Liara T'Soni.
While the diplomatic mission works with the Raloi, other matters can be attended to, specifically Omega and the Batarian Hegemony. And of course, the Humans with their superweapon—can't do without them.
Omega continues to surprise. The Collectors, having clearly completed their tasks, successfully retreated through the Mass Relay. In response, the Covenant, having sent even larger forces, wiped out its own fleet, simultaneously raking Omega with plasma. They didn't destroy it, only burned several points of interest of the Collectors and the indoctrinated. After which the Covenant began the assembly of a new base, clearly a long-term one.
I assume that this time they will approach personnel selection much more responsibly. The new base is no longer repurposed Omega structures, but a completely new block. One must assume it is protected an order of magnitude better than the previous ones. But that won't save them from the Shadow Broker; among those still serving the Covenant, there are her agents as well.
The fact that the Collectors acted together with a clearly indoctrinated Covenant is frightening. And the fact that they now have samples of these races and their technologies. I don't want to think about what the Reapers could achieve with such tech. We need to deal with them as soon as possible. The Council Races' operation is being prepared; it needs to be accelerated. We can't delay any longer.
The second problem is the Batarian Hegemony, where a revolution has suddenly occurred. Not across the entire territory—at the moment in three of their colonies, and in two more, political instability is occurring, clearly ready to escalate into new waves of riot. And no one can say for sure—HOW?
How a relatively stable political structure, controlling the situation in the state for hundreds of years, suddenly begins to storm. Why previously loyal rulers and officers of the Hegemony, as if indoctrinated, order robots to kill soldiers, sponsor the uprising, and supply weapons to slaves. And then simply vanish.
It looks indecently similar to indoctrination. Even if there is no proof. But I remember Cerberus. I remember the Illusive Man, who was indoctrinated, began turning his soldiers into Husks, not even understanding what he was doing. And the fact that these are Humans... what could they come to? Do they and their AI have a chance? I don't know.
Why am I sure it's the Humans? Because of Vorhess! That Batarian synthetic greedy slug! He was there, on the planet, in the epicenter of the uprising. His speech on the APC hit the extranet. A damn Human agent among the Batarians on the front line of the riot cannot be a coincidence! I almost hit Joker with biotics when he showed me the recording and joked about the topic. Then I had to apologize—after all, Jeff isn't to blame—and listen to new jokes that this rascal had fallen into my heart. And only the new threat of a biotic strike was able to shut up the humorist. But still, Vorhess! Incredible! While I was looking for him on Omega, he was fighting in the Hegemony.
How? Just how? It's obvious that Vorhess wasn't the only one pulling this off! Did he indoctrinate the Hegemony leaders? And me? Me too? I'd rather not. The problem is that I'm definitely missing something. But what? The answer is right here, close. But where? What is your plan?
The plan is effective, that much is certain. Having agreed on supplies with the Council Races, who also actively dislike the Hegemony (all the neighbors do), the rebels received resources to develop their actions. Since Batarians and volunteers are fighting, the Council armies can deal with the Covenant; this isn't their conflict. And they ignore the cries of the Batarian Ambassador with a clear conscience.
And while the Administrator is busy fighting the rioters, his subordinates interfere less with the Council Races. Everyone is satisfied with such an arrangement, if the Batarians themselves are killing their own pirates and slavers. Everyone is happy, everyone is trying to ensure this situation continues. Especially since the rebels are also receiving reinforcements from the ranks of the dissatisfied and those seeking a better life. Thus, the freedom movement only grows and expands.
And it gets its PR in the media, including through the liberated who have returned home from slavery. A chain reaction.
And there is a third problem.
The Humans. The Humans with their weapon. How to get it? One shouldn't be naive; no one will just share such a weapon. A weapon that can be sent through a Mass Relay and have that Mass Relay blown up along with the system is not the kind of thing you sell. Not the kind of thing whose location will be revealed to anyone.
We need to act differently, but how? Such a weapon will be used against specific targets. With serious security, maximally secret. You will learn of its use only after the fact of the attack. And there are still no agents among the Humans, especially among their intelligence. There aren't that many of them in the governments of other races, but among the Humans, there are simply none. And getting into their worlds is extremely difficult.
The Humans destroyed the Mass Relays leading to them, except for one. Not only I checked, the Council intelligence did too. A bunch of red Mass Relays, without a pair. And ships of the level of the Shadow Throne, capable of reaching Human worlds directly through space—there simply aren't any. Only contacts via direct link remain. And Human intelligence filters information to the maximum; moreover, there is reason to believe that a Human AI is communicating with the Shadow Broker. Who is an extremely difficult conversationalist.
And this is also a problem; due to the ban on AI in Citadel Space, their capabilities aren't even approximately known. All known examples of synthetics are now either hiding with the Humans (EDI) or collaborating with them (the Geth). The Geth will not be the first to make contact; EDI has not appeared in the extranet again. As a result, understanding what to expect from Human synthetics is impossible. The strongest Citadel experts are struggling with this question, but all they have are unconfirmed theories. Human synthetics erase themselves when threatened with capture. So complicated...
In thought, I stepped out onto the balcony of the airship and stopped a couple of meters from the edge. The Raloi, with their ability to fly, haven't even heard of such a thing as a railing. The very concept of a railing is foreign to them.
"Hello, Taat," I nodded to the old avian-security officer in a hazmat suit.
We all wear protection in the contact zone while the medics solve the emerging problems with diseases. Nothing critical, but no one wants to let it reach an epidemic.
"You are deep in thought, Speaker Among Nests. Is it important?"
I nodded.
"Trying to solve a problem. Not related to the Raloi; I have other duties. For me, yes, it is important."
The bird stopped nearby, completely unconcerned about standing on the very edge of the platform. Yes, they aren't afraid of heights at all. Standing on the edge of a platform at a height of hundreds of meters without the slightest tether in the wind... For work, one can, but it's better to have at least some protection.
"I understand, Speaker. Warm tailwinds to you on your path."
I smiled.
"Thank you. How is the squad?"
To observe life in Citadel Space, a separate squad of six Raloi was assembled. From different nests and clans, they will represent Equestria on Thessia. And then a return visit of the Citadel peoples to the planet. I don't doubt that the Matriarchs will take them in hand. Perhaps the Raloi's plan is exactly that—to see how the Asari will act with unprepared listeners. If that's the case, then I applaud their decision. A short beak click came from the suit.
"Excellent, Speaker. Hot and ready to fly beyond the horizon and even further. Forward. Won't you be the one watching over them?"
I just spread my hands.
"No, Taat. The sky awaits me, to put it in your terms. The galaxy is big, and I have things to do. The times are restless."
"I understand. But how about taking a fellow traveler?"
I looked at the bird in surprise.
"A fellow traveler? But the vaccination?"
Taat clicked his beak, this time with a rasp of surfaces, irritably.
"The young do not wish to sit in the nest. They do not wish to wait for a tailwind; they wish to fly. Young Luan of those soaring in the skies of Equestria wishes to go beyond the horizon and has signed up for the test group with your healers."
I winced.
"The medics were supposed to accept only adults. I saw the rules."
The bird remarked on this:
"She has fledged. Adult and capable. Young, youthful, yes. But an adult and can choose."
I really wanted to hit my forehead against the airship's hull, but that wouldn't be professional. We simply didn't think about it—that the age and concept of capability might differ!
"We didn't think about that."
But Taat didn't even take offense. Over some time, I had gotten used to Raloi facial expressions, which are often expressed in feather behavior, beak clicks, and tail flicks.
"Do not worry about it, Speaker. Fledglings do foolish things, adults fix them; she is fine. And now she is eager for the distance, knowing she won't get sick. The expedition to your world is already full, but Luan will look for someone to lead her into the sky. And she will learn of you."
Interesting.
"And you want me to deliver Luan. Where?"
The bird turned, sweeping a wing across the space around.
"Show her the sky. Show her the other skies of other worlds. She has been nowhere yet. But she cannot return home alone; she won't manage. A guide is needed. That is what I ask."
An interesting thought. Is she an agent or... It will be possible to find out along the way. From a certain point of view, it's even easier that way; the Raloi don't really understand space. Perhaps it will be possible to gain an agent.
"It sounds reasonable so far. But what can Luan do?"
Taat answered calmly:
"As the youngest of the daughters, she was closer to the edge of the nest, closer to the blue sun. She is the one who left the nest last of all. Younger children are often envious of the older, stronger ones. And yet the power of the lunar flame fills her wings, however difficult her character may be. When she finds her pride, she will become a mighty warrior. A good companion for one who can master her divine gift and inner fire. Can you manage, Speaker?"
So, a biotic? It does sound good. And dangerous, when an officer of Taat's level asks for her. And he is the head of the local branch, for a second. A stern bird, with a hooked beak and fighting with a pair of curved swords in hand-to-hand combat.
"Closer to the blue sun." Is that a source of Element Zero? Simply, according to research, there is no Eezo on the planet. And there shouldn't be biotics. One could assume a meteorite, or a ship.
"The blue sun, what is it?"
Taat ran his wings over the swords.
"A divine egg that fell into a sacred lake in a secret place. A gift. We protect it. And so it shall be henceforth. It gives the Queen Mothers and their children the power of the moon."
And he clearly showed that he would say no more, and if anything, would attack.
Moreover, in a fight, if without biotics, Taat can defeat even an Asari. Simply because we aren't used to fighting in three dimensions; a jump makes us predictable. But the Raloi aren't; they maneuver easily in three dimensions. I haven't seen their biotics in combat yet. I smiled and answered calmly:
"It will be an interesting experience. If she asks, of course."
"I know my student, Speaker Among Nests. She will ask."
Or someone will suggest it to her.
***
Luan's arrival was marked by the clicking of claws on the wooden deck of the airship. The younger princess (Taat hadn't been stingy and had sent a brief dossier) had already received her set of vaccinations and therefore didn't bother with protection and came as she was. And she was quite beautiful, that much couldn't be denied.
Blue-purple plumage, shimmering in the light, a sharp, clearly honed beak, claws with metal attachments on her feet made of silver or something similar. A vest on her body, bracelets and gloves on her arms, also made of silver, with claws. For clothing, a white-and-purple vest, light, made of thin fabric, not hiding or interfering with the plumage. An avian tail, made of the same blue-purple feathers, resembling a moonlit night. And eyes. Black and silver. Beautiful.
Taking a few steps, the Raloi stopped, looking me over. She tilted her head slightly to one side, then the other, and then in a clicking voice said:
"So, you are that Speaker Among Nests. You look ordinary, for your species. Fine, it'll do. From now on, you are part of my retinue and will show me the sky."
She's got some nerve! She might be a princess, but I'm the one in command on my ship.
"No. I am not your subject, Luan."
The Raloi glowed with biotics, flapping her wings. I frowned in response, also creating a biotic shield. The Raloi tilted her head and remarked:
"A Speaker Among Nests marked by the sacred flame. How unusual and interesting," she dimmed and approached just like that, shimmering with the blue-purple colors of her feather sheen.
The entire color palette of the Raloi is subordinate to these three colors. Blue, purple, silver. And she looks beautiful, walks majestically. I sighed and remarked:
"I was asked to show you space. As the captain of the ship, the commander. If you think you'll be obeyed on board, stay behind. I'm sure there are servants here who look after you. There are none such on my ship. There, the commander is me. And that won't change, Luan, whether you're a princess or not."
Luan nodded.
"I know that. I am the youngest of the princesses, not the stupidest. The stupidest is actually the eldest. And I am stronger than you, and more experienced. After all, you are a Speaker Among Nests, and I am a princess. You will have to submit."
I shrugged, not hoping the Raloi would understand.
"Fine, princess. Good luck in your search for new companions. I have things to do."
But she understood the sarcasm.
"Do your princesses often leave their nests with just anyone? Leave the cities and warm nests to go where they aren't expected? Or maybe I look like a brave adventurer from the old stories? Why am I here?"
I shrugged again.
"Then you have a reason to fly with me."
This time, a kick to the floor was marked by noticeable dents from claws.
"Of course there is, Speaker!" this time the translator gave an emotion of irritation, "of course there is! I am the youngest in the nest; I am not to be one flying high in the heavens. No one will allow the splitting of the nest for my sake. My egg was also in the shadow of the divine stone, but I was the last! Weak! The offspring won't hold! Useless! Nonentities!" with a final growl, she flicked a wing, glowing purple.
A thud rang out, and I realized that a needle about five centimeters long had embedded itself in the wall of the room, and that was only the part on the outside. Needles between the feathers... and I hadn't noticed a thing.
In general, the Raloi's behavior is understandable; their hierarchy is often formed as early as the growth stage. The first fledglings hatch earlier and are physically stronger than the others, and often physically oppress the younger ones.
"So, you were deprived of power. You were," I corrected myself immediately.
The bird used biotics to pull out the needle, and it was lost among the feathers again. I wonder how she attaches them and if they interfere.
"Power? Not deprived of power, Speaker. They didn't even give me a chance. The divine stone nearly killed mother so that strong offspring would result. The Gifts of Heaven went to me and my sister. She was lucky to become the new queen; I got the role of protector. Only because she is older! And started learning earlier! Even though I am stronger! They will only be happy if I don't return, Speaker. It's easier that way; there won't be a conflict over which of us will be the Queen of the Night."
Now that's interesting. Stop!
"Do you drink a solution of Element Zero to get biotics? Not just place the eggs near this 'Divine Stone of Heaven,' but also drink it?"
She looked at me, tilting her head, expressing interest.
"And do your parents not, Speaker Among Nests? My ancestors have for generations drunk the water flowing from the divine stone so that the children would gain the gifts of heaven. As a rule, the younger the fledgling, the stronger it is, has better gifts but also worse health. As does the mother. The divine waters poison her, which is why the younger ones are not to be Queen Mothers. My sister received the gifts, but weak enough to accept them and pass them to her children. Perfect, from the priests' point of view, unlike me. I easily defeat warriors, my control of the divine lunar flame is the best, but because of stupid prejudices, I am not suitable as an heir!" the Raloi began to boil over again, "and everyone knows it! I don't intend to return. Not without power! In any case, Speaker Among Nests. I am the one who is not needed. Extra. Unnecessary. I will prove they are wrong when they drive me away."
I decided to remind her.
"Taat asked to make sure you survive."
But Luan clicked her beak.
"To him, I am a warrior, a craftswoman who can frame metal with the light of the dark moon and crush the enemies of Equestria. As the industrialists who clog the sky with coal dust say, a valuable asset."
Everything is clear. One could say she's just a child throwing a fit, but I've studied their traditions a bit. And in general, that's how it is. I just didn't know about the Divine Stone of Heaven and the Source of Heaven mentioned in folklore. Now I understand that it's Element Zero.
It turns out to be water with Element Zero that their royal family drinks. And for some reason, Eezo acts differently on different eggs. Although, if the first eggs appear earlier, the poisoning will be weaker...
Interesting. While Luan was venting her indignation, I looked for confirmation in the library gathered by our scientists. And indeed, rulers are often mentioned, but always the eldest of the nests—it's written exactly like that. So, before making an offer, I gave a final warning. In the end, a Raloi princess could be a valuable asset, even one like this.
"Luan, the galaxy is a dangerous place. Take the Batarians, for example."
"Whom you haven't exterminated," the purple bird stunned me with her answer, shimmering with the silver elements of her clothing.
Does she like everything shiny?
"And why would we?" the answer escaped me from surprise.
No, I can guess why. The Hegemony is by no means a good neighbor, but still.
"They take you into slavery, they attack. And you endure it, as if you don't care about your subjects. I would have dealt with them somehow. Killed them, burned their factories. Anything."
I sighed.
"It's not that simple. The Hegemony is dozens of worlds, their own fleet. They have always lived and always had slavery. They won't stop just like that."
The bird stepped closer, examining the map of the galaxy on my terminal, which I had opened for clarity.
"Are these your lands?" I nodded, "and these are theirs. Theirs are fewer. Or are their gifts stronger? You have good calculators, delicate ones."
I looked at the Raloi.
"Exterminating races is wrong. That has happened before, during the Krogan Rebellions. They were nearly wiped out and infected with the Genophage. Many believe that was wrong. There are rules that are followed so that everyone lives in peace. And by the way, the Hegemony doesn't actively interfere with us. Most of their slaves are their own citizens and those they capture in the Terminus Systems. They aren't stupid enough to mess with the Citadel."
She listened to me and sat down on a lounger. All the loungers and chairs of the Raloi have no backrest, because of the tail.
"Then they are wise, since they know you allow them to catch your own and use you. Maybe you just like it," and ignoring my indignant look, she continued to reason, "perhaps you just like being someone's thing. But why are you against me owning you then? I am a good mistress; you will be a valuable subject. We can make a contract: I will take care of you, you will lead me into the sky. A good deal."
"It's not the same thing, princess," I countered sternly, "we fight back and destroy slaver gangs. To exterminate an entire race just because I don't like them..."
"Dr. T'Soni, an important message!" the round VI drone Glyph flew into the room, "please stop holding me. I have an important task."
Glyph was being held, of course, by Luan. With one jump, she had approached and grabbed the drone with her foot, pinning it to the floor. Yeah, she's definitely going to have a lot to learn. I need to inform our people who are taking the delegation to Thessia. This could become a problem if they are all like this.
"You look like a soaring fish," Luan remarked.
"Glyph is a VI secretary and does not belong to living beings. My purpose is to assist Dr. T'Soni," and then to me, "Dr. T'Soni, a message for you."
I exhaled.
"Let him go, please. And don't grab him anymore. I'll read it now."
With that, I turned to the terminal, switching the language to a Prothean dialect so that a certain someone wouldn't stick her beak into my business. However, Luan was clearly more interested in Glyph. She let him go but was touching and examining—
watches. Let it be for now. A message, let's read.
TeyVal: Hi. I heard you want to buy vegetables.
This is from Tela Vasir; she found something.
Bureaucrat: I am ready to pay. But what specifically is the merchandise? Planet, quality, delivery method?
Standard questions for inter-world vegetable delivery, right? Generally, yes.
TeyVal: Only high-quality fish, straight from Vol. Only the price tag bites, but the Volus always want more.
Right. Double rate, since a Hanar tried to intercept the information, there is a risk to life.
Bureaucrat: Volus as usual. The goods should be delivered as quickly as possible. It would be unpleasant if they spoiled. But still, what are we talking about?
TeyVal: Stuffed deep-sea Maaasivsi. Freshly caught, in cryofreeze. Expensive, but it's a good deal.
Wait, wait, wait. A ship in space. One question. Whose is it?
Bureaucrat: A good offer, I won't argue. What is the delivery method?
TeyVal: There is a flying refrigerator with blue ice. Fast freezing, rare, expensive, but it will deliver in top condition. Unless the Varren mess things up.
Bureaucrat: Accept the advance payment. I am waiting for the arrival of the goods.
TeyVal: Of course. Your transport is called the "UNSC Spirit of Fire." Await arrival.
Total conclusions. We have a human ship adrift here, named the "UNSC Spirit of Fire." And Tela Vasir was attacked by a Drell, while a Hanar tried to get the information. We need to hurry. I started packing my things, then looked at the Raloi.
"I'll be back soon and pick you up, and then we'll fly where we need to. I know people who can help with biotic training. Deal?"
The Raloi simply stood by the door and objected:
"No. I'm going with you. And yes, if we break the airship in a battle on Lunar Flame, it will fall. I have wings, but what about you? And besides, it will be a diplomatic scandal."
I wanted to object, but sighed.
"I need to be on-site as quickly as possible."
The bird easily agreed:
"Suits me. They don't want to see me here anyway. I will study the galaxy, find power, return, and take the throne. And you will help me with that, and I will help you. Do you like having help from a queen?"
I waved my hand, throwing the backpack with the terminal onto my back.
"Let's go already. Time is wasting."
The bird followed on my heels, and I had a persistent feeling that I had forgotten something.
***
Read the story months before public release — early chapters are on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Granulan