Hey all,

First of all I wish to apologise for the fact that it has taken me so long to post another chapter, and the fact that the chapter is rather short. I've been part of a project at my university building a rowing boat on hydrofoils that has sucked up all my available time. Coupled with the fact that I wasn't really inspired to continue this chapter, it has taken me rather long to complete it. But please believe me when I say I will not abandon the story, it might take me a while, but I sincerely promise to see it through.

Well, with that out of the way I wanted to thank you all for the kind reviews and Favs/Follows, I enjoy it every time I see the that the story has garnered such an impressive following, one more reason to keep me writing. Well, without further ado, let's get going!

Chapter 6: Demons of the past

The word lingered in the air for what seemed to be an endless stretch of time, as all of the Salarian scientists looked at each other with fear perfectly spottable in their eyes. Here they were, sitting at a negotiation with a new species, a very powerful species if all they had been shown was true, and not only had they made some very wrong and slightly arrogant assumptions, they had deliberately left out information that could change the way the humans looked at them. Where were the Asari when you needed them…?

Solus wasn't used to dealing with a party that apparently had a means to access networks that they shouldn't be able to access, but it wasn't as if the genophage was a subject of taboo among the citadel races. On the contrary, the subject was discussed rather often, and most Turians, Asari and Salarians had a rather strong and unified viewpoint on the matter. And somewhere deep inside him he found that he could appreciate the thoroughness of the human intelligence network. If they could work out this little kink in the road, Solus had no doubts that the Salarian Union and these new humans would have a very profitable and amicable relationship.

The human representative, Laserre, looked both Salarian leaders into the eyes, "Yes, Dr. Solus. The Genophage. The bio-weapon you developed and deployed to sterilise an entire species. These Krogan, to be precise."

Bom, noticing the cool tone of the representative, cut in, "It appears you already know all you need to, Representative. We were at war and needed a solution."

"Yes," Laserre replied, "It appears you did."

"The Krogan were dangerous, volatile. Needed to be kept in check. The genophage changes fertility, but it does not sterilise. A necessity for peace. Without it, the Krogan would have overrun Council space," Solus added. He was one of the Salarians that knew who the Genophage worked intimately, and was one of its staunchest supporters.

One of the human representatives looked at Laserre tentatively, sharing his thoughts through the neural network. After receiving confirmation, he spoke, "In war, such a solution might be necessary. We can only agree with you there. But that is not our point of concern, for we believe that the fact that this Genophage has plagued a species for so long after said war is… rather disturbing. It's been more than a thousand years, and they still haven't properly recovered."

Bom and Solus shared a cautious look, "Perhaps. If we had cured the Krogan the entire point of the war would have been lost. The Krogan would have restored their numbers within a decade, and we would be right back at the beginning. Pointless," Bom said.

"The genophage, a means to keep a volatile species in check. No longer a weapon, but part of the Krogan race. Keeps their population levels in check. Keeps their aggression in check. Necessary for peaceful cooperation. Without it, Krogan would renew their war. Citadel would be overrun."

Laserre gave the two Salarians a questioning look, "And you are certain there are no other solutions? Have you not figured out a way to restore some semblance of culture to a species after a thousand years?"

"Too expensive. Too difficult. Genophage the best option we had, so we chose it. War with Krogan was deadly, costly. Not something we wanted to repeat. Not something we want… to repeat."

The human representatives shared a look, knowing that the Salarians were rather set in their opinions. Perhaps a different approach would be more endearing to them.

"I have a question for all of you," Laserre started, " I know that the Genophage is something that requires further discussion, but let us move past it for a moment. If we look at it scientifically, we would only commend you for the fact that you have achieved a feat of species-wide bio-engineering. That is something that we could only encourage, as we partake in such practices on a day to day basis. But your solution… as you call it… is rather crude. In my personal opinion lowering the birth-rate of a species is not at all wrong, but forcing small embryos and foetuses to be stillborn is. You are forcing young or old Krogan mothers to experience something that no being should ever experience."

The Salarians stared at Laserre with interest spread across their faces. Perhaps these humans were a much more reasonable species than it had seemed at first.

"It would be so much cleaner to simply change the fertility of Krogan males. Perhaps alter their reproductive cycle such that it would lead to a more acceptable rate of development. For right now, I have the distinct feeling that the crude way of culling them is also depraving their species of a chance to develop. You told us that the Krogan population boomed thanks to them leaving their inhospitable home world and not having to deal with such harsh conditions. Why not alter your solution in such a way that it allows the Krogan to develop naturally on a pristine world?"

Bom then spoke up, "So you agree with us then. If only partially?"

"You misunderstand me, Commander. We do not like such a crude solution to your problem, but it is a problem all the same right now. In the creed we as a species follow we learn that all life must have a chance to flourish, but if what you tell us is true, then freeing these Krogan of their Genophage would remove that chance of development from other species, which is something a human would never condone. But they, just like all the other species, must have that chance. It is why I would propose that sometime in the near future; we would have a joint operation to alter your bio-engineered weapon into something a little more… covert. Something that keeps everyone happy and allows the Krogan to assume a more natural path of development."

Solus immediately grinned as he understood the implications of Laserre's offer. It would mean a chance to work alongside a species that clearly had some practice in the field, a chance to learn and to develop.

"But let us not linger on these matters for too long. I am quite convinced that another discussion on the subject will turn up sooner rather than later."

The Salarians nodded gratefully, fully aware that the humans had the upper hand in their talks. But it seemed that they were extremely rational beings, at least. Most of the scientists had scores of questions they wished to ask, but they also knew that the time for this was not right now, but later when they would roam around the city for a bit.

"We would like to know a bit more about the Citadel Council. How does it function, politically speaking?"

Bom nodded, having expected this question, "The Citadel is our centralized galactic government. The three council races, the Asari, the Turians and us, make up the governing part of the council, making decisions on the more important matters such as trade treaties, military and naval operations, colonization rights etc. Next, there are Citadel races, which have an embassy on the citadel where their head politician resides. The ambassador is allowed to petition the council in matters that concerns them and the Council then decides on the proper course of action."

"So the three Council races basically share all the power," a human scientist said, "And what exactly is membership of this Council based on?"

"Military, diplomacy and intelligence. Each of the council races contributes heavily to the citadel fleets, most notably the Turians. The Asari also provide excellent diplomats for all matters concerning other species and regions, whilst our own species provides the military intelligence required to keep the peace. And of course, our combined experience on the council gives us another reason to sit where we sit and be where we are."

"It sounds like an oligarchy," Laserre stated, "Not necessarily a bad form of government, but a vulnerable one as well. Does each species have its own government apart from the councillors and the citadel?"

"They do. The Turian have their Hierarchy with the Primarch at the head. The Asari are led by a council of wise Matriarchs and we ourselves have scores of Dalatrasses that govern their designated regions."

Laserre frowned, "You have no centralized government?"

"The councillor would be the closest we can get. He truly represents our species, but the true political power lies with the strongest Dalatrass. May I inquire to your own form of government?" Bom asked.

"I believe we have already discussed it a little, but of course, I would be honoured to tell you more. Humanity has been governed by a democratic system for millennia now, although it is an ever expanding one. We have three main bodies, the Lower Council, The High Council and the High Consul. In the lower council, each world or planet is represented by a single human chosen from the population of their respective homes. From this Lower Council, nine representatives are chosen to join the Terran Representative on the High Council, from which the High Consul is chosen as the Representative of our entire species."

"It seems to be very similar to the Asari government," Bom commented.

"Indeed, similarities are quite obvious," Solus agreed.

Laserre smiled knowingly, comparing the two species was something that would be happening a lot in the near future, "So, another question then. What is it that you expect from new species you meet? From all we've heard a new race usually joins your pan-species government as a member race."

"Most logical course of action. New species often too young, too inexperienced to lead. Profit for both parties with current arrangement," Solus said.

"An interesting conundrum," Laserre mumbled as she stood up from her seat, "And my honoured guests, let that be the conclusion of our first meeting today. I am quite sure these talks of ours will continue tomorrow, but for now please enjoy our hospitality and feel free to explore Parthena."

The Salarian scientists looked very eager as Laserre said that, most of them itching to get their hands on human tech.

"A sound plan. Thank you representative," Bom said with a thankful tone to his voice.

Most of the human scientists started leaving the building, leaving the Salarians alone with Laserre.

"You will find proper quarters for each of you on the second floor of this building. Please ask one of the employees to escort you if you require us to do so," she said as she too walked out of the room.

When all the humans had left the room, Solus, Bom, and a few of the Salarian scientists gathered together, muttering words of awe, praise and apprehension.

"We are being watched, be careful what you say," Bom opened.

"Agreed. Exploring the planet, good idea. Possibly many interesting feats of technology to observe. Would recommend… to watch very closely."

"They seem very advanced, sir," one of the scientists said.

"Because they are, most likely. Remain cautious," Bom instructed.

The Salarians nodded before scattering, leaving the boardroom as empty and clear as it had been right before the first talks.

Meanwhile, Laserre and her advisors had gathered in an underground debriefing room situated directly beneath the diplomatic quarters. The debriefing room was one of many that were part of the Parthena Intelligence Network, a system of tunnels and shielded corridors that ran directly below the city. To get in, one had to pass two DNA authorization screens with a thick wall of nanite plating in between. No-one without the proper authorization could ever get into the tunnels, leading to it being an environment that allowed everyone within to speak freely.

"I believe that we have gained the upper hand in the talks, even though we have only just established preliminary contact. Our main objective is to keep this slight advantage for the duration of the Salarian visit, whilst not driving them into a corner completely. Remember, the goal is for the Salarian Union to ally themselves with us, not view us as the adversaries or even enemies," Laserre began.

"Furthermore, I believe it of the utmost importance that we slowly coax them into trusting us before revealing our use of artificial intelligence. According to the codex our AI's plucked from their network, all of the species of the Citadel Council harbour an inherent fear of artificial intelligence due to their prior experience with the Geth. We have, naturally, already established protocols to keep their existence hidden, but I want to remind all of you to not even mention AI's. All AI's currently planet side have been ordered to use android bodies for the time being, so the chance of discovery is truly very small."

Most of the advisors nodded in agreement, "Madame Laserre, I believe we should offer a few of them a taste of what is to come. Take that doctor Solus, for example, and show him how the Sol System looks, whilst the rest of them return to fetch both their Dalatrass and the Council. I wholeheartedly believe that giving the doctor a glimpse of our capabilities will cement his position on the negotiating table, and from what our AI's have told us, the Doctor is a rather influential individual."

"A sound idea," Laserre agreed, "But run it by the High Council first. If they agree we will offer the Doctor this chance in person or work it into the talks, I'd daresay he would jump at the chance."

All the people in the room agreed wholeheartedly, and such the idea was sent to the High Council within nanoseconds, whilst the group continued to discuss a few other elements of the Salarian visit.

Meanwhile, the Salarian delegation was enjoying the many "classical" sights and treats that Parthena had to offer. Solus, for example, had made his way to the Parthena Archaeological Labs.

"Dr. Solus, Welcome," said one of the human archaeologists assigned to the front desk as the doctor entered the library atrium, "Is there anything in particular we can help you with?"

"Archaeology always interesting. Aspects of civilization show how their psyche is built up. Was wondering if I could get a tour of the facility?" Solus jabbered.

"Of course," the human said, sending for the lead Archaeologist using the neural link whilst the Salarian doctor looked around the entrance hall of the labs.

There were several encased sheets of what seemed to be an ancient paper, covered with strange symbols that formed a text. Several pieces of rock were displayed proudly along the walls, their purpose engraved in each particular stand.

After a while, Doctor Lanzarius walked into to atrium to greet the Salarian scientist.

"Dr. Solus, a pleasure to meet you," Lanzarius said, "My name is Dr. Rudolf Lanzarius. If you would come with me, I'll show you parts of the work we've been doing here."

"Agreeable," Solus said as he gave the human doctor a queer look due to his outstretched limb.

The two of them walked through a silent sliding door, revealing a rather large laboratory filled with rocks, pieces of ruins, bones and other oddities. There was something that Solus gathered could be a scanner of o kind that was busy moving around an object that looked to be a very symmetric piece of stone.

"Welcome to our main Archaeological process facility, doctor. As you can see, a lot of dating and preliminary work that is hard to accomplish at dig sites is done here."

"Prothean ruins?" Solus asked with sincere interest.

The human doctor made a hitched sound, possibly a humoristic reaction, "No, he replied. A planet about three lightyears from Parthena contained a lot of ruins from an extinct pre-space species. We have a lab set up on that planet, but most of the important pieces are shipped to Parthena, for our facilities here are somewhat more… advanced."

"Pre space-flight?" Solus asked in wonder, "Not too much to learn…"

"But nevertheless," Lanzarius replied, "We still want to learn. Humanity always wants to learn more. We are, after all, curious beings."

"I see," Solus said, still believing anything other than Spaceflight capable species to be a waste of his own precious time. There was simply not enough to be gained from studying ancient beings that were rather primitive.

"Any other species here?" Solus asked after following the doctor around the room and taking a look at the various ancient artefacts floating in what Solus assumed to be special sterile containers.

"I see that technological artefacts are more up your alley," Lanzarius said with a small grin, "I believe we have just the thing for you," he said as he led the Salarian doctor into a rather large oval room with a sleek, floating silver ball in the middle.

Solus gawked at the strange object, wondering what it was. "We found it in orbit around the Star in this system when we first arrived here. It's been an object of discussion ever since, but we believe it is be a Pre-prothean satellite."

Solus nodded, noting the lack of any edges, reminding himself of the fact that Prothean artefacts had a rather distinct look.

"The object contains some rather advanced computational hardware. Not as good as our own, of course, but still rather advanced," Lanzarius said as he opened up a haptic display of the sphere's inner structure.

Solus agreed, seeing the way the hardware was wired and noting that it was very similar to one of the latest updates in Salarian computational machines.

"Advanced system, I agree. Human machine still faster, according to you?" Solus asked.

"Of course, but then again, our system operates on a wholly different track," Lanzarius said, leaving Solus to wonder about what the human doctor meant. But whatever it was, the visit to the labs was more than interesting enough to justify his coming here.

At the same time, Bom was being led through the central district, seeing wonderful examples of human classical architecture. The whole city reminded the Salarian captain of something he had seen on Thessia, a city called Duvolis. It was one of the only Asari cities that boasted original pre-space architecture in its entirety, and thus had a distinctly ancient feel to it. Bom felt that the human city gave the same vibe, but given that the place was a colony, he considered it to be strange for the city to look like it did.

Most of the other Salarians on Parthena were experiencing similar things, leading to all of them being full of questions when the two groups met again the second day of diplomatic talks.

"Representative, before we continue our discussion, I would like to ask a question about the city," Bom said when all of them gathered around the dark wooden table again.

"Go ahead, Captain," Laserre said.

"I walked through the city yesterday; I couldn't help getting a feeling that most of the architecture is rather… well archaic for lack of a better term."

Laserre smiled, "It is."

"May I ask why it is?" Bom asked, genuinely surprised.

"It gives our people a sense of pride, to be able to build a place where one feels as if he has stepped into an ancient city district of a city on Terra. Parthena is dedicated to Arts, Diplomacy and History, so we felt that the city should show that."

"You would waste resources simply to make a city look a certain way?" Solus asked, perplexed.

"No, not waste," Laserre said with a calculating look.

"I apologise, representative. Perhaps it was not the best term to use. I am simply surprised that an advanced species such as your own has such love for urban aesthetics that it is willing to spend resources on it. Most of the other species would build something that is more in line with current developments when building a colonial settlement. That's all."

"Ah, I quite agree, captain. But Parthena is special. It is dedicated like no other of our colonies. And such, it deserves just that little bit more, especially considering the fact that the city is the only one on the planet."

"There are no other settlements on the planet?" Solus asked in wonder.

"Not yet," Laserre said, "But in the future there will be, that much I can guarantee, though they will not be our own."

"Not your own?" one of the salarian scientists asked.

"No. But more on that when we meet your Council, for it concerns all of the Citadel Species."

Most of Salarians remained quiet for a while after that, wondering what it was that the humans were offering, and most of them already deduced that it meant that the humans possibly wanted other species to build their own cities on the planet, but why would a species offer such rights…

"I have a question for you, Captain Bom," Laserre began after a few moments of silence.

"Go ahead," the Salarian captain muttered.

"It concerns a species that is no longer part of your citadel, known as the Quarians."

"What about them?" Bom asked, no longer being surprised that the humans knew things about them that they hadn't told. They probably had gained access to the codex somehow.

"We would like to know if the council would be agreeable to us offering them assistance."

"Why?" Solus asked.

"Because our creed tells us we need to help them. According to our intelligence they are currently roaming the galaxy in a migrational fleet… And they are currently in need of a place to grow, to settle, as it were."

"The Turians would never agree…" one of the Salarians said quietly, but still loudly enough for everyone to hear.

"And why is that?" Laserre asked.

"Because they created the Geth," Solus said.

"The Geth, the A.I. that drove them away," Laserre said, gaining a few reproachful looks from the Salarians, "Shouldn't you help a species that loses so much…"

"Not if they release such a scourge on the galaxy. Thanks to the quarians an entire sector of the galaxy is now too dangerous to enter. It means that planets and resources, loads more than just one planet, were lost to all of us. Most of the Citadel believes, the Turians most of all, that the Quarians deserve their punishment. What's to say that they don't create a new AI if they settle somewhere new?"

"I see," Laserre said, having gained a little bit more understanding of the Citadel Species' psyche.

"But such things can be discussed with the council; I am sure of that," Bom said, ready to move into the topics they were truly here for, "What I was wondering, is there a possibility for a technological exchange between our two species. I am sure that we could offer each other a lot, and it would help you and your species in your contact with other Citadel species."

"There's always a possibility for such a thing, yes. But you should know our only rule of such exchanges. We do not share technology that you couldn't create yourself yet. For us to know what we can and will share, we need to see what your civilization is capable of."

"An exchange then?" Solus asked.

"An exchange of personnel, yes." Laserre said.

"We would like Dr. Solus to accompany us back to Sol, as it is there where we can truly show him what we are capable of. And in the meantime we would like to send an envoy to your own capital planet."

Bom nodded, seeing this as an ideal way to learn more about the humans. Solus was, after all, a brilliant mind who could see things others would miss.

"Agreed," he said as he gave the doctor a nod.

"Very well then. I believe that much good will come from such an exchange."

And that's a wrap for now. It was a good point to end it, and I will try working the citadel into the next chapter. I'm not going to say when it'll come out, but I'll try to write whenever I have some time and inspiration.

Also, please R/R and thank you for reading. See you next chapter!