Chapter 6 - Meetings

Jobol was surprised by the efficiency of Blacklight. He hadn't expected them to come here, not yet anyway. Having them here was a potential problem. They could easily infect anyone, though Jobol doubted they would do that. Blacklight initiated communication with them, and waited for permission to dock. There was a chance they used it as a chance to infect everyone covertly, but he doubted that was the case. Either way, he would know for sure in a moment.

They were already on their way here, so it was already too late to prepare for a potential bio-hazard. He couldn't do anything without letting the others know he had known far more about these beings than he should have. Luckily the guards bringing them here had yet to show any symptoms of their infection. Of course that could change in mere moments, if they so desired.

He had not expected this Blacklight to work as fast as it did, and that was worrying. Still they came here, so obviously they wanted something. They did not have to call them on the radio. He was able to find out a bit by that, from what he could gather in so short a time the codes sent showed the radio used was one of the Turian ships from the 23rd fleet.

Jobol went to his omni-tool as the aliens made their way to the scanners. This could prove to be very enlightening.

"What are you doing Jobol?", asked Sparatus.

"The aliens are about to pass the scanners. It could explain a bit about their biology. Considering their choice of technology it could prove to answer a great deal many questions.", said Jobol.

Sparatus nodded in agreement.

Alex and Elizabeth looked at the scanners before them. That could prove to be a problem, though not a big one. He just needed to delay going through for a moment.

"Is something wrong?", asked Pallin.

Alex was quiet for a moment.

"...No, I take it this is a scanner of some kind?", asked Alex.

Alex already knew the answer, but in the time it took him to ask this, he and Elizabeth had made a few changes to his own internal physiology.

Pallin nodded.

"Standard procedure, it's to prevent infection of other species.", said Pallin.

"Right... Infection. Of course.", said Alex before he turned to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth looked at it for only a moment before calmly passing through. There was a soft beep from the monitor next to the machine, and then nothing. Alex followed, with the same result. A salarian at the computer nodded to Pallin.

"They're clean Sir"

Pallin nodded.

"Alright, lets go", said Pallin.

Jobol smiled as he looked at the information that came through. There was no trace of anything. Of course their biometrics were not programmed into the machine, but to not pick up anything was very interesting, and telling. The only way that could be possible is if the virus they are infected with nested in their very cells, rather than use them to reproduce like most viruses, or this virus was unlike any other virus the citadel had encountered. Perhaps even both.

"Anything of interest.", asked Sparatus.

"Quite a bit in fact. The scanners could have been confused by their biology, but according to this, these creatures have absolutely no internal organs of any kind. No heart, no brain, no anything. Not even a skeleton.", said Jobol.

Sparatus and Tevos turned to Jobol.

"What, how is that even possible?", asked Tevos.

"It could have something to do with their organic technology, they could have evolved beyond the need for internal organs of any kind, hard to say, just guesses, not even a hypothesis really. We should ask them when they get here.", said Jobol.

The other two councilors shared a looked before nodding at Jobol.

"These are strange times.", said Tevos.

"Indeed they are.", agreed Jobol.

Tevos looked at the two individuals as they made their way towards him. Their facial features were remarkably similar to an Asari, especially the sickly looking one whose entire body mirrored the shape of an Asari a bit too well. Their were differences, the fur and external ears were new, and the one she presumed was male had a body shape not unlike a Batarian. There was something off about them. The way they moved was undoubtedly the same way as a predator, but it was the one Tevos assumed was female that unnerved her.

If their expressions were anything like an Asari, then the female looked dead: blankly staring straight ahead, occasionally looking to the side, though her eyes never moved, even though they were obviously capable of doing so. Instead she turned her whole head, in a distinctly lizard like fashion.

Another thing Tevos noted was as they looked around, the other one would never look in the same spot, as if they could see out of each others eyes, but she buried those thoughts away.

"Greetings, ambassadors of Blacklight.", said Tevos with a smile.

Said smile dropped a small amount when they both turned to her in near absolute synchronicity.

"Welcome to The Citadel."

The female took a step forward.

"We are not ambassadors. We are Blacklight." said the female.

The male looked up and nodded towards a very confused Tevos.

"We represent Blacklight as a whole.", he said before crossing his arms. "I am Alex Mercer, probably the closest thing we have to a leader. This is Elizabeth Greene. She's the mother of Blacklight, so to speak."

That threw Tevos through a bit of a loop as she took a look at Greene. She had a youthful appearance, if pale and sickly. Something else to add to the enigma that was this species.

"You might have to explain what you mean by that.", said Jobol.

"Well, if you could follow us, we can discuss in private.", said Tevos.

The two Blacklight Individuals followed the councilors, looking around as they did. Above them, on the balcony, were members of various species from across the known galaxy. The two viral beings paid them no mind. Rather, they looked at the surroundings. It was wasteful, petty to look at, but not much else. Possibly built to have the atmosphere be somewhat calm, which it was. Though that was all it was.

The Council Chambers were somewhat over done. Extravagant and spacious, with a large table towards the middle. The two of Blacklight could see the logic in it for individuals such as these aliens, but for creatures such as them it was wasted space. They calmly went to the table, and sat.

Tevos made note they seemed less comfortable sitting than standing, but she said nothing. Once everyone was seated, Tevos was the first to speak.

"So, is Blacklight the name of your government, or your race?" asked Tevos.

"We have no government, nor military." said Elizabeth.

"Or economy.", said Alex.

The surrounding councilors seemed perplexed, at least Tevos and Sparatus did.

"Blacklight is the name of your species then, interesting." said Jobol.

Tevos cleared her throat as she looked towards the one named Alex.

"If it's not too rude to ask, can you explain how decisions made without a form of government? How do you protect yourselves without a military, and how does your society not collapse without an economy?" asked Tevos.

"We are many parts of the same whole.", said Elizabeth. "We, as a collective, move forward towards the same goal. We are legion. We cannot betray one another, we work together, and we are one another."

"Excuse me?" said Sparatus confused.

"Yeah, she does that sometimes. Elizabeth is just being... Elizabeth. She basically is saying we have a Hive Mind. " said Alex.

"You have a... Hive mind?", asked Sparatus, sounding more than a little nervous.

"Yes." said Elizabeth blankly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Sparatus and Elizabeth looked at each other. Sparatus felt more than a little uncomfortable under her intense predatory gaze. He turned towards Jobol who thankfully decided to speak.

"What form of hive mind?", asked Jobol. "I doubt it is a singular consciousness controlling multiple bodes, otherwise only one of you would need to show up, and you two obviously do not act completely alike, implying some form of individuality."

"Individuality exists on some level, though the line between the Individual and The Hive is blurred. I do not think we can put it into words you'd understand.", said Alex.

"That which is considered individual waxes and wanes based on distance from the hive." said Elizabeth.

"Yeah, that sounds about right." said Alex with a Shrug.

Tevos merely stared at the two. That did answer a great many questions as to why the two seemed to be in sync at times. However the implications were frightening. The only species known for a fact to operate similarly were the Rachni and the Geth. Both showed themselves to be very dangerous. There were theories the Keepers of the Citadel had a Hive Mind, but it was hardly clear cut if it was true. Thus far, if a species operated on a hive mind, it usually attacked individualistic species outright.

"We can sense your unease with this knowledge. We know of your encounters with the race called Rachni and we hope to assure you that you have nothing to fear from us." said Elizabeth.

"I think... We are getting off track.", said Sparatus, doing the best he could to avoid the topic all together, at least for now anyway." I am more concerned as to the state of the 23rd fleet.", said Sparatus.

There was an edge to his voice as he looked to Alex.

"Indisposed, though the majority still live." said Elizabeth.

"We ripped their engines off of their ships." said Alex.

"We already contacted the fleets, though we would like them to pass through to mount a rescue mission for the still living Turians.", said Tevos.

"You may do so. The many will know of all we see, they will not attack." said Elizabeth.

Sparatus nodded as he lifted his arm and took out his omni-tool. After only a few seconds he lowered it.

"They have been informed, you have my thanks representatives. So, back to the matters at hand.", said Sparatus.

Tevos nodded before turning towards Alex.

"This council would like to apologize for the actions of the Turian Hierarchy", said Tevos.

Sparatus remained silent, but Tevos could tell he did not like the implications of the fleet being somehow in the wrong, even if it was true.

"We have taken little damage, and have lost nothing.", said Elizabeth.

Sparatus looked to Greene at that.

"Wait, nothing? Surely something must have resulted from the battle.", said Sparatus.

"One of our ships was damaged, but it immediately healed. Nothing more happened.", said Alex.

"That, is honestly quite shocking.", said Tevos.

"None of your people was lost?", asked Sparatus.

"We're very hard to kill.", said Alex with a shrug.

Sparatus turned to Tevos and a silent conversation passed between them, before each nodded and dropped the subject. Tevos cleared her throat.

"Without an economy, reparations will be difficult...", said Tevos, before Greene interrupted her.

"We require none, nor will we give any.", said Elizabeth.

Tevos remained silent. That was unexpected. She could see some logic in refusing to give reparations, despite it being very blunt and somewhat foolish, but to say you didn't require any was very new to her. Sparatus almost growled at that, almost. Instead he tightened his grip.

"I don't think you have any choice in the matter. By your own admission you destroyed several of our StarCraft and killed many of our men. You yourself admitted to losing nothing.", said Sparatus sternly.

"There is always a choice. We grow and we spread. We do not use metals, stone, or wires. Our own biomass is more than enough, and any damage will be healed in time. And we are eternally patient.", said Elizabeth.

"Not to mention.", said Alex, realizing that at the moment Elizabeth wasn't really helping. "We do not mine, or build as you do. We have no resources to give you anyway.", said Alex, who would be somewhat disturbed to be playing the voice of reason in any other circumstance, if the one he played the voice of reason for wasn't Greene. In that situation anyone would be the voice of reason really.

"Knowledge on your technology could be seen as a form of reparation.", said Tevos, trying to find some form of diplomacy these aliens shared.

"Blacklight constructs are unique to us. Our ships, our tools, they are our bodies, our forms. Our "technology" is an extension of ourselves, and we are viral. It is us, and to give it to you could could have disastrous consequences. Any we give you, would prove hazardous to you.", said Alex.

Tevos did not like the sound of that. Neither did Sparatus.

"Care to explain how your technology is you, and how it is viral?", asked Jobol.

In response, Alex turned to Elizabeth, who placed a single finger upon the table. The Councilors watched as the threadlike cluster of biomass spread from her arm like a cancer, creeping and squirming across the table like a pile of worms. Tevos and Sparatus both jumped from their seats in shock, Jobol on the other hand looked pleased, much too pleased as he just put his elbows on the table and laced his fingers in front of his face.

"Fascinating.", said Jobol.

Then the Biomass growth stopped growing before it was seemingly sucked back into Elizabeth. Tendrils danced like snakes across her arm as it slowly regained it's original shape. Elizabeth's expression never changed as she looked to her now human hand and flexed her fingers experimentally before it dropped to her side.

Sparatus sat back down, followed by Tevos a moment later. They said noting as they stared at Elizabeth, who stared blankly back at them.

"Our constructs, such as our ships and buildings are in fact us. The ship that we arrived in was just a large number of us in a gestalt form, containing more than a million bodies and minds", said Alex.

Tevos could only stare wide eyed at the two before them. She saw the truth, diplomacy would not... No, could not work against something such as this.

"How?", asked Tevos wide eyed.

"Before I start I will say that the virus is only contagious according to our will, and we do not will it to be so now. Most of us were once a species called humans. What we are now is a result of the Blacklight Virus. An artificially engineered virus. I'm Patient Zero. Elizabeth is the 'mother' of Blacklight, originally infected with a virus called Redlight, however her unique biology caused several strains to develop, one of which would be engineered into Blacklight.", said Alex.

Sparatus stood up.

"What! You brought a virus with you! Your entire species is infected with this... this abomination of nature. You could have killed us all!", screamed Sparatus as he unconsciously reached for a gun that was not there, catching himself mid way through.

Tevos was practically hyperventilating at this point. She shook as she stared at the things that sat opposite of her. These aliens were so... Alien, their behavior was strange, and they didn't seem to even use diplomacy. She honestly was beginning to wonder if this meeting was even a diplomatic one, and if it wasn't then she was hilariously out of her element. Jobol just nodded, before turning to Sparatus.

"Calm yourself!", said Jobol sternly. "Perhaps you missed the part where he said the virus is not contagious unless they want it to be", said Jobol.

Sparatus turned quickly to Jobol.

"Are you a fool Jobol?! Their entire species is a walking bio-hazard! Who knows what damage could have been done on their way here!", screamed Sparatus.

Sparatus rant was left to hand in the air for a moment before Tevos, who had just recollected herself, spoke.

"Sit, Sparatus.

Sparatus turned to Tevos after her words registered in his mind. She was looking at him with narrowed eyes.

"Tevos, certainly you can't be serious! They are a blight, a contagion! We saw what this one...", said Sparatus as he pointed to Greene "...Did only a moment ago with her arm!"

"I. Said. Sit. Sparatus!" said Tevos again slowly with a tone that made it very clear there was no room for argument.

Sparatus glared at the two things that sat still, watching him. He shook at the icy look in their eyes before he reluctantly sat down. Once he did so, Tevos nodded and took a deep breath before turning back to Alex.

"Despite the... Disturbing implications revealed here, I think we need to continue on with this. Strictly speaking, and I am sorry to have to say this, I think it would be best, for the sake of the safety of our people, if we know the full capabilities of your species." said Tevos.

Alex and Elizabeth turned to each other at the exact same time, before Alex turned back and sighed.

"Good thing you're sitting. Cause we may be here for a while" said Alex.

Neither Tevos, nor Sparatus liked the sound of that. Jobol just nodded.

Desolas had not moved from his seat as he just watched the creatures outside, staring at the creatures as he kept turning to the relay, waiting for the fleets to arrive. Saren had come back after a while, and watched them as well.

"How long do you think these things were creeping around the galaxy before we found them Saren?" asked Desolas.

"Who knows. We went at them knowing nothing. We still know nothing." said Saren.

"The galaxy is truly an unfeeling and uncaring thing to allow such a race to come to be." said Desolas.

"The galaxy proved that with the Rachni.", said Saren.

Desolas said nothing. Saren, confused looked to his brother.

"Desolas?"

Desolas said nothing as he shot up. Saren looked to what Desolas saw, only to see the galaxy map indicating that the relay just activated. The fleets had come through.

"They're here. Everyone remember, the moment one of those creatures gets in sight you fire. Ensign, get me in contact with the fleets.", said Desolas.

"Yes sir."

"This is commander Caesus of the 6th fleet, what is the status of your fleet General Desolas."

"We can't move. Listen, these creatures are dangerous, and we are prepared to fire when ready.", said Desolas.

"Negative. Our mission is to rescue you. Orders from the Citadel. The leaders of this species are negotiating with the council.", said Caesus.

Desolas stared blankly at the fleets, before turning to the creatures. They had yet to move at all. He saw the ships under his care floating aimlessly. He remembered the videos he had seen on the planet and in the ships. Everything replayed in his mind again and again.

Then his shoulders dropped.

"Understood."

The comm cut. The ship was quiet. None of the crew said anything. Saren felt he should, but nothing came to mind. Luckily he didn't have to.

"So, that's it. Our people die, and everything we did was for nothing.", screamed Marcius.

"Damn them.", said Desolas. "Damn these aliens, damn The Citadel, damn them all. What was it all for? We fought will all our might, and it was for nothing. We didn't even wound a single one of these things, not in any way that mattered.", said Desolas as he looked to the nearest beast on the galaxy map. It watched the closing fleets pass it before it's long wings folded in on itself and it drifted away.

"You took our pride, you took my men. I swear it by the spirits of our people this is not over. One day I will end you and your race. The dead will have their retribution. Keep your victory for this day, but I swear it, I will find you and I will kill you until none stand. Even if it takes a life time, you will all die."

Saren put his hand on his brother's shoulder. Desolas turned to his brother.

"You won't do it alone. I will help you brother, no matter how long it takes", said Saren.

Desolas nodded.

"Thank you Saren."

Saren nodded as Desolas took a step forward to address the crew around him. Many looked defeated. Feeling as if the terror they endured was for nothing. Desolas knew that feeling right now, but he pushed it aside.

"Today is lost, tell the men to power down the weapons.", said Desolas.

Marcius stood.

"Sir, I knew many of those who died. I will help you when it is time.", said Marcius.

Many more Turians began to stand, each pledging themselves to Desolas. Despite it all, Desolas counted that as a victory, no matter how small. The fleets were ready to begin boarding. Before he left Desolas turned back to the creature on the galaxy map as it made it's way towards the planet. The hologram flickered before it disappeared from view. There were others of those beast, each as different as the last. Every single one leaving the area. Desolas reached out and shut the galaxy map off.

"Enjoy your victory, but this is not over."

The councilors had just listened to the two before them as they explained all they could. Sparatus was the first to cry impossible, until Alex demonstrated some of their abilities. Sparatus felt sick as he got to personally witness exactly what the rapidly shifting arm of Alex could turn into. Their experience as councilors told them to keep their cool, their instincts told them to fight or flee.

Alex shifted his arm to normal as he took his seat. He blinked a bit before pointing to his temple.

"Just got the message from back home. Looks like your fleets arrived. They are being rescued as we speak. Maybe it's done. Not sure, the Hive Mind has a bit of a lag. We had to lay a few Brain hives on the way here to keep a connection.", said Alex off hand.

"Your hive mind must make things simple.", said Jobol.

"More or less.", said Alex.

It was at this time Sparatus Omni-tool flashed into being. He examined it a bit before nodding.

"He's right, the Primarch Olymnian just informed me the fleets arrived and are preforming a rescue."

Tevos could only stare ahead. She did not even hear the short conversation that took place. When the two finished, she remained still. For the first time in her life, she was scared. These things were a nightmare made flesh. This wasn't a species, it was a cancer. One she knew she could not fight with words. She doubted they could fight it with weapons.

Their mere existence could cause terrible changes if the people found out. This species was so much more than anything else. It could not remain on The Citadel. She seriously considered destroying Relay 314. They could not destroy them, could not quell them, could not reason with them. Which begged the question.

"Why are you here?", asked Tevos.

It came out as barely a whisper, but everyone caught it. Jobol was quite shocked, he had never heard Tevos being quite so blunt.

"We're bored.", said Alex.

Tevos blinked as she stared at Alex, doing the best to resist the urge to run.

"Bored?! You're... Bored." screamed Tevos.

"Yep." said Alex with a sharp nod.

Jobol watched the Asari carefully. Tevos was displaying signs of an oncoming nervous breakdown, which would only make the situation much more difficult.

"We do not want your worlds, your resources, or your people. What we want is your companionship. Your presence as sapient entities separate from the Hive Mind. We wish to end the never-ending tedium of our existence.", said Elizabeth.

"C-companionship?", asked Tevos.

"Yeah, some see a side effect of the Hive Mind is that we know everything about each other. You are not connected to us, therefore you interest us. We are not here for diplomacy, we are here to extend our hand to you and your people. We don't want to infect you. If we consume all life in the galaxy, what then would be left for us to do? We did it once with Earth, and we won't allow it to happen again.", said Alex.

"That is why you are here, for companionship?", asked Sparatus in such a way it was as if he honestly couldn't believe it.

"Is it so strange to believe we only want to live among you?", asked Elizabeth.

"I see no problem with it.", said Jobol.

"Are you mad?!", screamed Sparatus.

"They cannot infect us without all of them knowing, their hive mind prevents it. Effectively they are a species that will never have a criminal among them. Even now we do not speak to two individuals but their whole species. Their reason for not assimilating all life is understandable even for me, and I don't possess a hive mind. There would have to be rules and limitations in place to prevent any possible outbreaks. Despite their biology, they have given us no reason for us to believe them to be anything but honest.", said Jobol.

"And how would we enforce these rules? These creatures are all but immortal. We have no weapons that could harm them. What reason would they have to obey our laws?", asked Sparatus.

"We are immortal, but we are not invincible. Close, but not quite.", said Elizabeth.

Alex nodded.

"Your weapons are almost completely ineffective against us, but your GARDIAN lasers could cause some damage that would take longer to heal. Also, Evolved like us are weak against electricity. It can't kill us, but it makes a lot of our abilities difficult to do. It screws with our ability to alter out biomass. You could enforce your laws, but you would find none of us who would go against them.", said Alex.

"Indeed. You forget their hive mind Sparatus. The fact we are not infected speaks well of their intent. They are not asking for much, just friendship. They could have easily taken us out by force. The ship they arrived in is literally an entire army of them that could attack at a moments notice, and we would have been completely unprepared and without The Citadel galactic society would collapse. Seeing as they chose to speak with us rather than remove us and watch the chaos, I am willing to believe them." said Jobol.

"They destroyed their planet Jobol!"

"Actually that's not entirely true. Really I never had the intention of infecting the whole of human species. It was caused by an incident.", said Alex.

"So you accidentally destroyed all life on your planet. That does not sound much better." said Sparatus.

"We evolved to contain ourselves.", said Elizabeth.

"If it was done accidentally, then how did it happen?", asked Tevos.

Alex drummed his fingers on the table before him. Almost as if he was reluctant to say anything.

"There was an organization known as Black watch. Let's just say they were bad people. They were deployed in a town called Hope that was used to test the Redlight virus. They kept the virus contained in the town by any means, and I do mean any means. The Redlight virus had a 99.9% mortality rate, but a few survived. Like we told you Elizabeth had unique biology, and she was pregnant at the time. The child was altered severely by the virus, and became known as PARIAH. I was the first person infected with Blacklight, but PARIAH was very similar. Everything I could do artificially, he could do naturally. After dealing with the outbreak that created me, I went into hiding.", said Alex.

"Black watch hunted Mercer, using whatever means it had in an attempt to either capture or destroy him. He was a threat to their organization. Actively their enemy, and a loose end they wanted tied up.", said Elizabeth.

"Black watch believed that should PARIAH and I ever meet, the result would be catastrophic. They thought the result would leave me dead, but were nonetheless wary to have us meet, initially anyway.", said Alex.

"I take it you two met?", asked Jobol.

"We did. Black watch was getting desperate. They led me into the cell PARIAH was contained in. Imagine my surprise to see a small child sitting alone in a cell.", said Alex.

"Child?", asked Tevos surprised, and sickened.

"PARIAH did not age past six years, biologically or mentally anyway. He however was very powerful. Able to kill anything simply by touching it, and had a level of control over the virus that neither I nor Greene ever did. I still do not know how I was able to resist his control over me. It was like he could make me someone else." said Alex.

"The end to that meeting however was unexpected." said Greene.

"I got close to PARIAH, and in desperation I consumed him. Black watch thought PARIAH would kill me, but instead I evolved much to rapidly to control.", said Alex.

"It took only three weeks for us to spread across the land. The other countries were protected by the sea, which initially we could not pass. It took three hours to evolve past that weakness by consuming amphibious life. In two months the human species was no more, and in eight months we had consumed all life on the planet earth. We barely had control over ourself during this time.", said Greene.

"Consuming PARIAH made controlling the virus impossible. Originally when I consumed another I took their memories but they were dead, only existing as echoes in my mind. When I consumed Pariah, the Hive Mind evolved into what it is today. Everyone I had consumed was no longer just a memory, they were all alive. Minds who had traumatically died, all coming back at once. They were scared and confused, and I couldn't control my own biomass anymore with that many personalities acting out at once. I had to build the hive mind from scratch in such a way that it allowed us to control ourselves. By the time I did it, we were all that remained on earth.", said Alex.

The room was quiet after that, not even Jobol said anything. Each had heard how all life on a planet had ended, and became something else entirely. None really knew how to think or feel about that.

"We called this state the Rampancy. After it ended, we evolved new ways to survive and spread to the stars. We were looking for you.", said Elizabeth.

Tevos released a breath.

"I am willing to believe them.", said Tevos.

"As am I.", said Jobol.

All eyes were on Sparatus. He remained silent. He looked at the two aliens before him, before turning to Tevos and Jobol.

"I don't know if I do, but I trust the judgement of my colleagues. I am willing to give you a chance. But nothing more.", said Sparatus.

Tevos smiled. With that all out of the way they could actually get to something resembling diplomacy. She felt much more comfortable with that than anything previous.

"Then it is decided. You have reached out to us, and we will return the gesture. Perhaps now we should discuss the limitations of your race.", said Tevos.

"First and foremost is the situation of garden worlds. They are rare enough as it is. How many do you have?", asked Sparatus.

"One. Earth no longer counts. However we live on many planets and moons, even a few asteroids. We even can survive on gas giants, we spread fast and far looking for you.", said Alex.

"That is a relief, and helps us in the long run. You can keep your worlds, but we request that you let us know about any more, and that your people steer clear of garden worlds. We need to mark systems you already possess.", said Tevos.

"Fine with us, we have plenty of room as it is. Our spread was mostly to find you, not new worlds", said Alex.

"That is good to hear. Now normally genetic engineering is illegal, however while you're the product of it, your technology does not count as it, not really anyway. Legally it won't really be an issue, but it does present a few problems.", said Tevos.

"It would also be best if we limit the amount of you on the Citadel, and on our world. Your shape shifting is a security nightmare. We need a reliable way to identify you" said Sparatus.

"Black watch had viral scanners that were built specifically to detect Blacklight, unlike yours which seem more general use. We didn't really keep any technology, but we do have the Individuals who invented them.", said Alex.

"That would help us a lot, and put our minds at ease.", said Tevos.

"My people are accomplished scientists. A sample of Blacklight would be seen as a gesture of good faith of your part.", said Jobol.

"Under the condition we are present, and it is only observation, then I don't have a problem with it.", said Alex.

"Not a problem.", said Jobol who smiled.

"And finally there is the issue of your status as an ally of The Citadel. Your lack of a government, traditional military, or economy gives us a lot of problems.", said Tevos.

"Well, how about this. You see, even though our "technology" is useless for anything not Blacklight, anything we learn can be used by you. We know you know very little about Mass Relays. We on the other hand are able to seep into them. We can't get deep enough to turn them off and on, but we do know a bit about their construction, and what they do when ships pass through them.", said Alex.

"That information would be worth quite a bit.", said Tevos.

"What would you want for it?", asked Jobol.

"The only thing you have that would be of use for us is your biology.", said Alex.

"Samples of you and yours among the galaxy, including your wildlife and plants. We are ever evolving, but consuming genes allows us many more options. Life found on Shanxi has given us much already.", said Elizabeth.

"It would make things simple. They wouldn't have to consume us to learn about us, and we would get a lot of information on Mass relays for practically nothing on our end and nothing on theirs.", said Jobol.

"Yes. Nothing is lost, much is gained.", said Elizabeth.

"So, instead of credits or technology we trade information for samples. I like it, it wouldn't change much on either end.", said Tevos.

"We should also try and figure out your place. An embassy perhaps.", said Sparatus.

"Maybe even a council seat.", said Jobol.

"What?! Jobol, they are newcomers. There is hardly any reason, let alone precedent, to make them members of the Council.", said Sparatus.

"I don't think them being members or associates of this Council is wise.", said Tevos.

At that, both Sparatus and Jobol turned to Tevos. That was interesting to hear, considering she was the diplomat of the three.

"They would change too much. Them being either members or associates of this council would cause conflict. Their civilians count as dreadnoughts if in a large enough group. Their technology is dangerously close to genetic engineering, too much for our associates. They would see it as favoritism. No, an alliance is best, but nothing more.", said Tevos.

"We only want your companionship, not to be a member of your government. We agree with Tevos", said Elizabeth.

Tevos smiled and nodded at Elizabeth for that. Jobol nodded. He expected as much, though was surprised Tevos would recommend it. He assumed it would be moot anyway based on what he knew of Blacklight. They wouldn't and in many cases couldn't bind themselves to council laws.

"Perhaps a break is in order. We need time to collect our thoughts and figure everything out. If possible it would be best if both Alex and Elizabeth remain somewhere on the Citadel until this is over,", said Tevos.

"Works for us, I could do with stretching my legs right now anyway.", said Alex.

"Then we will meet here again in a few hours. Good day Blacklight representatives.", said Tevos.

The councilors sat silent as they watched the viral beings leave. None dared say anything until they were out of sight.

"The civilians will panic when they find out.", said Sparatus.

"Undoubtedly.", said Jobol.

Tevos took a deep breath.

"They don't work like the other races. They are the single most dangerous life form I have ever met. Assuming all they said proves true.", said Tevos.

"We will know soon. The 23rd fleet is being rescued. They will answer a great deal many questions.", said Sparatus.

"You know, this could prove to be a boon.", said Jobol.

"And how is this a boon?", asked Sparatus.

"This Blacklight species is with out a doubt the single most powerful species, biologically speaking. They are immortal, near invincible, perfect infiltrators, and each one is a walking weapon of mass destruction. They have a reliable method to gain information through their consumption ability. Insurrection is impossible for them. To ally with one is to ally with the whole race, and we are allies. Not traditional allies by our standards, but allies none the less.", said Jobol.

"Even I cannot doubt their use in warfare.", said Sparatus.

"Indeed. Sad as it is to say we have grown stagnant in our ways. We have not expanded since the Rachni wars. With their help, we can repeal the ban on opening relays. I very much doubt there is something worse than them in the universe. We could destroy the Geth, and doing so would put the Migrant fleet within out debt. That is 50,000 ships instantly added to our forces. We could stop Batarian slavery, better protecting our worlds and people in the process. We could even bring the Terminus systems under our rules. It has been lawless for far too long.", said Jobol.

Sparatus put a claw to his chin. Tevos could only stare wide eyed.

"Sparatus, surely you cannot think that that is in any way a good idea.", said Tevos.

"We would be playing a dangerous game, one reliant on Blacklight. but it is tempting. Still, my gut tells me it isn't the best course of action to take.", said Sparatus.

"Come now, think of what Blacklight could do at our side. We could use it as an excuse to ease them into a council seat, and with them having a seat we would have an ally more powerful than any other. The other races would complain, however they could not retaliate. Blacklight is unlike any foe any of them has ever dealt with, unlike anything anyone has ever dealt with. Any action against Blacklight would end in a Blacklight victory. Blacklight could be the key to Galactic stability.", said Jobol.

"This is insanity Jobol. What you are suggesting is a dictatorship where our word is law. The words of this council hold great weight in the galaxy, but each race runs their people in their ways. So long as council law is kept, we keep to ourselves.", said Tevos.

"And what of the Batarians? Their 'culture' is an insult to this council and all we stand for, and their practices are already illegal under our laws. We should seek to make the galaxy a better place, by force if necessary. In doing so we cement our word as law. We would be forever remembered as the ones who brought peace to the galaxy.", said Jobol.

"Peace through inquisition and crusade is not peace Jobol. What you speak is madness. We have limited the Batarians as best we could, but a slave based economy cannot be abolished so quickly without a long and bloody war. A war we cannot afford. We knew it would not be easy for them to stop their ways. It pains my heart to see what they do to others, but we cannot force change upon the Galaxy, it must come naturally.", said Tevos.

"Your species is long lived Councilor, mine does not have the luxury of time. I refuse to have my life amount to little more than a figurehead for my people.", said Jobol.

"Be silent, both of you!", bellowed Sparatus.

Tevos and Jobol remained silent as they turned to Sparatus. He glared at both of them, as if daring them to speak up. Wisely, they held their tongue.

"We are some of the wisest of our respective races, and if the mere existence of this Blacklight makes us fight like children then I would hate to see how our people and those we protect and guide would act. No, as tempting as it is to do as Jobol asks, Tevos is in the right. Change cannot come by force, we learned that lesson during the Krogan rebellions. We uplifted the Krogan to fight an enemy we could not defeat, and look what happened to them. We are accountable for our actions, and as much as we try to deny it, we committed a horrible act in the name of peace, when we uplifted the Krogan. Change came too swiftly for them. While we were not prepared for all that was revealed here today, we should have handled it better. Much better. We cannot have Blacklight change so much merely by existing. It is unfair to those we protect and to Blacklight itself.", said Sparatus.

It was silent for a while before Jobol sighed.

"Very well, we should discuss this elsewhere, at a later date.", said Jobol.

Tevos nodded, before turning to Sparatus.

"Thank you Sparatus.", said Tevos.

Sparatus gave a small bow as they left the room. None of them noticed the small aphid that clung under the table, and none of them could have known such a creature was extinct even if they did see it.