Chapter Two

[Quantum Rain]

First topic message reminder :

As the forum auto-splits topics every 50 pages, the next topics will be named further chapters accordingly. This is chapter two, guys, KEEP IT UP!

Post.
POST.
POST!

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Reeds just kept on whistling as guards and crew cleared out of his path. Eventually, he stopped at a door, the label addressing it as 'Science Lab 2A.' He smiled as he opened the door and Lae saw that the science lab was not small by any means. It was massive, in fact, taking up at least five rooms and two floors entirely on its own. It also seemed to host a massive range of equipment, some of which were entirely foreign to him. With all of the technology, equipment, and stores here, one could only wonder what Reeds' intention was with this lab.

He rolled the cart up next to two others and then proceeded to rummage around for a datapad. "Sit down, my fine lab rat." He said friendly still as he finally found his desired object, turning it own and turning toward Lae, a mischievous grin on his face.

[Roach]

*Roach passes the data to Kane who contacts the Jedi Shadows.*

Roach: "it is indeed troubling i can no longer feel them through the force as I did before. Tiamat what was their last known coordinates? I will take a team of Jedi and investigate immediately while we see If Black Watch and my Jedi shadows can recover anything more. I would like you both to send a representative with me how ever this is an affair of your people I am simply here to aid in the best manner I can see."

Putin: "Do you think it possible that a dissident group among the war faction may have destroyed the rachni vessels after removing the Turians to a different location. In an attempt to start the war anew."

Kane: It could have been a primitus attack. OR the remnants of the Sansha Blood Raider Coalition all of our nations fought them during our war.

[Quantum Rain]

"Perhaps we should begin with a basic overview. As well, I am allowed to present ourselves in a similar manner, and answer any questions as I pose them to you as well. It should be a pleasant, if not intriguing, conversation." Ambassador Fields replied politely, if not calculative.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Alba--

*A frigate-size, angular vessel emerges appears at the outskirts of Alba orbit and sends a transmission in the planet's general direction.* Addrson: Er, hello, SRI Command, this is Addrson, administrative assistant to Fore Admiral Ackbar and acting diplomatic representative of the Galactic Avian Union. I am aboard the light cruiser Helias and we would like a vector and berth, along with permission to meet with representatives of your government to continue previous negotiations. *He ends the transmission.* Aves, what a beakful...

--Palaven--

Tiamat: We know not how to sing that melody in your low spaces, but we can do so another way...

*She proceeds to telepathically impress the frigates' last known location upon Roach's mind, in a form that he can thankfully make sense of. The information points to the Coronatus System in the Pheiros Constellation.*

We will send a Dark Singer to your world, War-song leader Roach. Though we will take...precautions. We will stay here as well, to do what we can. Though we wish...we could go home. *Tiamat sighs--a sound that resembles twisting metal.*

*Meanwhile, Chellick nods thoughtfully at Alanis's remark.* Chellick: Fair enough. We've been a spacefaring race for over 3,000 years, though we didn't know about the wider galaxy until 2,500 years ago. We made contact with the Citadel at that time and helped turn the Krogan Rebellions around--until we stepped in, the Citadel forces were being slowly but surely pushed back. When we entered the war, the krogan used asteroid bombardment to render three of our worlds completely uninhabitable; they hoped to break our resolve. That plan backfired--instead, it made us ever more determined to defeat them, and that we did. In gratitude for helping us stop the Rebellions, the Council granted us a seat, and our military filled in the peacekeeping role that the krogan held before the Rebellions. We're a very militaristic and disciplined culture; every one of our citizens receives training with military-grade firearms and explosives fabrication, including me--I can fight like any trained soldier, though I'm definitely not the best. In fact, our military's role in society goes far beyond most others--it's an all--encompassing public works organization. The military police is also the civilian police; you get the picture. In recent years, though, we've had it somewhat rough. Our navy suffered heavy losses repelling a Geth attack on the Citadel, which the United Solar Coalition assisted us in. Then, a coalition of raiders and pirates--different from the usual scum--began attacking our colonies and abducting millions...for what reasons, the Spirits only know. We lost more ships fighting them and trying to find our people, and eventually, we couldn't sustain our role on the Council anymore, so we withdrew from the Citadel.

*Here, Chellick stops and clears his throat, generating an odd, rattling click.* That's the short version of it. What else do you want to know, Ambassador?

[Roach]

Roach: The Coronatus System in the Pheiros Constellation... Then that is my destination. I will take the Balmorra and a team of Jedi with me. I'll also keep in contact with the Turian fleet if we discover anything. Kane Vladamir, stay here. Help the embassy and Jedi enclave get set up. *Roach disappears with a small clap like thunder and then reappears aboard the Balmorra, the first of the reboot of the Hammerhead line of starships. The crew works busily at their stations as the ship's commander, a young Jedi knight elaborate robes over a suit of body armor, turns and bows to Roach.

Jedi: Grandmaster, you honor us with your presence.

Roach: Thank you Tirian. I see you completed your Knight Trials, and Master Jorgas made you a captain of a ship as well.

Tirian: Yes, he said it was the best posting he could give me, considering my tactical skills and my leadership ability.

Roach: He chose wisely. You will no doubt become an admiral one day. But enough small talk we have a mission: 5 Rachni frigates have gone missing, and their last known position was the Coronatus System, in the Pheiros Constellation. We are going to investigate. Contact Turian Command before we leave, I would like to have one of their people aboard for this mission; also make sure we are able to accommodate Turian guests.


Tirian: My padawan is already working on adding Turian dietary needs to our food replicators, sir. She should be done soon, master. She is a miraculous scientist, I was lucky to get her as my padawan learner. Also, Jedi Shadows Jorgana and Ulgo are waiting for you in the war room.

*Roach turns and strides off the bridge and down a corridor towards the war room.*

[Quantum Rain]

Fields listens carefully, noting every word it seems. "I see, interesting. We have heard of this Citadel, seen it for ourselves, but avoided it. We, and our brother races, carried no interest in using it. Likely the Coalition aided you in order to ensure the security of their borders." Fields stated analytically. "We have also noted that you just emerged from a brief war with an extinct species, did you not?"

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

*Chellick nods again.* Chellick: Yes, or rather, formerly-extinct...the Rachni. Long before my people made contact with the Citadel, they were a menace to that entire region of the galaxy. We never knew their threat...but we rediscovered them during a joint operation with the Federation against those pirates I mentioned before. The Rachni had settled on a volcanic world almost outside the galaxy's rim and they came to our aid when the battle turned against us. Initial contact was hopeful, but then the fearmongers in the Primarch Assembly turned out in force and managed to push through a war declaration. Stupid, stupid...the Rachni are no threat to us and will never be--they even saved hundreds of thousands of turian lives by rescuing a carrier that had crashed on their planet. But hopefully, this damn war will end--soon. *Beat.* My turn. Tell me about your people, Ambassador.

*Meanwhile, the turians receive Roach's request and one soldier deploys to the Balmorra, asking to be taken to the war room. Once there, she introduces herself, extending her hand.* Callurnia: Admiral Tom Roach? Commander Callurnia Tacitus of the 43rd Marine Legion. I've been sent here in response to your request.

[Roach]

*Roach shakes her hand.*

Roach: "Welcome aboard, Callurnia. This is Jedi Shadow Vasili Ulgo". *A tall man with silver hair and eyes bows saying nothing in response to Roach's introduction.*
"And this is Jedi Shadow Meridith Jorgana." *A slender woman with strong features and long red hair and glowing purple eyes bows. but also says nothing.*
"We are searching for the missing Rachni ships. I know not what caused their disappearance, only that their last known positions where in the Coronatus system. After we have taken stock on our supplies, we will depart. This ship is new, off-the-line, so it has not yet received its full stores. A convoy will arrive in a few minutes to load us up. As for the mission, what do we know of this area of space?"

Vasili Ulgo: Not much, that I can tell from our records, master. Perhaps our guest knows the area better than we do.

Meridith Jorgana: We have not yet sent a vessel to explore there, master. We have had too many internal problems since we arrived.

[Quantum Rain]

Fields takes in that knowledge, noting it, and then thinks for a moment on what to say to Chellick. He takes in a breath, then begins.

"The Virisians are a sub-race of humans. You'll find many of them abound in this galaxy, though Virisians seem to be more dextrous and long-lived on average. The Imperial Sovereignty is the most recent incarnation of our people's government. From the time we started expanding into other systems, we are around 1,000 galactic standard years old. Needless to say, we have quite a history."

"Dealing with the most recent events, we have been engaging in an unfortunate Cold War with our brother factions... Fortunately, we have so far been mature enough to keep out of this portion of the galaxy, though to be honest, we have known about your presence for many years now. We have monitored you and the other factions. Nothing intrusive or illegal, just making sure you aren't out for our heads, like the Rachni were in the distant past."

"I fear for what is ahead of us, though... with your people's, and others, entrance unto the galactic stage... Your actions determine what will happen next for the galaxy. Should one of our brothers become engaged in your politics, it bodes ill for everything we have done to attempt preventing a war."

"... But I have avoided your question, haven't I? We Virisians are a proud, honorable people, in battle. We enjoy unity, with all races. Though that is not to say some of that could backfire on us. Some of it has before... We also stand military and economically powerful, as one of the three superpowers of this galaxy. The force you witnessed at the Rachni homeworld was merely a frontier force, hunting a Primitus remnant outside of our borders. We have no interest in using it for war, but our brothers seem bent on self-destruction."

"Our worlds are many, and in our history, we have allowed and aided the independence of many worlds in the neutral regions. It also stands as an unfortunate political confrontation between our brothers, as have been you and the friends you have recently met. As I said, everyone of our brothers is watching you. I hope I may return to my world of Ultra Vires with pleasant news."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

*Chellick is intrigued.* Chellick: If you don't mind my saying, it seems strange that you call the others your "brothers" when you all seem quite prepared to rip each other's throats out.

--Balmorra, War Room--

Callurnia: I'll happily volunteer what I know, though it isn't much. Pheiros is definitely frontier territory for us--it's at the very edge of space under Hierarchy jurisdiction and the colonies out there are the least-developed, though they have a pretty high population for their level. What worries me is that the constellation's Primarchs were generally sympathetic to the Rachni, and those who did support the war were only Moderates who no longer do so. Whatever happened to those ships, it's not likely that it was our people's doing.

[Quantum Rain]

Fields smiled solemnly as he thought. "It is in our mythology, connected with our neighbors, that it was revealed we all fought together as one kind. We were slave races to an ancient empire of Primitus. It was we that helped its downfall and extinction. It mars our history, and all of us, on different planets, speaking the same stories and languages... We are brothers by blood and battle, Chellick. No one can argue otherwise."

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Chellick freezes as Fields mentions the Primitus. This conversation is taking a most unexpected turn.* Chellick: I...see. *He attempts to remain aloof.* So what do you know about those who enslaved you? "Primitus", you called them?

[Quantum Rain]

"We know much of our former slavers in terms of their technology and social hierarchy. Ruins populate our area of the galaxy, and it is in those ruins that much of our technological and sociological advancements originate from, as well as a majority of our history lessons for the last ten thousand years, and a little beyond. We do not know who or what the Primitus looked like or are, they could have been human for all we would be aware of. What we do know of is their remnants and relics support our findings, Chellick. They are dead. They have been dead for many thousands of years. And it is their empire that fuels our advancement." Fields replied politely. "Though the feat of conquering an entire galaxy is impressive, but to hold it for hundreds of thousands of years is infinitely more impressive, no?"

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Chellick quickly realizes the meaning of Fields's words, but still cannot quite come to terms with it.* Chellick: Spirits, that's--that's impossible...

[Quantum Rain]

"Not impossible. Just highly improbable. To be accurate, they didn't hold the entire galaxy. Curiously enough, this part of the galaxy had a few pockets of independent races unwilling to serve. Though to say that they did not hold a staggering majority of the Altair galaxy is to lie to many of our historians." Fields answered calmly.

[Roach]

-- War room--

Vasili: While that may absolves the local Primarchs of suspicion it does not mean that other Primarchs of the war faction did not act in secret.

Roach: Peace Vasili control your emotion we do not have enough information to make and assumptions yet so we will have to see were the force guides us.

Vasili: My apologies master i yield to your better judgment.

*An old corellian heavy freighter exits hyperspace and begins beaming supplies to the Balmorra*

Roach: That is all we need to discuss for now Meridith show our guest to her quarters make sure she has every thing she needs also issue her a sidearm and check any weapons she has into her data log i like to know what weapons are aboard my ship.

Meridith: This way please. *Meridith leads Callurnia out of the room and down the corridor.* Do not be insulted by Roach's remark about weapons it is standard fleet procedure for all weapons to be checked by the armory officer roach is annoyed that to many vessels are being lax on that regulation. *she turns a corner and heads down a different corridor* He is usually not strict like this but this whole situation has him on edge he would rather be at home or On Ramius working on his starships or racing his swoop bikes he has been away on business too long at it saddens him.

--Palaven--

*Roach appears before Chellick with a thunderclap a large crate beside him.*

Roach: My apologies i forgot something. *roach cast the lid off the crate it is filled with custom crafted blaster pistols.* A pistol for each of the Primarchs with the symbols of their world and family on the grips its an old Russian tradition to present a new ally with ceremonial weapons. But these are no ornaments one of these pistols could strike a rancor between the eyes five times before he realized he had been struck." Roach Notices the IS ambassador.* My apologies ambassador I did not mean to interrupt your meeting. *roach bows apologetically.*

[Quantum Rain]

The ambassador does a slight bow in return, as an acceptive gesture. He said nothing, but his reaction seemed almost expectantly of Roach's sudden appearance. As well, his demeanor remained calm and passive, rather than frightened.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

--Palaven--

*Chellick jumps at Roach's appearance, and then gives an annoyed snort.* Chellick: ...I will pass on your gifts. Thank you, but please warn me if you're going to do that again. *After Roach leaves, he continues.* Where were we...?

*Before they can pick up, the door to the room opens and in walks Fedorian himself.* Chellick: Oh, hello, sir. I didn't know you were coming.

*The Primarch is not his usual cheerful self, plopping himself into a chair with a grunt.* Fedorian: We've officially ceased hostilities with the Federation, but the Rachni frigates that were bringing the prisoners they promised have vanished. Worse, the Hive has lost all contact with the missing ships, and the peace process is once again stalled.

Chellick: I...see, sir. In any event, there's someone else here to meet you.

Fedorian: What? *The Primarch looks up from his brooding and appears to see Fields for the first time.* Ah, my sincerest apologies for not noticing you. *He rises and holds out his hand.* I'm Primarch Talos Fedorian of Palaven; pleased to meet you.

--Balmorra--

*Callurnia follows Meridith amicably.* Callurnia: I don't mind registering my weapons--just let me keep them, please. *She chuckles, but grows perplexed at Meridith's remark about swoop races.* That...does not sound like something a responsible leader would do. Please don't take offense.

[Quantum Rain]

Alanis repeats the gesture, warmly shaking his hand. "I am ambassador Alanis Fields, sent by the Imperial Sovereignty, at the behest of High Sovereign Marion Cross. I am honored to meet you Primarch Fedorian." He spoke politely and courtly. It was different than when he greeted Chellick.

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

*Chellick notes the disparity between the greetings and files that detail away for later. Fedorian, being ignorant of the difference, proceeds as normal.* Fedorian: I heard you helped saved a lot of lives in that terrible battle only weeks ago. You have the gratitude of the entire turian race for stopping it from becoming a bloodbath. *Beat.* So, Ambassador Fields, what can I do for you? A drink to start off with, perhaps?

[Quantum Rain]

"I would, but I doubt your system and mine would like the same drinks, Primarch. I am content for now, thank you regardless however." Fields takes in a silent breath of air. "I was sent by the state branch to learn more of your people and, if possible or preferable, open diplomatic relations. Your aide, Chellick, has been most hospitable and forth-coming on the former, and I have returned the favor in kind. All that remains is the latter to discuss, though perhaps Chellick should inform you of us, as we have come to know much of you, before making a decision?"

[Fore Admiral Disayle]

Fedorian: A sound idea. Brief me, Chellick.

Chellick: Of course, sir. *He gives Fedorian an overview of what Fields told him. The Primarch's face remains level, but his eyes glitter with intrigue as he absorbs the new information. Once Chellick is done, Fedorian turns back to Fields.*

Fedorian: We would love to open diplomatic relations, but I have to ask--what would a great power like yours gain from interacting with little old us?

[Roach]

--Balmorra--

*Meredith chuckles*

Meredith: He is an immortal so it is not as if he has to worry about dieing during a race and swoop racing is a very safe sport now there a lot of safety measures in place on the track to keep you alive should you crash. *they Reach the armory the arms officer a tall older Klingon man with a surprisingly sunny disposition gets Callnuria's weapons registered they went continued on to the crew quarters they stop in front of a door witch slides open to reveal a comfortably sized room with a round couch around a circular table, A medium sized bed, a private sonic shower and a food replicator built into the wall.* "These were to be Admiral Roach's quarters but he said he would rather room with one of the marines so here you are you will find the replicator has been programmed with cuisine for your species. Well that's about it you may as well get comfortable we will be making the jump to hyper space soon. IT will take us a few hours to get there i suspect since the captain will make routine stops to evaluate the nav computer and hyperdrive. Standard procedure with new vessels."

[Quantum Rain]

Fields holds in the laugh at such a compliment and question. "Primarch Fedorian, you, of all people, should know that no one is so powerful as to not require allies or friends. Even the slightest of trade agreements or non-aggression pacts can prove the difference for the survival of any faction. As well, we know enough of you to know that you are not as small as you think. You are one of the primary powers of this region. Your stability determines that of the entire region. We wish to stay on good terms with people such as you."

[Quantum Rain]

"Well, at least you're not heavy like a brick." He said, carrying him now toward their destination. It was several minutes before they arrived, and Reeds greeted them, as if expecting them. "Oh, so it only took a half-hour like I predicted? Damn I'm good!" He said, grinning wryly. Rain put Lae on the same medical bed and Reeds turned the machine on. "Now don't make me restrain you this time, alright?" Reeds said, taking a seat next to his bed.

Lae managed to raise his arm and curse him out in sign language, but would not even try to resist. He knew he couldn't move anyway.

"With the way you're acting, right back at you." Reeds said nonchalantly, just smiling in return. Reeds injected a pain reliever, which would also cause Lae to fall asleep.
--will edit later--

Upon waking, Lae would find himself more than rejuvenated, though with a slight dizziness from the aftereffects of the pain killers and demonic poison. Upon looking around, he'd see other soldiers undergoing similar nano-treatment as he had just emerged from, but many were looking far better than before. Reeds was no where in sight, as typical of him, but Lae's clothing and effects were lying in a chair beside the bed, obviously he was expected to awaken soon.

---

//Unknown//

Leon eyed the energy readings suspiciously. "Uh, ma'am, I thought you said this planet was devoid of life?" He spoke loud enough for her to hear. "Because I'm getting masses of energy readings, and not the mechanical kind, if I'm looking at this right." I may have hit my head, but not that hard to be delusional...

[Wynn]

"Well, at least you're not heavy like a brick." He said, carrying him now toward their destination. It was several minutes before they arrived, and Reeds greeted them, as if expecting them. "Oh, so it only took a half-hour like I predicted? Damn I'm good!" He said, grinning wryly. Rain put Lae on the same medical bed and Reeds turned the machine on. "Now don't make me restrain you this time, alright?" Reeds said, taking a seat next to his bed.

Lae managed to raise his arm and curse him out in sign language, but would not even try to resist. He knew he couldn't move anyway.

"With the way you're acting, right back at you." Reeds said nonchalantly, just smiling in return. Reeds injected a pain reliever, which would also cause Lae to fall asleep.
--will edit later--

Upon waking, Lae would find himself more than rejuvenated, though with a slight dizziness from the aftereffects of the pain killers and demonic poison. Upon looking around, he'd see other soldiers undergoing similar nano-treatment as he had just emerged from, but many were looking far better than before. Reeds was no where in sight, as typical of him, but Lae's clothing and effects were lying in a chair beside the bed, obviously he was expected to awaken soon.

---

//Unknown//

Leon eyed the energy readings suspiciously. "Uh, ma'am, I thought you said this planet was devoid of life?" He spoke loud enough for her to hear. "Because I'm getting masses of energy readings, and not the mechanical kind, if I'm looking at this right." I may have hit my head, but not that hard to be delusional...

Lae sat up in the bed and cradled his face in his hands. He felt his head pounding and he did not want to get up at this very moment. He finally forced himself to stand up and stumbled a bit at first. He then walked over to the chair and grabbed his clothes and gear. He carried them into another room and changed. He then walked out into the hall ways as he had before fully-geared up. He kept his hood down and shook his head from time to time as if to snap himself out of a daze.

Xaldius: Get yourself together, I know i didnt let you get hit that hard.
Lae: Excuse me? LET me get hit that hard?
Xaldius: I let you go as long as you could, let you use your own devices as long as they worked.
Lae: EXCUSE. ME. Mr. [censored]-piece-of-[censored]. I didnt realize that having the same body and life meant nothing to you.
Xaldius: You are a worthless collection of thoughts and concepts, nothing more.
Lae: And just how exactally do you differ in that regard? At least i have a body.
Xaldius: And yet I can take control whenever i please against your will.

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