[Book Four] Chapter 29: The initiative

Chapter 29: The initiative

The first thing Jane did when the Normandy arrived was to contact Anderson to tell him about her return and to ask for the current location of the Celeste. Fifteen minutes later and she was in Kahlee’s office with the whole family present. The reunion took a while, it had been three years after all. Sandra had grown and was well on her way to become a beautiful woman. She was easily the tallest among the group of people present at at least 6’ 1”, something she got from her father and was not done getting taller yet. She was like a taller and slightly curvier version of Miranda.
While Jane was happy for her niece to look like a twenty out of ten she didn’t like having to look up at her because of the height difference. It was already difficult to accept that Arianna was in the same boat, she didn’t want to end up as the shortest in the family. Analysse had grown up too and was a perfect mix of Jennifer and Rick. It was a surprise as beyond the basic gene therapy to check for any defects, they did nothing to her DNA. She was all natural.

The only one absent was Adam.

“He entered N-school a few months ago.” answered Anderson with a proud smile.
“At nineteen?! That’s amazing!” Arianna exclaimed, proud of her baby brother.
“What did he do to be scouted?” asked Jane.
“He graduated a year early with honors with recommendation for leadership and was put under the command of Captain Gurlugovich.” said Anderson.
“The veteran of the first contact war?”
“His daughter. They were on a routine patrol in the traverse when their ship received an SOS from one of the new small colonies close to the border with our space. Things went south, Captain Gurlugobuch was wounded and put out of commission. Adam took command of the troops, ordered to cut off any escape route for the raiders while going down the Colony with a small five man team. They took from behind the raiders and acted as a diversion to give time to the colony forces to regroup and launch a counter attack. They were caught in a pincer attack and decimated. The few survivors gave up plans of other attacks from other Terminus clans.”
“That’s my baby brother!”
“Not much of a baby anymore, he’s as tall as dad now.” Sandra commented with a chuckle.
“Even if he were to be a foot taller than me he’d still be my baby brother just like you will always be my baby sister.” retorted Arianna as she took Sandra in her arms.
“Anyway, Helena snatched him up immediately, not wanting anyone else to have him. Not like anyone would have been foolish enough to try it.” said Anderson with a laugh.
“I still remember her face when Arianna turned her down. So priceless.” Jane reminisced.

After that they further talked about the happenings in the Milky Way, notably the creation of a concurrent Academy from a Turian billionaire but Kahlee was not worried one bit. ‘Let him go bankrupt if that’s his wish.’ she had simply said with a predatory smile that was very familiar to Jane as she had often seen it on her brother’s face. She also didn’t know that sweet but hard Kahlee could make such a smile and unnerved her a bit. The team from Andromeda shared their adventure and misadventure in Andromeda, and thoughtlessly Arianna shared the time where her father got eaten by a giant snake. Jane wasn’t sure if Kahlee would pass out or just up and go to Andromeda to just give her brother a piece of her mind and decided she was better not knowing.

“So... What’s my eldest niece is doing now?” Jane asked Sandra.
“Once I was done with highschool I took Abby’s job as mom’s assistant.”
“Really?! What happened?”
“Well… On my part I wasn’t interested in pursuing my studies since I already knew what I needed to help mom and what I didn’t know she would have taught me herself. As for Abby…”
“She caught her husband cheating with a student.” Kahlee said, somberly.
“““WHAT?!”””
“Got her pregnant too.” added Sandra.
“Please tell me she wasn’t…”
“She was an adult.” Sandra added further.
“Thank god!”
“I fired him of course for gross misconduct and the student got expelled, she was using him for better grades and to get money. Or at least she thought so for the last part, since he was technically Rick’s brother-in-law.”
“He got nothing in the divorce thanks to mom’s thorough prenuptial that he signed and the student dumped him and aborted the baby.”
“What the hell?!” Tali exclaimed.
“Please tell me…”
“Oh it’s on her student records and I don’t think any universities will take her in with that on it. Not like there are many art schools to begin with.”
“Unless she has family somewhere or some connection to be hired for a job. I’m not sure about Omega. I don't think Gran would care if she tried to steal some of dad’s money knowing how she is.”
“Well… Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” was all Jane had to say.

____________________________________________________________

She spent a few days on Celeste, allowing everyone to catch up properly, then contacted Hackett both for all time's sake but also to report the alliance activities in Andromeda. How they were doing, the recent casualties during some exploration… She also gave him a detailed report from her mother and Ashley. Despite being second in command, Rick delegated rarely to her and while she was aware of everything happening she wasn’t in the know of the small details. She believed (rightfully) that he was simply sparing her the workload.
After that, Jane went to the citadel to have a private meeting with the council. She was properly introduced to her mother’s replacement, Ines Lindholm, Tevos temporary replacement and the second Salarian’s councilor since Valern’s passing. They asked questions about Andromeda of course and Jane’s answers were a bit more detailed than the monthly reports her mother made. The direction of the conversation took a turn when she was asked if sending more people to Andromeda was possible to properly colonize the galaxy.

“In theory, yes.” answered Jane.
“In theory?” asked the Salarian.
“What do you mean by that?” Tevos’ replacement inquired.
“That you should discuss this with the man in charge in Andromeda. Do I need to remind you that Project EDEN, while supported and a bit financed by the council, is mainly a private project? The way back to our galaxy is also a private ship. And while I don’t see Rick objecting to more people coming to well… his ‘turf’, not asking him wouldn’t be a good idea. Far from it. He’s rather prideful and possessive.”
“That's inconceivable, he can’t…”
“He can. He controls the production of Eezo, he controls the energy production, most of the best tech in the galaxy and also owns the greatest institute of learning in the Galaxy and is part of a Terminus clan. Honestly, he can do pretty much whatever he wants. He could crown himself king of the galaxy and no one could do anything about it. Some people would be foolish or brave enough to try but…”
“Who knows what military grade tech his company has that wasn’t made public.” finished Ines and Jane nodded in confirmation.
“I see Admiral Hackett briefed you.”
“He did and wasn’t the only one.” she replied, looking at Quintius.
“Don’t worry Commander, Councilor Tevos is probably already discussing things with him and those two will learn that sometimes, you may be at the height of political power in the galaxy but can’t do a thing.” the Turian commented and punctuated with a chuckle.
“Thankfully he’s open to dialogue and cooperation from what I’ve been told.”
“He is. So I don’t think you have to worry much about him. Just don’t talk him down because you’re councilors. He really hates that.”

After that meeting was concluded, the Normandy made a few more stops, like Thessia, so Liara could meet their parents. It had been quite a shock, when the group entered their home to witness the two matriarch going at it like no there was no tomorrow. It was an awkward moment for everyone except EDI who found it hilarious. There was no need to say but Liara would never spring a surprise visit on her parents ever again. Or a visit at all since they kept nagging her about grandbabies. Not that they particularly wanted them but they loved to tease their little wing. Both Benezia and Aethyta took an interest in Arianna but Jane put a stop to it immediately. Or so she thought. During their last night Arianna was introduced willingly to the pleasure of girls' love, confirming what she had suspected for a few years now. She was definitely a lesbian. Since she spent most of her time studying (and having fun doing it) she never gave any thoughts on dating, love or anything like that. Sure she was fine tuning herself from time to time but never paid any attention to others. It was only since her arrival on Andromeda that she did with the free time she had. It always amazed her how beautiful her mother and Aunts were (especially Dorothea), and believed that her father was the luckiest man in the universe. Though after everything he had been through she was of the opinion that he deserved it.

Especially his childhood.

That was a topic she had asked one day to her parents out of curiosity, remembering that her mother had told her that her father didn’t have a happy childhood. Never lying to her, Rick was upfront and the respect she had towards her grandmother took a nosedive. It was only after a lengthy explanation from him that Arianna looked at her grandmother favoringly again. It hadn’t been easy and her outlook of her had been changed forever but it was not Arianna’s business and she let it go. Especially when she caught the two of them one morning in the same bed, fooling around. That had been the shock of her life. That was followed by the most awkward conversation she ever had and probably ever will.

When they left Thessia for Rannoch, Arianna was more aware and understanding of herself. Tali reported to Zaal’Koris who was still in charge of the Quarians. He was quite pleased to hear about Eslah Cicelia and about the mission to get the quarians from the Andromeda Initiative back. He even asked Raan to go with them to make sure that they would be believed when boarding the arks. While Tali was known as her father’s daughter, she wasn’t known as a hero and admiral (or former admiral) of their people to them.

After Rannoch they finally began their mission. EDI had installed a Mass Relay tech on herself allowing them to go wherever they wanted as long as they had clear coordinates. The plan was to make a small jump to the location of each ark, board them, wake the people in charge and bring the ark back to the Milky way, since they were way closer to this galaxy than Andromeda.

“EDI, I already know the answer but… Are you sure of your calculations?” asked Jane.
“Yes, at 95.3975%. Though it’s on the principle that there is absolutely nothing in dark space to deviate their trajectory or that no malfunction happened to the arks.”
“I suppose that’s more than enough. We did missions with lesser odds.”

____________________________________________________________

The quarian ark had been the first to be located. EDI was spot on and then boarded it without problem. Thanks to Arianna’s medical expertise they woke up the captain, a Quarian named Qetsi’Olam. She had been confused at first as to why she had been pulled out of her cryosleep then second thought she was dreaming when she saw Tali and Raan without their enviro-suit. The lengthy explanation she got didn’t make things any better.

“We took back Rannoch.”
“Yes.”
“And made peace with the geths.”
“Yes.”
“That are now full fledged sentient AI and individualistic.”
“Yes.”
“Who helped us rebuild and recover our immune system.”
“Yes.”
“...What the fuck.” she whispered in bewilderment.
“I know it’s a lot to take in…” began Raan but was cut off immediately.
“You think?! All the work, all the preparation… All for nothing! If we could have waited a couple more years…”
“See the good side of it.” Jane said from the side.
“Because there is a good side?!”
“You didn’t live the horror of the war against the reapers and you only lost twenty five years instead of six hundred. I’m pretty sure you would have been even more livid when you reached Andromeda to see that your people have been living there for six centuries.”
“...When you say it like that…”
“Now the question is, what are you going to do?”
“About?”
“You’re the captain of this ark. You’re the one making the decision. You can wake everyone up to tell them the news, then go back to the Milky way to get the ark upgraded for the trip with the Mass Relay to Andromeda or just let everyone sleep and do it. Or let the people decide if they still want to stay on the crew and do the journey or go back home.”
“To think we can travel to Andromeda in two months now…Technology really has gone far.”
“You have no idea.” Tali chuckled.
“Aaaaah… I guess I’ll wake up the officers to discuss it with them.”
“I hope there is no batarian with them.” muttered Jane.
“Why do you ask that? I thought that all species were united.”
“Weeeell…”
“The Andromeda Initiative left after she blew up the Batarian Alpha Relay to delay the Reapers’ invasion. Three hundred thousand died.” said Tali.
“Oh. I forgot about that.”
“They sure didn’t and won’t. And I’m not sure telling them that it was necessary will go well with them. I mean… even the ‘nice’ batarians are still not happy with me despite acknowledging that it was the right call in the end.”
“They still blame humanity for their near annihilation too. They were ‘forced’ to study secretly Reapers tech for decades and when the Reapers invaded through batarian’s space there were so many of them indoctrinated by the tech that they had no defense and almost got wiped out. There are less than a dozen millions today. “ explained further Tali.
“Thankfully the current Hegemony went back to their roots and are integrated well with others. Turning away from slavery was a big help.” Liara added.

From there things went fast. Qetsi’Olam decided to wake everyone up after discussing the matter at hand with her officers. All agreed to go as it was such important news that they couldn’t keep the crew in the dark. Many were not believing it at first but the many vids and speeches about the war changed most of them their mind. In the end Each crew member had the choice to go back to their home or stay on the ark until it was upgraded to make the journey in two months. With the normandy supplying the energy, the Eezo and the mass effect field they were back in the Milky way in less than a few hours. Since they were not about to give a RED or a DRED to anyone the Ark was stuck until all other arks were brought back. Once done, the Nexus, the biggest of them, which served also a space station allowing the others ark to dock would be temporarily upgraded with what was necessary to make the travel into Andromeda.

Rick had given a buttload of CYAN (the BLUE version but to the DRED tha David had made during the last three years) and YELLOW to the council to fit one ship that would make the journey. That’s why the Destiny Ascension was able to make it to Andromeda. There were still people trying to figure out the origin of the energy but none succeeded.

After doing the same thing to the Salarian, Turian and Asari Ark with assistance from their respective leaders in the form of known people to each species, they reached the Hyperion. The human Ark.

For the fourth time EDI disabled SAM, the (inferior) AI of the Arks (her opinion), and activated the waking protocol of Captain Nozomi Dunn. For the fifth time the crew gave a lengthy explanation about what happened since the departure of the arks. Or so it would have if Dunn hadn’t asked for the release of Alec Ryder, the pathfinder of the ship. After a quick and basic check up from Arianna, the man was ready to hear Jane.

“Wait, before that. What happened to SAM? He should...”

“I put it offline.” EDI said.

“...Offline?”

“EDI is the most advanced AI in both the Milky Way and Andromeda.” Jane explained and EDI nodded with a smile.

“The law on AI changes?”

“Not exactly… I think it’s better if we start with the beginning…”

It took time as Ryder was asking questions that needed detailed answers. Something that Jane expected from a former N7 and for the first time she believed she may have understood why her brother was always fed up with her.

“This… is great news. We survived but… I feel like..”

“Your work was not useless. The very first colony in Andromeda was able to start so fast thanks to your research.”

“You already had this conversation didn’t you?” Said Dunn to Jane.

“Four times. Only the Nexus is left.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better. A decade of work…”

“Immortalized.”

“Pardon?”

“Habitat-7 was re-named after you. Rick is many things but stealing credits from others?” said EDI shaking her head negatively.

“He has too much integrity for that.”

“And pride, Tali. Don’t forget how prideful he can be. Stealing credit from someone else is beneath him. In any case you still can go to Andromeda and keep doing your work.”

“So far we just settled on Ryder and Eslah Cicelia so there is a lot for you to do, either for the Andromeda Initiative, the council or Rick’s and mine company. The offer extends to anyone in the Initiative that has enough skills.”

“Garson won’t be happy about this.” Dunn said.

“That’s life. She took a risky gamble, to flee from the Reapers instead of fighting and lost.” replied Jane.

With that, the Normandy crew gave the two a moment to think on their next course of action