AN/ Right heres the whole chapter up now, for some reason the chapter wouldn't update so I had to delete it and re-uplaod it, anyway I hope you like it. Again used some of the paragraphs of xpredatorx and If you've read his fic you can tell who did what.
Update 28/07/2012: Revamped, fixed spelling, Capitalization and Grammar errors. Fixed punctuation in area's added periods, moved comma's etc.
Edit 04/04/13: Again I wish to thank xpredatorx and Mistasilentkiller, this chapter is template on their fic Halo: A New Age's chapter 3. I would also like to thank them for the use of some of their terms in Halo: A New Age such as the OSA.
May 20, 2657/ 2157
High Charity.
High Charity, holy city of the San 'Shyuum and centre of the OSA government. The 348 Kilometre long mushroom like space station floated in orbit around the artificial world of Corusant that was soon to take its place as the centre of the OSA government. It was here in the same chambers that the Prophets of Truth, Mercy and Regret declared their genocide war on humanity one-hundred and thirty-two years ago, the leaders of the OSA discussed politics.
The current session should have been one of celebration. The fleet that had been sent to aid the Autobots in retaking Cybertron, had a few hours ago returned successful. Instead the chambers were filled with an atmosphere of anger and hatred thanks to the news sent by Admiral Grissom and Captian Cutter.
All the leaders of the OSA races filled the room. The three main heads of the OSA, the councillors sat at a desk in the exact same spot were Truth had declared war on humanity. There was Councillor Richards of Humanity, Councillor Xarew'Radei of the Sangheili and Councillor Remorse of the San 'Shyuum. Other important figures at the session included Arbiter Thel Vadam, Jedi Master Rada Vadam, Jiralhanae Chieftain Martin, Sierra 117- Master Chief leader of the Spartans and Director of ONI and Project Freelancer Dr. Leonard Church.
Everyone was looking at the information from the skirmish at the Shanxi Device, now known as a Mass Relay. Some were also looking at the Codex that had been found on the alien vessel they now known as Turians. Most were looking at the information on a data while the Human Admirals and Captains looked at it through their neural implants.
Most of the races tried to keep their anger hidden, trying to be professional. But that did not stop some of Sangheili, Jiralhanae and Yautja present. Those that sat beside them could practically feel the rage coming from them.
The silence was finally broken by Rada, he was wearing armour similar to his father, what he read in the report and from the Codex made him lose it. Filled with extreme rage, he violently through the data pad that had been given to him. The pad flew over the heads of several of the senators, several having to duck; it came to a stop as it shattered like glass against the wall.
"Honourless, murdering cowards!" he roared so loud that Martin, Thel and John swore they could see his veins on his neck.
"Rada, please calm down," asked Remorse nicely, not wanting everyone to voice their anger, though she herself could understand his actions.
Both John and Thel placed their hands on Rada's shoulders, helping him to calm. His breathing was heavy as he spoke. His eye's closed.
"Forgive me councillors."
"There is nothing to forgive Rada," said Richards, he like everyone present knew what Rada was like, his actions at Pandora against the RDA being highly praised. There was also the fact that they all felt like him.
Adjudicator Bet-Karh of the Yautja stood up, he was wearing a plate like armour and long red robe. He was angry at something he had read in the codex about the Turians.
"Rada makes a good point though. Since the time of our ancestors, the Yautja have always held true to a code of honour, and one was not to kill those who are defenceless. "This thing, this codex describes Turians as honourable" He did the Yautja version of a sarcastic laugh. "There, is, NO, honour in what they did" he started off slowly, "THEY WOULD ATTACK DEFENSELESS CIVILIANS INSTEAD OF FACING A REAL THREAT," Shouting out the last part.
"The Turians actions were uncalled for," said Richards trying his best not to sound like he was ok with what he was about to say, "but they were merely following their laws by trying to stop us from activating any other relays." The mention of the law infuriated most.
"A law by which we did not know," shouted out Martin.
"Martin is right, what right have they got to open fire on those, who brake their laws but don't even know of it" said Councillor Xarew'Radei staring daggers at Richards. Admiral Gial Ackbar, leader of the Mon-Calamari stood up.
"You all remember how we, the Mon-Calamari made first contacted with the OSA, we were tampering, studying one of the halo arrays." He took a sort of slurp breath "five months prior you had made it against the law to do anything with the arrays until the all clear was given and permission had been given. Who was the first alien race of the OSA to meet us, what race was the Mon-Calamari's first contact" he stopped and looked around the chambers, heads were bobbing, people murmuring they had a feeling they knew where he was going."
"The race to first greet us, they were considered the most violent, savage, brutal and unintelligent race, creating hideous crimes during the Covenant war, such as eating the flesh of their enemy's." Members of said race that were present moved awkwardly, hating the reminder of their dark past.
"Who were they… the Jiralhanae, they weren't even in charge of keeping the laws of the OSA. Did they open fire on us because we were dealing with something we didn't know and that we had broken their laws? NO! The once savage, undisciplined race opened communications and ordered us away from the ring, saying that we were breaking your laws and that the halo was dangerous. Did these Turians do that, a most respected race to their alliance compared to the Jiralhanae at the time? NO! They opened fire, killing our scientists (referring to the OSA), and innocent civilians. This race must be dealt with." At that he sat back down earning a small applause, followed by agreements that the Turians must be dealt with.
Queen Aleana'Ora of the Twi'leks, now asked the question. "Admiral Ackbar is right, the Turians must be dealt with, they attacked the OSA, how are we going to proceed."
"They attacked innocence because they're laws had been broken, by doing that they have broken our laws, so I say we return the favour," Said Adjudicator Bet-Karh, followed by agreements of most.
"For now only UNSC ships will deal with anything the Turians send our way until we can form a plan. We have people studying the ship and weapons of the Turians and some of the crew of the frigate are going to be interrogated. From Cutters report some of them including the Captain did not agree with the attack on our scientist" said Richards. Most did not like this, but decided to wait to see what happens. They were surprised at the mention of the captain not liking the attack, but judgement would be reserved until more could be learned.
''I am more concerned about this Citadel Council, 'said Remorse.'' This could lead to a confrontation between us and them on the true galactic power of the galaxy.'' Heads turned to each other amongst the representatives.
''Yes, it is interesting to see a group of different species forming their own galactic government, 'said Xarew'Radei .''But they came together using these mass relays.''
''They seem to base their own technology around the mass relays. 'Said Richards while still reading through their codex. '' I don't see anything that they themselves built or make that doesn't use this element zero.''
''They limit their own potential as a species using the mass relays," said Radei.
Arbiter Thel Vadam then spoke up reminding the councillor, "but councillor we have no right to judge, for those of us who were long in the covenant, we were stagnate by using the Forerunner technology instead of creating our own and for a time we never moved forward, until we met humanity,"
Radie lowered his head, feeling like a hypocrite and rather ashamed. "Thank you Arbiter, you are right of course. Should we send our diplomatic ships to call for a ceasefire,'' he asked, hoping they wouldn't! He wanted a strong message sent to the Turians and this Citadel Council. Most present were sharing his frame of mind.
Richards looked at both councillors then turned to the rest present, a smile on his face. ''No we won't I think we need to send a message to our neighbours, they're not the only players in the galaxy. This is the reason we don't want any non UNSC ships guarding Shanxi. If they attack again we want them to believe that it's only one race their facing,"That was one thing, all agreed on.
"Very well then we will meet in a few days' time, hopefully by then information will be gained from the prisoners and we'll have a better understanding of Turians technology and should the Turians attack we'll discuss plans on retaliation. I hereby call this session adjourned," announced Remorse.
While the representatives started to leave their chairs, Rada turned to John 117 to ask something of him.
"Chief I believe you and your Spartans are taking the Forward unto Dawn to Shanxi to take part in the defence I wish join you. I'd like to meet these Turians, plus I can help in their interrogation."
"Rada, I've told you many times you can address me as John and two I'd be happy for you to join us," asked John. At that both of them shook hands.
May 21, 2657/2157
Apien Crest
Trebia System
Palaven
Hierarchy Fleet High Command
On the Turian home world, Tonn Actuss was waiting for the military leadership of the Hierarchy to give their verdict on the incident at Relay 314. For the past three hours they had been reading his reports over the skirmish with the unidentified race that destroyed most of his patrol fleet. He was hoping the Hierarchy would allow him another chance to finishing what he started, with an entire armada of ships at his command he was sure he could win. He knew that was unlikely however at best he'd probably get demoted, to ether sever or Captain a frigate. He didn't even want to think about the worst case.
The military leaders of the Hierarchy had three high ranking officials who were just finishing reading the reports Actuss had wrote for them. Admiral Mehrkuri was the first to start the conversation.
''Obviously captain Actuss did the right thing for upholding council law, by stopping this race from reactivating anymore mass relays.''
''We don't deny his actions are justified, but he could have handled it better than immediately opening fire," said admiral Krek. ''None the less we should be more concern about this new species; they have a mass accelerator more powerful than our own," his voice filled with some concern.
"Yes from the reports it appears that their accelerator can destroy one of our cruisers with a single shot, though that is questionable since no one saw what happened to the Spartus but with what is mentioned about the midnight shadow it's more than likely what happened to Spartus," said admiral Lo.
"Mmmh they must be an aggressive species, no race that's about to leave their home system would have weapons like that, so it's more than likely Actuss did the right thing by opening fire, they probably would have attacked anyway," said Admiral Mehrkuri.
"What I'm finding interesting is their ships do not appear to use element zero. Our ships sensors did not detect any of the element on the enemy ships''.
''How is that possible?'' said admiral Lo. ''Element zero is the bases for all mass effect technology in citadel and terminus space, even the Geth use eezo.''
"We must strike back and subdue this race and acquire their weapons and technology, if we can get our hands on it we can increase our power and authority in both Citadel and Terminus space, maybe even acquire a new client race in it,'' said admiral Mehrkuri.
"Yes if we can subdue them now, before the council discovers what has happen, they will have to accept what we and whatever story we got this new species to say, as the truth," Said Lo.
"And once we obtain their technology the Hierarchy would be truly unstoppable. Who should lead the fleet back through relay 314?" asked Krek. All three of them took a moment to think about it. They all eventually rested on one person, Admiral Lo spoke first.
"General Desolas Arterius."Mehrkuri and Krek didn't even have to say anything, their faces said it all, they were in agreement.
"Right have Tonn Actuss come in," shouted Mehrkuri.
Tonn Actuss walked into the meeting room; the admirals were sitting across from each other about to give him his final judgment. ''Captain Tonn Actuss you were brought before us over the incident of relay 314, we find you not guilty over the incident. You will not lead an assault back through the relay, instead you will be under the command of General Desolas Arterius who will lead the assault back through relay 314, and attack the planet you believe to be the enemies home world.''
Tonn Actuss was happy and surprised not only would he be given another chance, but he will be under command of one of Palaven's greatest Generals, Desloas Arterius.''I will not fail the Hierarchy again,'' said Actuss. He saluted the Admirals and walked out of the meeting.
May 21, 2657/2157
Shanxi system
Shanxi
Shanxi Defence Force HQ
Underground Holding Facility
Captain Kahlus Satrx estimated it had been two days since the aliens had captured him and his crew. He was currently being held in what he guessed was an interrogation room. He guessed the room was five metres by five metres, with one polarized window on one wall. The fact that he was sitting at a table, his hands cuffed definitely suggested this was an interrogation room but it was overly big for one he thought to himself.
Since they had been captured, they had been transported to the large ship that had come as reinforcements to the small fleet they had engaged. They had all been placed in separate cells with some sort of energy barrier preventing their escape. He could remember thinking to himself about how many surprises these species had, they had teleportation technology, advance cloaking and energy technology and to top it off they had allies.
The ship then had brought them to the alien's home world; they had been transported down via a large shuttle. One thing that still surprised Satrx was that his crew had been placed seven to a cell, where they could all see each other or at least talk to each in the other cells.
There was one thing that kept nagging at the back of his head, he wasn't sure if he had been seeing things or misinterpreted the situation but he swore that the aliens were treating some of his crew, himself included, nicely compared to how roughly they handled most of the others. He could have sworn it was always the same person they either treated nicely or horribly.
He was also interested in their allies, since they had been placed in their cells, they hadn't seen any of the green Juggernauts or the aliens that had mandibles and wore black armour. They had a few hours ago seen another creature that reminded them of the Hanar. It had been more bulbous than a Hanar, it had more but shorter tentacles and was more blue in colour with a worm like head with three pairs of black beady eyes.
Shanxi Defence Force HQ
Landing pad.
At the same time outside the HQ, the Pelican that had been carrying the Master Chief and Rada Vadam as well as two members of Noble team, Noble 5 and 6 had just landed. Awaiting them at the landing was Captain Cutter and General Williams commander of Shanxi Defence.
As the four of them disembarked the pelican to greet the Captain and General a small blue and white cylinder shaped robot with a domed head followed them, making different pitches of beeps as its dome head circled around its body.
Both Cutter and Williams greeted them.
"Nice to have you here Jedi," said Williams addressing them. The three Spartans returned a salute while Rada just shook hands.
"Likewise sir," replayed John.
"Is there a particular reason you're here Chief," asked Cutter.
"Just coming to check up on my fellow Spartans sir," said John referring to the three members of blue team, as well as to take part in the defence. I brought Jorge and Jane down with me; if the Turians attack again they'll pilot a Saber."
"What about you Rada why're you here," Asked Williams.
"I wished to see these new aliens for myself, help in the interrogations and like Chief said take part in the defence in any way I can," he replied.
Just then the little robot that had followed them bumped into the back of Jorge's legs, giving a few beeping cries of surprise. Cutter recognised it as one of the new R2 series Astro Droids created by Industrial Automaton to help provide in-flight maintenance and repair in the star fighters used by the Mon-Calamari and Twi-leks. Many of the space flying vehicles of the UNSC and Covenant had modified to allow the droids to intergrade, such as the Sabers and Seraphs.
General Williams knelt down to get a good look at the droid.
"And who's this little fella Jedi" he asked. The Droids head turned towards him so as its red eye could see him. It gave a few exiting beeps.
"This is R2-D2, my personal Astro Droid and of the Forward unto Dawn's, he'll join Jorge and Jane in a saber if they are needed," Said Rada.
As the party started to move to enter the HQ they began talking about the coming days.
"To be honest, I'm glad you're here Jedi, since the attack at the relay everyone's been worried about an attack on Shanxi, with you here it should lift the moral a bit," Said Williams.
"We're happy to help sir," said John as the continued walking.
"I sense you have some sort of plan General" said Rada. Cutter answered for Williams.
"Williams, Grissom and I have formed a temporary plan in place until we can find how to counter act the Turians Defences and Weapons. We currently of a fleet of fifty-two ships in orbit with the Budapest and Spirit of fire at its head."
"Grissom also had spy drones set up around the mass relay and the other side where the Turians came from to alert us of their approach,'' added Williams.
"Won't their sensors detect the Drones," asked Jorge.
"No, our scientist and engineers have studied the Turians own sensors and they're not as advance as ours so the drones won't be detected,'' answered Cutter.
As they came round a corner, Jorge, Jane and R2-D2 broke off from the group. Heading down a hallway that lead to a Saber launch bay.
"What about the planetary defences," asked John?
"Our four ODP's are already charged and ready to fire at any vessels," said Cutter.
"As for the ground defence, of which I'll be in charge, I'll be spreading groups with either scorpion or wraith tanks and airborne assault vehicles such as hornets or banshees around the city while the majority will protect the garrison, we have also set up automated onagers and anti-ship missiles to shoot the enemies fighter or ground shuttles, as well as communication jammer so if any brake through they can't tell the fleet that their fighting more than one race," added Williams.
"Obviously once our engineers and scientist give their full reports to us and the senate, some things will change," said Cutter. "Chief, Jerome, Alice and Douglas are down there if you want to see them," he added pointing down a hallway.
"Right I'll meet you later Rada" said John. Rada gave a simple bow of acknowledgment. The three of them grabbed a nearby lift to descend down to the underground holding facility.
"So what do know about these Turians," asked Rada.
"Not much really apart from what mentioned in the codex, we still haven't interrogated any of the ones we've got prisoner, with us preparing Shanxi in case of attack," said Williams.
As the doors of the lift opened, Rada turned to look at Captain Cutter.
"It was mentioned back at High Charity that a few captured did not share in whoever it was in charge's idea of attacking"
"Yes, I had given strict orders not to kill any that didn't want that course of action. The boarding party I sent over was able to save them all including several others."
"When they were brought here, I had them put in separate cell with those who shared their frame of mind, of course we can only have seven to a cell, so we have several cells full," said Williams. "Right now we have the captain in interrogation, we were just about to head there when we heard you were arriving," he added.
"Yes it was briefly mentioned as well the captain wasn't happy with the order, were those who captured him able to read any more from him," Rada asked.
A loud voice came from behind the men and Sangheili.
"No! Because not all of us are as powerful or had as much training in the force as you Squidhead ".
Rada gave a Sangheili version of a smile, he recognised the voice.
"You know to some Sangheili, they take great offense to that name, bag mouth." he said with a chuckle.
A lone male Yautja came up behind the three of them, giving his race's version of a smile.
"It's nice to see you again Rada" said the Yautja.
"You too Blade, I didn't realise you'd be here."
"Blade and several other Predators were assigned to the Spirit of Fire encase anything went wrong at the relay" said Cutter answering for the Yautja. Both Rada and Blade tried to repress a chuckle at the something went wrong part.
"Well that explains why you didn't join us at Cybertron."
"Yeah I was a bit annoyed, but we though nothing would come of it, and we knew that you and your father had asked for the spirits help if we weren't needed," said Blade.
"Ah it would have been a waste of your time, as soon as our fleet entered the system the Decepticons started to retreat, we had their ships outnumbered a hundred to one and that is not an exaggeration," said Rada.
Blade joined the three of them as they walked on towards the interrogation room. They stopped as Generals Williams stood at the door.
"Right I'm going in, you can see what's going on from that room there," he said pointing at the observation room door.
"Very well, I will however come and join you at one point" Rada pointed out. Williams nodded at that and entered the room, while Rada, Blade and Cutter went into the observation room.
Interrogation Room
Kahlus Satrx watched as the door opened and General Williams walked in. He watched as the Asari like being stood in front of the table. Satrx was surprised by what happened next.
"How are you feeling?" General Williams asked. He hoped that they had successfully deciphered the languages of the citadel races through the data Athena had given them.
"What the! How do you already know our language," asked Satrx.
Williams smiled. "Through the data we found on your ship we were able decipher your language, we had our best people working on it, it also appears we were successful in uploading our languages to your translator."
"But that's impossible no race could do that, that quickly," said Satrx.
Williams smiled again he wasn't just about to reveal that they had help from twelve other races. "Well we did, now I'll ask again how are you feeling."
"I'm actually feeling quite fine, your people have actual been treating us (at the back of his mind he knew it was only some of his men) compared to how Turians would have treated you. These shackles are very irritating though, "said Satrx gesturing at his restrained hands.
While Williams and Satrx introduced themselves, in the observation room Captain Cutter, Blade and Rada were watching the goings on.
Rada was reading into the Turians mind. He was just standing there, his eyes closed, one arm cross with the other stroking his head as he delved into the nukes and crevasses of the mind of Captain Kahlus Satrx.
"Mmmh you and blue team were right Blade, the Captain did not agree with the orders given to him."
"Can you find out who order the attack," asked Cutter.
"Yes, though I sense if we do things right this Turian will tell us anything we need. Ha he is confused though, it appears he has recognised that some of his men are being treated different."
The three of them watched as Williams asked the question they already had the answers to, thanks to the codex."
"Why did you attack us?" Williams asked Satrx.
Satrx was unsure how to exactly answer that, he had only been following orders, but he knew the reason Actuss had done it was because they had violated Citadel. He decided to give that answer fearing slightly what would happen.
"My commanding officer ordered the attack because you had violated Citadel law by activating a dormant relay without permission from the Council."
Williams was slightly angry at that, but before he could start shouting Rada reminded him through the force, that the Turian had only been following orders and had disagreed with them.
"So you thought it was ok to open fire on civilians, because we were breaking a law that we didn't know of."
Satrx didn't know how to respond to that, the fact that it had been civilians they had destroyed upon exiting the relay made him feel slightly sick, even though he had suspicions since they had been captured.
"It was my commanding officer who gave the orders and when you fired on us he wanted vengeance for the destruction of the Spartus."
"We only opened fire after you destroyed the civilian ships," replied Williams, anger in his voice.
He really didn't know how to answer that.
"I know but it really doesn't matter to the Hierarchy the fact that you destroyed most of a patrol fleet is enough of a reason for them to return. I admire what your race has accomplished in its short time in space" As Satrx said that Williams, Cutter, Blade and Rada suddenly became interested in the last word of his sentence, Williams let him carry on though.
"But my race has the most revered and respected military force in the galaxy. And when they return they will subdue this home planet of yours and your allies, " Said Satrx trying to sound confident but he did have some doubt.
Had Rada not pointed out to Williams he was only referring to the Yautja, he would have been in shock that they knew they had allies. The mention that Shanxi was a home planet caught the attention of everyone. Rada and Blade exited the observation room and stood outside the door of the interrogation room.
"Home planet?" Williams raised an eyebrow. "I believe you are mistaken. This planet is one of our newest developed colonies, Humanity has eight-hundred and that's not including joint," Williams stated.
Satrx's was in shock, there was no way that could be true, the Turians didn't even have five percent of that before The Unification War and there wasn't even that many in council space.
"That's Impossible! There's no way a race can keep that amount of planets together. A space that size is prone to splinter, how have your leaders been able to hold that many planets," he asked in disbelief. In the back of his mind he was scared. "Actuss what have you done," he thought again. Rada and Blade took that moment to enter.
"It's amazing how a race can come together, when another seeks your total annihilation," said Rada as he entered.
Satrx was shocked to see the same alien that had scared one of his men enter the room, at least he thought it was the same one. He was even more surprised when another alien had entered with it and spoke. Looking at the new being he saw it had a head shaped like his but with no jaw, instead it had four mandibles each filled with teeth. He noticed that it had a four digit hand with the same amount of finger as a Turian but with an extra thumb.
Satrx was really surprised by what happened next. Had it been anyone else who had done it, General Williams would have roared at them, but Rada was a living legend on par with the Master Chief, he trusted his judgment though he did look at him with concern. Rada stretched out his hand in a simple motion towards Captain Satrx, has he did the shackles that restrained Satrx's hands fell off.
Satrx looked at his now un-cuffed hands, rubbing were the shackles had been. "What the?" was all he could think to himself. The man that identified himself as General Williams of the OSA and Shanxi defence introduced him to the two new comers.
"May I introduce you to Jedi Master Rada'Vadam of the OSA and Predator Blade of the OSA." Blade went and knelt against the wall while Rada moved to stand beside Williams.
"Nice to meet you Captain Kahlus Satrx," said Rada stretching out his hand to greet the Turian. Satrx hesitated for a moment before he shook Rada's hand.
"I know you did not agree with Tonn Actuss's course of action Turian."
Satrx was shocked at what Rada had just said. "How did he know that I never told them the name of the one who gave the order," he thought to himself.
"What are you," asked Satrx.
Rada knew that he wasn't referring to what species he was. "I am a Sangheili, my friend there is a Yautja. We both have training into a power similar to your biotics (he wasn't about to reveal the force, in truth it was more powerful and it was believed only the surface had been scratched). We read your codex."
Satrx was slightly sceptical, Rada seemed to know what he was thinking and there was no way it was anything like biotics that had released his cuffs, then again he didn't know a lot about biotics, maybe they could do that and these races had just discovered a way to do it without the blue, purple glow.
"You are confused and concerned about the treatment of your men," said Rada.
"How did you… Yes I am, his kind," said Satrx pointing to Williams. "Have been treating several of my men, including myself like… well not like a prisoner would usually would be treated, but the rest of my men they have."
Blade then spoke up. "It is because they share your frame of mind, did not agree with this Tonn Actuss and his actions."
"Tell us" said Williams "If you had been in charge of that patrol how you would have done things." Satrx was getting caught up in the moment; he had mixed emotions, but gave an answer anyway.
"If I had been in charge… You were breaking Citadel law, so we still would have had a confrontation, though it depends I'd have probably contacted the council and asked them on a course of action. If I hadn't we would have entered the relay but unlike Actuss I would have given orders to send a message of warning that you were breaking the law and ordered you away, other captains may have opened fire at that point had you not acted but I know a few that would have waited to see what you did. Most Turians though would have probably followed a same course of action as Actuss did though."
"And that's why you and some of your men are being treated as such, you would have opened communications first and avoided killing innocent people," said Rada.
"Had you and they not shared that idea it would have been likely you'd have been shot by the boarding party. Had my kin and I not had the element of surprise most of your crew that did not share your idea would have been killed. That is why you are treated different, you would have lived, and they would have died if we hadn't used our cloaks,"said Blade.
Satrx was rather intrigued by this.
"Wait so you mean, your men where firing like that on purpose, they were just not trying to hit me and my men who disagreed with Actuss, but how can you tell the difference."
"Most militants of the OSA are given a form of training into the power that I have full training into, imagine each militant of you citadel was tout how to biotic pull and that's all they were trained to use of biotics. We have trained most of our soldiers with the ability, to tell if one fire upon them deserves to live," Said Rada.
Satrx was now really confused, Rada could see that so explained a bit more.
"One thing that we have learned is someone can give an order that is bad or force others into doing what they want. You disagreed with Actuss's actions but had the boarding party not been trained in that ability, when you returned fire you would have likely been killed, thus we can save life's of those worthy enough to keep it".
What Satrx was hearing reminded him of what he learned of Asari Justicars, even though that wasn't a lot. Then he realised something.
"You keep on referring to something called the OSA, what is it."
"Our version of your Citadel Council," said Williams. At that Satrx got slightly scared for what would happen, if one alien of an alliance had over eight-hundred planets how much did the other two races have.
"Oh the OSA isn't made up of three races" said Rada reading the Turians mind. "We are made up with the Mon-Calamri, Yanme'e ,Kig-yar, Unggoy, Mgalekgolo, Twi'leks, Huragok, Jiralhanae and San 'Shyuum, with our latest race the Transformers also called Cybertronians that just joined us just the other day, in fact we were aiding in a civil war when you attacked."
Now Satrx was really concerned for his people, Actuss had just possibly started a war with an alliance bigger than that of the Citadels.
"What are you going to be doing now," he asked.
"Right now defences around this planet had been bolstered and we're waiting to see what will happen, which is why you are here, we need to know what like course of action would your race take," asked Williams.
"Now know that I can obviously see into your mind Turian, so we really don't need to be asking you these questions, however I prefer not to though but if you do not help us I will be forced to," said Rada.
Satrx sat for a minute thinking about what the Hierarchy would do, there were many possibilities.
"If they've done things right then the Council will likely get involved and send for a cease fire."
"Yes we expect as much from what your codex said," said Blade.
"But if they kept this a secret, they will send a large force to take this planets since we detected it on our sensors as we fled. They won't now their dealing with an alliance though as well as they'll believe this planet is your only world".
Rada started to move towards the door, Williams and Blade wondered what he was doing.
"Come I wish to see his men that I may judge them, you can tell us the rest we need to now on the way." Satrx was rather surprised, was this guy for really, he looked towards Williams and Blade wondering what they were thinking. They simply motioned him to follow.
As they exited the room Captain Cutter was waiting for them. Williams introduced him to Satrx.
"This is Admiral James Cutter," at the mention of Admiral Cutter shot Williams a dirty look. "But he prefers to be called Captain; he is in charge of the UNSC Spirit of Fire, the two and a half kilometre long ship that you were placed on for your journey here."
Satrx was surprised when Cutter offered him his hand, he thought he'd treat him roughly, ignore him, he returned the hand shake.
"So what are you going to do to my men," he asked Rada
"If I judge the trustworthy enough, I'll release them."
This stopped Satrx right in his tracks.
"What, you can do that, won't your superiors be angry."
"Rada Vadam is similar to your spectres, he has free will and can do whatever he wants," explained Cutter.
"Hech he could kill all four of us and get away with it," added Blade. Rada laughed.
"What will you do if my people do attack," asked Satrx.
"An attack on one race of the OSA is an attack on all, however only human ships will be used in battle to keep up the appearance of only one race. We will retaliate if your people attack and we have a planet in mind," said Blade, while Williams handed Satrx a data pad showing the planet in question.
"Can you confirm that this planet has no civilians except for the doctors?" asked Cutter.
The planet in question was called Gothis named after a colony that was destroyed during the Unification war. It was there they tested out new recruits and weapons tech. Satrx felt like he was about to betray the Hierarchy, but he had a slight appreciation for these new races, despite being attacked first they are willing to wait for the hand of peace, had it been the Hierarchy or himself he would have attacked strait away. If they attacked again though it appeared they only wanted to attack a colony without civilians to avoid pointless deaths.
"I take it you want to know so you can send a message my people with killing civilians."
Both Williams and Cutter nodded. Satrx gave a sigh.
"Yes there are no civilians there."
As they came to the cell block his crew were being kept in, Satrx told them what the Hierarchy would have done had they been in the same position, what he told them made their faces as well as those passing go red with anger.
"Unlike you, during a time of war the Hierarchy considers no one to be civilians, if they have the chance they'll bomb your cities from orbit."
Blade growled "Cowards."
As they entered the area where the Turians were being kept, Rada could see into the minds of the Turians. Some were worried about what would happen to them, others were cursing Actuss for what he had done. He could see deeply into their minds' their personality's, trying to make the decision of whether to release them.
Upon seeing their captain the ones that were in the same cell and adjacent all of which share is idea voiced their concern for him.
"Captain, are you all right," asked one.
"I'm fine these beings have been very good to me."
That when all Turians noticed both Rada and Blade, they were shocked to see another alien. The Turian that Blade had scared was in with those who were considered innocent.
Blade gave a laugh when he noticed the Turian. "Ha, ha don't worry I'm not here to scare you again." They were all shocked when they could understand him.
Rada placed his hand on the controls to close the energy barrier that held the Turians in. When both barriers of two cells fell, the other four remaining active, a Turian went and asked Satrx what was going on.
"I'm not sure but I think he's judged you twelve, trustworthy enough for release and free roam," said Satrx pointing to Rada.
"Well good for you now tell him to release us, we can be trusted too," said a Turian still imprisoned. He was unaware that Rada knew that he and the others in his cell had planned on tackling a guard the next time they entered the cell.
"Do not take me for a fool Turian, I can see into that dark mind of your," the Turians that had been released became interested in what Rada was saying. The Turian that he was speaking to just smirked, "And what would you know spilt jaw," he said insultingly.
Rada just grind. "Oh I know many things, such as your plan to attack the next guard to enter the cell," The faces of all the Turians in the cell froze. "I also know all of you still behind the barriers agreed with what Actuss did and had you been in the same position you'd have done the same."
"So what," said the Turian. "They get to go free because they would have dishonoured the patrol by not..eycht"! He didn't get a chance to finish as Blades hand broke though the barrier grabbing the Turian by the neck.
Both Williams and Cutter whispered among the now free Turians, "Never talk about honour around a Sangheili and Yautja."
Blades face was a mix of anger and hatred. "You dare call them dishonourable; your race doesn't know the meaning of that word." He shook the Turian violently. "Long ago my people hunted many races including the humans for a time, we held by one rule, only kill those who offer a challenge, never attack a defenceless one which included if they were week, ill or pregnant, to do so was to loss all honour, your race opened fire on the defenceless instead of going first for a challenge. Do not call them dishonourable you know not the mean of it. When I find this cowardly captain of yours, I'll give him a chance to redeem his honour and when he fails," Blade stopped for a second.
"His head will make a lovely present for my wife," at that he pulled the Turian against the shield, knocking him against it as he let go.
Rada motioned the Turians to start moving with William and Cutter, but he wasn't done with the insolent Turian yet.
"Mmmh, that's interesting, is there a Turian here called Ratass" he asked.
"I am," said one in the cell across from him.
"I wonder if your mating rituals are like that of my kind or that of humans, he has slept with your wife."
At that both Turians went into a rage, one screaming and cursing at the other while he desperately tried to deny it.
As they left the cell block there was a big grin on both Rada and Blades faces, as they left the Turians fighting each other. Williams and Cutter were both slightly amuse. The Turians were in awe of Rada's ability's.
May 23, 2657/2157
Undisclosed System
Turian Colony
Edessan
Orbit Turian Fleet
Orbiting the Turian colony world of Edessan , a fleet of different size and class ships was assembling and preparing to launch an attack on the home planet of the hostile race beyond relay 314, to subdue them and obtain their technology to strengthen the Hierarchy's military. A Turian was looking out a window of a space station at the assembled fleet, that he would soon command, but until then he had to prepare the fleet and assemble the best soldiers for the ground assault.
''General Arterius how goes the preparation for our attack on this new race," asked commander Vyrnnus.
Desolas looked at Vrynnus as he stood next to him then looked at the fleet .''We are on schedule I'm just finishing the roster and about to go over Captain Actuss information about the enemy's strength.'' said Desolas. He was surprised by the enemy's weapons and ships shields; a mass accelerator that puts out more power and destructive force then their own weapons, and also their ships have no element zero at all with shields that can block guardian lasers. He can see why the Hierarchy wants their weapons and any other technology they have.
''Vrynnus make sure our frigates, cruisers, and destroyers have an extra supply of disruptor torpedoes they seem to have more of an effect at collapsing the enemies shields,'' said Desolas
''Right away General," replied Vrynnus. As he walked away to make preparations, Saren Desolas brother walked past him and went to stand beside him; Saren Arterius was a growing Turian famous in the military and would soon become the youngest Spectre ever in Council space.
''Saren come to see me off to win a huge victory for the Hierarchy," asked Desolas as he turned to face Saren.
''I wish I was going with you, but I'm needed elsewhere," replied Saren. ''But I know you will come back a hero for all Turians, I have something here to toast your victory." Saren brought up an expensive bottle of Turian brandy.
Desolas took the bottle and looked at it, it was his favourite kind. ''Save this for me when I return we will drink it together on Palaven. "He handed the bottle back to Saren and the two look out in space looking forward to that moment.
May 23, 2657/2157
High Charity
Council/Senate chambers.
It had been three day's since the last session at High Charity. The next one was in full swing to discuss how to deal with the Turians and how to counter act their weapons and defences. Everyone that was at the last session was present at this, some though appearing by hologram. Those in attendance that were not present in the last session included admiral Anthony Terrence Hood chief of naval operations and grandson of the great sir Terence Hood, vice chairman admiral Xavier Morris, major general Dylan young chief of army and marine corps operations, office of naval intelligence agent Ackerson and leader of the Autobots Optimus Prime who appeared via hologram because of his size.
Remorse started off the session. "So you have had three day's now, what have you learned."
''From reading the information about the battle at the mass relay and from the Intel Grissom and Cutter acquired we have the firepower to take them one," said VC Morris.
''However," said Hood. "From the readings the AI Athena reported that the shields on the Budapest was taken down from just a few shots by the disruptor torpedo's they use."
''Is there no way to create a counter measure for that," asked Rada via hologram, he, Williams and the Master Chief were currently in the communications room at the Shanxi Defence Force HQ.
Agent Ackerson stepped in, '' Our engineers and with the help from the Huragoks they began taking apart the Turian ship, studying their technology and using the codex to further understanding this mass effect technology. And thanks to the help of several cooperative Turians at Shanxi we may have found a way to counter act their weapons."
''What do you mean may have?'' asked Richards
Ackerson looked at those present and began typing at his console; at the centre of the chambers a holographic image of an UNSC cruiser appeared ''when we helped you reconstruct the covenant you let us obtain new technologies from you. One important technology was shields along with the Forerunner knowledge obtained from the Ark and the shield used by the Mon-Calamari and Twi'leks; our shields protects our ships from enemy fire.'' Ackerson waited to see if everyone was keeping up and began again. ''Our scientists reversed engineered the technology and created the first generation shield emitters that surround the ship giving it a bubble look when activated; when we applied these onto the newer ships our scientists also added a unique design in it.''
''Our ships shields change frequency constantly in the hope of matching enemy fire, the closer the weapons fire, the less damage our ships takes, making it a weaker shield overall, but a general type shield able to take fire from all types of energy weapons or other. The programming on our ships forces it to keep the shields on a constant frequency change, but they can be override to be of a specific type of frequency (or close to it) making the shields strong against that specific type of weapons fire, but leaving it vulnerable to all other types of attacks.''
As he finished explaining, everyone took in what he said and Xarew'Radei started off! ''So it's a shield and sword ,we can change the frequency on our ships shields to match the weapons of the Turians disruptor torpedoes, making our shields immune to damage, but leaving them open for other attacks.''
"Yes and all OSA ships have this ability," stated Acherson.
''It's not really a counter measure, but it's better than nothing," said and Adjudicator Bet-Karh. ''What about the Turian soldiers infantry weapons?"
Major general Dylan Young took the stage. ''My people have gone over the Turians weapons and armour; their weapons don't use chemical rounds to propel their bullets like the UNSC's do, instead they use mass-reducing fields and magnetic force to propel miniature slugs to lethal speeds; nearly every pistol, shotgun, sniper rifle, and assault rifle on the Turian ship is laden with features, from targeting auto-assists to projectile shavers that can generate thousands of rounds of ammunition from a small, internal block of metal the size of sand grain this makes ammunition not a concern, but their weapons have an overheating problem that if a weapon is fired too rapidly, heat will build up inside of the weapon and it will overheat, forcing the operator to stop firing long enough for the weapon to disperse that heat build-up, similar to the OSA plasma weapons. Each weapon has three stats: Damage, Accuracy, and Shots before Overheat. Higher levels of weapon inflict more damage, maintain greater accuracy, and can fire for longer time periods before overheating."
''How do our soldiers shields hold up to that kind of fire?'' asked Xarew'Radei
''My people have tested that and their shields can take a number of hits before collapsing, but the armour takes three or five hits before breaking through that is why I am sending supplies of stronger armour to giving our soldiers who will be participating in the attack on the Turians and at Shanxi more protection," Replied young.
''What about the Turians armour what kind of resistance they have on our weapons," asked Remorse
''Their armour has a level system from light to medium, to heavy that provides a basic level of protection to highest level," answered Young. ''They do have a shield or what they call kinetic barriers that protect them from UNSC's form of weapons, but not plasma based weapons; the plasma passes right through them and burns their armour, the same can be said of the laser weapons used by the Mom-Calamari and Twi'leks''.
The Chambers became silent as they all took in all the information that was laid out to them. ''Thank you all for bringing this to us now we can begin planning are attack," said Richards.
''When Athena and Serena were searching through the Turians computers they also acquired navigational star charts; Mendicant Bias will you please bring up a map of the galaxy,'' said Hood.
Mendicant Bias was an AI of the Forerunners that turned on its creators during the Forerunner-Flood War, but was defeated by its counterpart Offensive Bias, his mind was split into pieces one going straight to the Ark and the others on Key ships. When Humanity reconstructed the Covenant, they discovered the Forerunner dreadnought and aboard it was a piece of Mendicant Bias. The day they reached the Ark, they brought both the pieces they had and the one on the dreadnought together—he became grateful and ashamed at the same time wanting to atone for his crimes against its creators. He was made High charity's AI, but the problem was that he only listened to the Humans, or Reclaimers, as he liked to call them.
"Of course Reclaimer," said the AI and map of the Milky Way galaxy appeared where the hologram of the UNSC cruiser had been.
The map showed the area of OSA space which was broken down in to show each races colonies. With the star charts from the Turian frigate, the map brought up Citadel space and Turian space. There were many murmurs of amusement in the chambers at the sight of how much Council space covered. Though it was roughly same in size to the OSA the number of planets weren't even a quarter of that of the OSA.
Anthony Hood began typing at his controls and the map closed in on Turian space and the image of a planet unfamiliar to anyone popped up.
''This is the Turian colony world Gothis where the Turians train their new recruits and test out new weapons technology, you can say it's like the UNSC fortress world of Reach where we trained our Spartan-II's or Sathur where we train our Spec-op Jedi, but if you notice the information there are no civilians on this colony but the military doctors, "said Hood.
General Williams then spoke up, "The cooperative Turians have confirmed that the Intel is accurate."
"So I suggest that if we do retaliate. This is the planet we attack," said Hood. All in the chambers agreed.
"Wait I think we're getting ahead of ourselves, what is the plan for Shanxi," said Richards.
"We have sent troops, warriors and vehicles to Shanxi to take part in the defence," said Xarew'Radei.
"However to keep up the appearance of it only being one race only UNSC ships will take part in the battle," said Hood.
"I, Admiral Cutter and Grissom have formed a plan to deal with the Turians. We have the ODPs ready to fire if they continue on course after given a warning. We know that the Ion-Cannons can cripple them so what we plan to do is to use the Ion cannons to immobilise, after a point we'll call in reinforcements; we will allow one ship to retreat while the rest are immobilised. Once that's done we'll call in the OSA fleet to help in capturing the Turians in the vessels."
"But what will happen should they break through and are able to land groundside, they may send a message and retreat as soon as they see other races," Ackerson asked.
"We'll be disrupting their communications so they can't let their fleet know that their not dealing with one race," said Williams
"When the time comes to retaliate a UNSC fleet under the command of Admiral Jacob Keyes while attack Gothis with mixed forces of the OSA. The fleet will be made up of fifteen cruisers, twenty frigates, five destroyers, and two carriers along with the three dreadnoughts; count them up people that is a total of forty-five ships,'' said Hood.
"We can also have a few of our ships sent with you," said Adjudicator Bet-Karh. "They can use their cloaks and land even more troops,"
"I will send some of my Autobot as well," said Optimus Prime.
''I don't think that will be enough,'' replied Ackerson. '' ONI has studied the codex thoroughly and we believe that when we attack and occupy their world the Turians might call on the Citadel Councils other species the Asari and Salarians for support."
''Exactly!'' said Hood. Ackerson was confused, but everyone else knew what Hood had in mind.
"Remember Ackerson we want to present ourselves and we believe a show of power can do that," said Remorse.
"We'll get a fleet organised for Gothis should the other races get involved," said Xarew'Radei. "Arbiter you'll be in charge of that."
"I am also going to put a hundred Spartans twenty of which will Jedi as well as some Jedi forces as well. Chief, Rada I'd like you both to lead them". Everyone inside applauded his choice, then again there was no one else like them to leave a mark.
"Once everything is done here, we'll join the fleet," said John.
AN/ well I hoped you enjoyed that, I think I might make edits over time to this chapter. The next will obviously be the first/second contacted war. So considering what's been said how do you think it will go. I tried to fix the grammar problems in chapter 1 and 2 but they wouldn't update. The reading the minds idea is actualy a force power and is based on the scene with Vader and Luke when they fight in SW:Return of the Jedi. I also combined it with the Asari mindmelding.