silence reigns in the chamber. The Primarchs are visibly moved by Roach's story.* Primarch of Palaven: Thank you, Admiral, but we have some questions. Namely, if your ship was destroyed, how did you escape that encounter? The data we have regarding the Rachni indicates that their ships were living, sentient creatures that could not be piloted by any being.

"That is not entirely accurate. The ships of the Rachni can be communicated with telepathically. With the queen gone the dark presence had no hold on the ship as i was the only being aboard it began to communicate with me. In the span of a few months it began to trust me and in the time it took for the vessel to return me home we became companions it was much more entertaining then having to put my self into a trance for the entire voyage the ship had quite a personality."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*The Primarchs are visibly shocked. Even Garrus and Septimus are astounded.* Primarch of Invictus: What did you learn from the ship, Admiral?

Primarch of Gaulus: And where is it now?

[Roach]

*The Primarchs are visibly shocked. Even Garrus and Septimus are astounded.* Primarch of Invictus: What did you learn from the ship, Admiral?

Primarch of Gaulus: And where is it now?

"I did not learn much from the ship it took me to uncharted world and left me there it said I would not see it again until the singers rose to sing again. Witch would imply that if it still lives it will return soon."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*The Primarchs begin to grow rather uneasy.* Primarch of Gahlven: What can you tell us about the specifications of the ship, Admiral? As in, size? Configuration? Armament? Combat role?

[Roach]

"The vessel was roughly 1700 meters long, Given its organic configuration i will have to think up some analogues with common ship terms we use. There are hives like the ones commonly built by insects all across the superstructure of the ship witch serve as staging areas for small drone like craft with similar size and armament to strike craft. It had no conventional armament but it seemed to posses a light complement of something torpedo launchers but i never saw them in action if i were to guess the vessel's primary role was a strike craft carrier and command ship. It had a bridge but it was more for the benefit of its passengers as it was completely sentient and capable of operating its self. I cant tell you any thing about its defenses, FTL drives or ammunition as I never had need to use them while I was aboard."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*The Primarchs digest this information.* Primarch of Macedyn: Admiral, you mentioned..."sensing" a dark presence of some kind in the Rachni's minds as you fought them. Could you identify it?

[Roach]

*The Primarchs digest this information.* Primarch of Macedyn: Admiral, you mentioned..."sensing" a dark presence of some kind in the Rachni's minds as you fought them. Could you identify it?

"It was dark and artificial as though generated by a sentient machine. But it would have to been of immense power from what i know of your history the only conclusion I could come to would be a Reaper or perhaps more than one."

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