The meeting room of Normandy felt cold, the silence pressing heavily on Shepard's shoulders as he sat alone, staring at the comm terminal. The weight of the transmission he had sent to Admirals Hackett and Anderson, the footage of the Collector base operation, bore down on him. He had made his choice, but now he was paying the price. The minutes ticked by with an agonizing slowness. He knew what was coming, he had already been warned.
Finally, the screen flickered, and the faces of Admiral Hackett and Admiral Anderson appeared. They didn't waste any time with pleasantries. Their faces were grim, their eyes hard with the weight of what they had just witnessed.
Admiral Hackett was the first to speak, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Shepard," he began, his tone icy, "I've seen many things in my career. I've dealt with insubordination, with failed missions, with loss, but nothing, nothing compares to the stupidity I just watched unfold on that recording." His eyes narrowed, the anger in them unmistakable. "What the hell were you thinking?"
Shepard opened his mouth, but Hackett raised a hand, silencing him before he could respond. "You provoked a being with the power to create an army! You confornted him publicly in his own ship no less and you thought you could handle him. You thought you could handle him!" Hackett's voice became a growl, his frustration and disbelief growing. "Did you forget what we've told you? How many warnings did you need before you did something so reckless?"
Admiral Anderson, his face set in stone, spoke next, his voice quieter, but no less full of condemnation. "We've seen this behavior before, Shepard. You think you can just fix things, that you can confront every threat head on with nothing but sheer will. But this? This is beyond anything you've faced before. You confronted someone who, frankly, shouldn't be provoked." He paused, the weight of his words hanging heavily between them. "Ghost doesn't care about your heroics. You've made an enemy of a being we have no clear understanding. And now, Earth is at risk."
Shepard stood silent, guilt twisting in his chest, but Hackett was not done. He turned toward the recording, his eyes scanning the footage. "What we saw in that records of the operation, it's worse than we feared. Markus isn't just some rogue, some mercenary with power. No, this, he was a witness to the downfall of the Protheans, Commander. He's seen it all. He knows what happened. And yet, instead of using his knowledge to fight the Reapers, he's been sitting in God knows where, building his own forces."
Anderson's voice dropped in pitch. "He witnessed the Protheans' end. He's seen their fall firsthand. That's not just knowledge, Shepard. That's history. The Reapers, they're not something out of a legend or a myth to him. He lived through it. He claims this is not his first visit to our galaxy, can you comprehend what that means!"
Hackett picked up again, his voice simmering with frustration. "And yet, despite all that knowledge, all that power, when you questioned him, when you challenged him, he showed you exactly how he feels about 'lower beings' questioning him. That's how he sees us, Shepard. How he sees the rest of us! Primitive, weak, and beneath him." Hackett paused, letting the weight of that sink in. "And you gave him exactly what he wanted. You pushed him, and now... now you've given him reason to act. How long do you think it will take before he decides to test his power on Earth? How long until he just makes thousands copies of you and sends them to Earth?"
The words hit Shepard like a hammer. He had crossed a line, and now the Admirals were making it clear just how serious the consequences were. Anderson's eyes flashed with anger as he continued. "What we saw in that recording, Shepard, was creation. Not just soldiers, immortal soldiers. Markus is creating them, build armies from nothing, and the worst part is, those soldiers are... immortal. What happens if he decides to create millions of these creatures and just sends them to Earth? What do you think our forces can do against that?"
Hackett's voice remained cold. "We have entire fleets of ships, entire armies, and yet we are nothing against the kind of force he commands. If he decides to come for Earth... well, I don't think even our entire fleets, with all their firepower, would be able to stop him."
Anderson added, his voice sharp. "And don't think that this is a one time mistake, Commander. We've warned you. Repeatedly. Every single time you've gotten too close, we've cautioned you about overstepping. Ashley Williams, Shepard. Remember her? She aged 50 years in a second just because she disrespected Ghost. You think you're immune to that?" He shook his head slowly. "You've failed to learn, Shepard. You've failed to listen, and now, you've dragged the rest of us into this mess."
Hackett leaned forward, his voice dripping with frustration. "Markus clearly doesn't tolerate disrespect. You've crossed that line, and now there's no going back. You've made an enemy of someone who could crush us all with a single command." He paused and turned to the screen again. "And what do we do now? What happens when he decides to turn his full attention on us? You think you can fix that?"
The silence that followed was deafening. Shepard remained still, his shoulders heavy with the weight of their words. They were right. He had been warned, and still, his arrogance had led him to make a foolish, reckless decision.
Finally, Anderson spoke again, his tone a bit more measured but still filled with resolve. "We need to understand just how far Markus's control stretches. What he's done is not a fluke. He's systematically broken down any resistance, subjugated the Collectors. Powerful creatures, and shown us that he has the capacity to create life, to shape it as he pleases. What happens next? What happens when he gets whatever it is he wants from the Collector base, when he decides to unleash his creations on us?"
Hackett cut in again, his voice tight with resolve. "We'll need to have eyes on him at all times. He's a wildcard. We've agreed to give him the Collector base as his payment for his aid, without understanding what it entails. And now, the stakes have changed. We can't let Markus use his power unchecked."
The silence lingered in the room as the transmission continued, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on Shepard's shoulders. He could feel the pressure mounting with each passing moment. Admiral Hackett's cold voice sliced through the tension once more, his tone sharper than before.
"We're not done yet, Shepard," Hackett said, his eyes never leaving the screen. "There's something else in that recording we need to address." His gaze narrowed, his voice cold as he continued, "Markus, at one point, said 'PerhapsI'll do the harvesting this time.' Did you hear that, Shepard? We know he has the capability to follow that, my question is do you think he will? Or was it just a threat to you?"
Shepard's chest tightened as Hackett's words sank in. The danger Markus posed to humanity was dawning on him. Anderson, standing stoically beside Hackett, added his own voice to the matter.
"The implications of that statement… it's not just a threat, Shepard. It's a warning. A warning that he could do what the Reapers have been doing. He could harvest us just as they have been harvesting every other species." Anderson paused, eyes hard. "Have you thought about that? What happens if he turns hostile, now that he has the opportunity thanks to your provocation?"
Shepard opened his mouth, but Hackett wasn't finished. "Your outburst has placed us all in jeopardy, Shepard," he spat, leaning forward in his seat. "But now we need to look at what we've seen on that recording. What Markus has shown us isn't just an 'army.' He has an ability, a power to create soldiers, and make them immortal, as if creating them from thin air. He has shown n ability to change reality to his will. He vaporized that security door. Can you comprehend the implications Commander? Let's focus on the soldiers he created, those wolf like monsters. the things holding double blades, the tall Asari like creatures, and the humanoid with robes, using elemental forces as attacks. Oh we shouldn't forget he even made copies of you, Shepard. Clones. Replicas of you, just like that." He snapped his fingers to emphasize the effect.
Shepard felt his throat tighten, his chest swelling with frustration and regret. He couldn't deny the force of their words. He had been warned, repeatedly and now he could see how reckless his confrontation with Markus had been. He reminisced his first clash with Ghost, abord Normandy SR-1 when he tried to pull rank on him. Their second clash was through Ashley, Markus aged her by fifty years in a heartbeat, devastating her life as it is. She was not different for a lab rat since then. Virmire and Sovereign's attack on Citadel came next, his death at the Collectors attack followed by Lazarus Project. He went to Anderson for another meeting with Ghost and Markus refused them, clearly highlighting his dismissal of him in person and Human species. He insisted used every connection he has to bring Markus to the deck. If only he could've held it together and complete the damn operation on Collectors base, everything would have been different now. His gaze shifted downward as the full weight of his actions hit him, but there was no time to dwell on it. The Admirals continued.
"And then…" Hackett's voice turned grim again. "There's the Human Reaper."
The words hit like a hammer, and Shepard's stomach churned at the memory of the grotesque sight he had witnessed. The Human Reaper was a twisted mockery, a horrific combination of Reaper technology and the abductions going on for years. Thousands, tens of thousand of human bodies, processed and turned into something beyond their worst nightmares. And now, Markus had it under his control.
Anderson spoke, his voice cold. "That... thing. It wasn't just a byproduct of the Reaper's harvesting. It was something else. A weapon. An abomination. And we renounced everything i that base. Gave it to Markus as his payment for his help. He claimed the Collector base, fair and square, including everything within it, as his payment Do you think, the Human Reaper was his target all along?"
Shepard felt his heart pound in his chest. "I… I don't know," he replied quietly, still haunted by the sight of the abomination. "But it wouldn't make sense. He clearly shown he has the power to take that base whenever he wanted. He didn't need us to approach him for this."
Hackett turned toward Anderson, his jaw tight as he processed Shepard's words. "This wasn't just about helping us. This was about something much bigger for Markus. He's not simply interested in helping humanity. He has his own agenda, and it's far more dangerous that we have no idea of his agenda."
Anderson then shifted in his seat, focusing on the next point. "And then, there's Harbinger," he said, the name hanging in the air with heavy significance. "What Markus said to him… it's troubling. He spoke about the Leviathans"
Shepard's heart skipped a beat. "I know, though The Leviathans? What are they?"
"Exactly," Anderson said, his voice low. "That's what we need to figure out. What did Markus mean by Leviathans? Are they a race? A code? Something else entirely? Harbinger's reaction to the mention of their name tells me that Markus knows something we don't. And that's deeply troubling."
Hackett looked back at the recording, his expression hard. "Harbinger's hesitation, his retreat from the Collector body, it wasn't just fear. It was something deeper. Markus knows something, something important. It's not just that he has power, it's that he has knowledge. Knowledge that even the Reapers has reacted to it."
"Exactly," Anderson said, leaning forward. "How does he know about the Leviathans? How does he know about the Reapers in such detail?" He paused. "This isn't just about Markus having power, Shepard. It's about the fact that he has knowledge of the Reapers, knowledge that we can't even begin to fathom. And that makes him a threat far beyond what we initially assumed."
The two admirals looked at Shepard, their faces hardened by the implications of what they had just witnessed. Anderson's voice dropped slightly, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
"You need to understand, Shepard," he said, his words slow and deliberate, "this wasn't just about Markus assisting us. This is about him securing something that we are not able understand, something that could easily turn against us if he chooses to."
Hackett's voice joined in. "Commander, we can't trust him. Not after what we've seen. You've made a mistake, and now we're all paying for it. Earth, the entire galaxy, is at risk because you didn't listen to our warnings."
Shepard stood silent, the full weight of their words crashing over him. His mind raced, but there was no defense, no way to excuse his reckless actions. The recordings were clear, the consequences were clear, and now there was no going back.
The transmission continued to unfold, each moment revealing more about Markus's formidable abilities. As the recording played, Admiral Hackett's expression hardened, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Commander," he began, his tone measured but intense, "let us continue with the Omega 4 Relay. He deactivated a Mass Relay with a mere gesture. A Mass Relay, Shepard."
The implications were staggering. Admiral Anderson leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the screen. "For context," he added, addressing Shepard, "Mass Relays are ancient devices that enable instantaneous travel across vast distances. We believe they were bult by Protheans. They create near mass free corridors between themselves, allowing starships to traverse the galaxy in a matter of days, sometimes hours. Losing access to a relay can isolate entire sectors, disrupt trade, and cripple military movements."
Hackett nodded, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Exactly. And Markus, with a simple motion, rendered one inert. This isn't just technological prowess; it's a profound understanding of our galactic infrastructure, our infrastructure. He knows our history, our technology, better than we do."
Anderson's gaze shifted to Hackett, a silent agreement passing between them. Turning back to Shepard, Hackett continued, his voice low but firm. "Markus isn't just an anomaly; he's an outsider with intimate knowledge of our galaxy's inner workings and history. His technological and military capabilities suggest a species, or perhaps an individual far beyond our own. And his command over elements, a different energy source further complicates our understanding."
Anderson interjected, his tone contemplative. "In our galaxy, we harness energy through Element Zero, manipulating mass and gravity to achieve various effects, including faster than light travel and biotic abilities. But what Markus wields... it's unlike anything we've encountered. It's as if he's drawing from a different wellspring of power, something beyond our scientific comprehension."
Hackett's expression darkened. "This isn't just about firepower or advanced technology. It's about control. He demonstrated the ability to summon entities, soldiers, beasts, constructs without the need for anything. Creatures of nightmare, each more formidable than the last. If he can conjure such horrors at will, what prevents him from unleashing them upon the Galaxy, or Earth, upon any of our colonies?"
Anderson's voice was laced with concern. "And let's not overlook his interaction with the Reaper Harbinger. The mention of 'Leviathans' caused Harbinger to hesitate, to retreat. Markus possesses knowledge that even the Reapers fear. This isn't just a threat; it's an existential crisis."
The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of their words settled in. Finally, Hackett spoke, his voice resolute. "Engaging Markus militarily is a non starter. His forces, his knowledge, they're beyond our capacity to counter. A direct confrontation would be catastrophic for us."
Anderson nodded in agreement. "Our best course of action is diplomacy. And when it comes to diplomacy in Citadel space, there's no one more adept than the Asari. Their experience, their nuanced approach to interspecies relations, they're our best hope at navigating this."
Hackett turned to Anderson and Shepard, his gaze unwavering. "We need you two to facilitate this, Shepard. Use your rapport with the Asari, Anderson use your standing as a Councilor. Convince them to take this threat seriously and to engage with Markus on our behalf."
Shepard met their gaze, the gravity of the situation pressing down on him. He had set this chain of events in motion, and now, he had to see it through.
As Shepard navigated the Normandy toward the Citadel with clear instructions from the Admirals, Markus found himself within his newly claimed domain, a space that resonated deeply with him. The scenery before him was mesmerizing, drawing him into a profound appreciation for the cosmos.
He stood in awe before the black hole, a cosmic enigma that had fascinated scientists and dreamers alike. A black hole is a region in space where gravity is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape its pull. This phenomenon occurs when a substantial amount of mass is compressed into a very small area, leading to a gravitational field so strong that nothing can break free once it crosses the event horizon, the boundary beyond which escape is impossible.
Markus's thoughts drifted back to his origins, reflecting on his journey from the moment of his death in his original world. In this new reality, where the boundaries between fiction and existence often blurred, he stood before the majestic wonder of the universe. A black hole pondering the vastness of space and his place within it.
Markus stood in contemplation, the vast expanse of space stretching before him. His mind wandered back to his transmigration into the world of Solo Leveling, a realm where hunters battled monstrous entities emerging from mysterious gates. In that world, he had taken over the body of a mercenary, codenamed Ghost. He chuckled as he remembered his journey starting with copying the stealth skill and climbing from there. One of his most pivotal acquisitions was the Undead Summoning skill, enabling him to bring forth the units he nowadays not even thinking about. Reflecting on his evolution, Markus recalled the moment he copied Monarch's Codex from Jinwoo. Skills of the Shadow Monarch fused with his Undead summoning afterwards. Allowing him to raise hybrids. He got the forefather of his World Gate skill there from the Monarch of Beginnings. That was the skill allowed him to travel to Witcher world.
The path from his initial death in his original world to his rise in Solo Leveling World and traversing the the fabric of reality. His second world was The Witcher World. In that world, he had carved a path of domination unlike any other. He swept through the Northern Kingdoms with ruthless precision, toppling kingdoms, dethroning monarchs, and forcing the once proud nations into submission. Nilfgaard, the once mighty empire, was relegated to a mere Duchy, its glory and power reduced to dust beneath his feet. He conquered with a cold, calculating hand, his military and political prowess unmatched. But it wasn't just the physical conquest that defined his rule.
He had acquired the ancient, forbidden powers of the Djinns, those malevolent, reality warping beings who granted wishes, and he copied Gaunter O'Dimm's own unparalleled ability to manipulate reality itself. With these powers, Markus had become a godlike figure in The Witcher world. He could twist the fabric of reality to his will, bending the wills of other beings to his desires, shaping and reshaping the world as he saw fit. His ability to create subspaces, pocket realities came from the Witcher world as well. Derived from the combined influence of Book of Thousand Fables and Painting at Von Everec Estate.
He had planned to use the Witcher World world as his hub, a central base from which he could launch his further conquests across the multiverse. But now, as he stood before the vast, unyielding black hole, he began to reconsider his plans.
The realization dawned on him slowly, the idea unfurling in his mind like a perfect plan. Why not bring that world to a subspace? Why not store the Witcher world in a subspace he create? He could easily do so. With his mastery over space, time, and reality, he could pull the entire planet, the entire world, into subspace created solely for his entertainment.
As the swirling darkness of the black hole continued to mesmerize him, Markus smiled, a cold, calculating grin. Why not? he thought to himself. I have the power. With this thought in mind, Markus's gaze shifted from the black hole to the farthest reaches of the universe. The future seemed endless, and the possibilities, limitless.
Markus stood at the edge of his domain, his mind calculating the next phase of his plan. With a simple thought he activated his World Gate ability. The familiar ripple of energy spread out, and in an instant, Markus was back in the world of The Witcher.
There, he moved swiftly, bypassing the limitations of space and time. He crafted a new subspace an isolated, self contained space where the Witcher world could be stored away safely. This subdomain was shielded from from any outside effect, a pocket of reality with a simple purpose of housing the the Witcher World. A World he worked tirelessly to shape. Markus enveloped the Witcher world with his reality manipulation, moving it it like a piece of parchment into the subdomain he had created. The entire planet, every inch of its terrain, every living being, was now in the subspace. Trapped for eternity in his cosmic power, locked away in this locked reality.
Once everything was in place, Markus activated his World Gate again, returning to the Mass Effect universe. His domain at the Collector's base was waiting for him. Markus stood back, his eyes scanning the now stabilized planet within his subspace. It was no longer a part of its original reality, but instead had found a new home, one under his watchful eye. He was it's owner, it's master, and now, with the world secure, he could return his attention to Mass Effect universe again.
As the Normandy docked on the Citadel, Shepard, flanked by Admiral Anderson, walked with a heavy heart through the bustling halls. The weight of their recent failure weighed heavily on both men, but there was no time to dwell on it now. Their next task was even more critical. They had to meet the Councilor Tevos.
As they entered the Council chambers, the familiar sight of the vast, elegant room greeted them. The figure of the Asari Councilor stood in her usual position, awaiting the arrival of Shepard and Anderson. Anderson went to his seat as the Human Councilor. At the center of the council chamber stood Tevos, the Asari Councilor, her gaze fixed on the two men as they took their places.
"Councilor, Commander," Tevos began, her voice calm but laced with concern. "I've reviewed your transmission, but I still cannot fathom the scope of what we're dealing with. I am aware of the abilites Ghost or rather Markus Tenebris wields, but the implications are still... unclear."
Shepard met her gaze, the weight of his recent fiasco pressing down on him like a physical force. "It's not just about his abilities," he said, his voice strained. "It's about control. He can shape reality, create forces, and now, he has the Collector base as his own domain. Markus is no ordinary being, Councilor. He's not even from our galaxy. He's an outsider, someone who knows far more about our galaxy, its technology, and its history than we do."
Tevos nodded gravely. "I understand, Commander. That is why I have agreed to this meeting in such a short notice. The threat Markus poses is unlike anything we have faced, and we must address it swiftly. His actions, his abilities, everything points to the fact that he is not a native of the Milky Way Galaxy. He is an anomaly, and I believe the rest of the Council will agree, he must be treated with extreme caution." She focused her gaze on Shepard as this was all his doing.
Admiral Anderson spoke up, his voice steady but filled with urgency. "We've seen the footage. We've witnessed the creation of those immortal soldiers and the terrifying way he shapes reality. There's no telling how far his powers go, and we have no idea what he truly wants. All we know is that he could easily turn against us. That's why we need to establish a diplomatic channel with him, if we can. But it's not going to be easy."
Tevos raised a hand, signaling for Anderson to pause. "That's exactly why we are calling for a meeting with the other Councilors. I believe it's time we bring this matter to their attention. I will inform Councilors Valern and Sparatus of this grave situation."
Shepard nodded, grateful for her swift action. He had never doubted Tevos's wisdom, and right now, the Asari's insight and experience were invaluable. He knew that diplomacy would be the only path forward. If they were to have any hope of navigating this dangerous new reality, they needed to understand Markus better.
As the Councilor turned to send a communication to Valern and Sparatus, Anderson spoke to Shepard quietly. "This is going to be tricky. The Asari are our best bet, but even they might be out of their depth with someone like Markus."
Shepard looked up at the Council chamber, the weight of the future pressing on him. "We'll have to see. But if Markus is as powerful as we've seen, then it's clear we can't engage him militarily. We need their help. We need a way to speak with him, understand his intentions before he makes another move."
Just as they finished their exchange, Tevos returned, her expression more solemn than before. "I've sent the invitation to Councilor Valern and Sparatus," she announced. "They understand the seriousness of the situation and will join us soon. But Commander, there is one thing we must all be aware of: the scope of Markus's powers may be far beyond our understanding. His forces are not just warriors, they're creations. This is not something we've encountered. We are dealing with an outsider, and we need to proceed carefully."
The Councilors arrived shortly, each taking their place with an air of gravitas. Valern, the Salarian Councilor, was the first to speak. "I have reviewed the recordings . The threat that Markus represents is clear. But we need more than just a diplomatic invitation. What are his goals? What does he want from us? Until we know that, we cannot afford to make a move in haste."
Sparatus, the Turian Councilor, narrowed his eyes. "If Markus is an outsider, as you say, then we need to understand his motivations. A species or entity capable of such power isn't likely to simply want a diplomatic exchange. We're dealing with a being whose abilities could destroy us if he chooses to. We need to approach this cautiously."
Tevos nodded, her expression calm but firm. "Exactly. And that is why I believe we should send an invitation to Markus, to establish a diplomatic channel. But we must be cautious, as we still don't know his full intentions. If he truly understands the history of the galaxy as we've seen, then we may be dealing with someone who has far more knowledge and experience than we can comprehend."
The room fell into thoughtful silence as the Councilors contemplated their next move. Shepard stood by, listening to their concerns. They were right, Markus was an unknown variable, one whose power and knowledge could change the course of the galaxy. But Shepard had already seen enough to know that the only way to move forward was with diplomacy. Engaging Markus militarily was a dangerous proposition, and the risk of provoking him further could be catastrophic.
Finally, Tevos spoke again, her voice steady and resolute. "We will send Markus an invitation to meet with us, but we will proceed with caution. We will not make assumptions, and we will approach him as a leader, someone capable of understanding the gravity of this situation. Yet we must be prepared for anything."
Shepard nodded, the tension in the air lifting slightly. They had a plan, a fragile one, but a plan nonetheless. As the Councilors discussed the finer details of the invitation, Shepard felt the weight of their decisions pressing down on him. This was only the beginning. If they couldn't reach Markus, if they couldn't find a way to communicate with him, the consequences would be far worse than they could imagine.
They were walking a fine line, but it was the only option they had. And now, they would wait to see if Markus would accept their invitation.
Upon receiving the Council's invitation, Markus couldn't suppress a chuckle, amused by Shepard's apparent appeal to the Council for assistance. He noted with satisfaction that the invitation was formally addressed to "His Excellency Markus Tenebris," a clear acknowledgment of his status as a leader or significant entity, akin to the prominent figures of the Asari, Turian, Human, and Salarian races. The Council's formal address to Markus as "His Excellency" indicated their recognition of his outsider status and their intent to engage with him on equal footing, acknowledging his potential impact on galactic affairs.
As Markus approached the Citadel aboard his ship, the Raven, he initiated the communication request. Councilor Tevos appeared on the screen, her demeanor both professional and welcoming. She inquired if Markus would prefer to have honor guards accompany him, as was customary for visiting dignitaries. Markus declined politely, stating he would arrange his own honor guards.
The Citadel's corridors, usually bustling with activity, fell eerily silent as Markus Tenebris and his formidable entourage made their way toward the Council's meeting hall. The very air seemed to hum with the weight of his presence.
Markus had chosen to don attire befitting his status as a leader from another galaxy. He wore a tailored black tunic adorned with intricate silver embroidery, the threads catching the light with every movement. Over his shoulders draped a flowing grey cloak, its fabric rich and heavy, fastened at the neck with a clasp shaped like a raven in flight. His trousers, a shade darker than his tunic, were tucked into knee high black boots polished to a mirror sheen. A silver circlet rested upon his brow, symbolizing his dominion over his realm. The ensemble was completed with a belt from which hung a ceremonial dagger, its hilt encrusted with onyx gemstones.
Markus's procession was nothing short of awe inspiring. At his flanks marched ten Dread Knights, towering figures encased in blackened high carbon steel armor. Each stood at an imposing height of three meters, their visages obscured by helmets with glowing red eye slits. Their armor was adorned with dark, jagged spikes, and they carried massive tower shields and broadswords, exuding an aura of relentless strength.
Flanking them were ten WL1 units, sleek and humanoid, their bodies composed of a dark, matte alloy. Their eyes glowed with a soft blue hue, and they moved with a precision that spoke of advanced technology. Alongside them, ten Matriarch units, elegant and imposing, wore the armor Markus has designed for them. Their faces beneath their helmets, yet their eyes betrayed a depth of knowledge and power.
As Markus and his honor guards entered the Citadel's main promenade, the usual hum of conversations ceased. Spectators and officials alike stood frozen, captivated by the procession. The Dread Knights' heavy footsteps echoed, the WL1 units' synchronized movements added a rhythmic precision, and the Matriarchs' serene presence brought a haunting beauty to the scene. It was a display of might, technology, and mysticism that left an indelible impression on all who witnessed it.
As Markus entered the Citadel's meeting hall, he was met with the weight of diplomatic customs and the stares of those who had not yet fully comprehended the depth of the situation at hand. Councilor Tevos, along with Valern, Sparatus, and Anderson, rose to greet him. There was a distinct air of formality in the room now, a change from the previous tension filled encounter.
Tevos was the first to speak, her tone measured and respectful, though her eyes were still full of curiosity and uncertainty.
"Lord Tenebris," she began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of Asari diplomacy, "We understand the circumstances that have brought us here today. As you know, the Citadel has long been a place where the various species of the galaxy come to negotiate, to seek cooperation, and to settle differences. In this spirit, I extend our apologies for not recognizing the true extent of your position and origins earlier."
She paused for a moment, her gaze never wavering from Markus. "We are still coming to terms with the revelations brought to light by your actions, and the footage we have received. We were unaware of the scale of your influence, and I must express our regret for failing to extend the proper respect and consideration. In light of what we now know, I extend our official recognition of your domain, the Collector base, and the space extending 100 AU surrounding it. We hope that this gesture will serve as the foundation for a more harmonious relationship moving forward."
She continued, her tone slightly warmer but still formal. "It is clear that we have much to learn about your capabilities, Lord Tenebris, and we wish to proceed in a manner that is respectful of your power. At the same time, we must ask if you would be willing to refrain from further disabling Mass Relays. Our understanding of their mechanisms is far from complete, and while we have come to know they were constructed by the Protheans, we are still not able to construct them. Therefore we ask for your understanding in this matter."
Councilor Valern, the Salarian representative, was next to speak. His voice, though diplomatic, held the edge of a scientist trying to make sense of an unsolvable equation. "Lord Tenebris, if I may, your actions regarding the Mass Relays have raised significant concern. The Salarians have studied these devices extensively, and we are still far from understanding their true purpose. We acknowledge that they are relics of an ancient civilization, but we have yet to uncover how they function or how they fit into the larger picture of galactic history."
He looked to his colleagues, his expression a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. "If you could refrain from further disabling them, it would grant us more time to study them thoroughly. We must ensure that we do not destroy or disrupt something that could be key to the galaxy's continued survival."
Next, Councilor Sparatus, the Turian representative, stood with a more measured demeanor, his tone firm yet respectful. "Lord Tenebris, as much as we value the insights you bring, I must echo my colleagues' concerns. The disruption of Mass Relays has far reaching consequences for the stability of the galaxy. However, I recognize that you have... unique insights into the technologies we rely upon. Your transaction for the Collector base has been acknowledged and surrounding space has been granted, but I ask that we work together to understand how to protect and preserve our shared infrastructure, particularly the Mass Relays."
Anderson, standing by as the Human Councilor, nodded in agreement. "I too, share the concern about the Mass Relays. While Lord Tenebris's actions have certainly placed us in an unfamiliar position, I do not believe we can afford to undermine our galactic infrastructure further. But, Markus," he continued, his gaze hardening slightly, "your power is unlike anything we've encountered. You command the kind of authority and ability that threatens to reshape the balance of power in this galaxy. That is why we seek to understand, to ensure we are not simply swept aside in the wake of your ambitions."
At this point, Tevos stepped forward, her tone still diplomatic but now slightly more urgent. "We also must address the concerns raised by your use of the Collector base and the forces under your command. What you have demonstrated is not simply an army, but an entire structure of power, beyond what any of us could have imagined. If I may, how do you view our galaxy, Lord Tenebris? How do you see our role within it?"
Markus gave them a moment, allowing the silence to settle before he spoke. His voice was calm, deliberate, and dripping with aristocratic poise, unperturbed by the questions they posed. He was clearly in control of the room, his words heavy with mastery of the Lore of Mass Effect Trilogy.
"My dear Councilors," Markus began, his voice laced with the quiet weight of authority, "while I appreciate your inquiries and your attempts to negotiate terms, I must remind you that I am not here simply as a guest. My actions, as you have seen, are not born from malice, but from an understanding of a galaxy far older than you could begin to comprehend. You ask me to refrain from disabling Mass Relays, but you fail to grasp that these Relays, like the Citadel itself, are not the creations of the Protheans. They are, in truth, a product of the Reapers. An ancient race of synthetics who have orchestrated the rise and fall of civilizations for eons."
Markus paused, allowing the full weight of his words to sink in. "The Reapers have used these Relays to guide their harvests, to gather your people and many others for their purpose. They are not relics of the past; they are tools of the future. If you wish to survive, you must understand this truth, and you must stop treating these devices as gifts from ancient civilizations."
He turned his gaze to Councilor Valern, addressing the Salarian directly. "The Protheans, like countless civilizations before them, believed their predecessors are creators of the Relays, but they were merely pawns in a game much larger than they ever realized. The Reapers are not some mythical threat; they are a reality. I am not here to threaten you, Councilor Valern. I am here to offer you a chance to understand the galaxy as it truly is, and not as you wish to see it."
Turning his attention back to Tevos, Markus's expression softened, though his tone remained unwavering. "As for your question of how I see your place in all of this, Councilor Tevos, I would point out that since last time I have visited this galaxy your species has come a long way. This I do appreciate, I can not say the same for Human species in earnest, Their hubris will be their downfall in near future. As Harbinger is bringing thousands upon thousands of Reapers as we speak. But understand this, your role is one of survival. I am not here to destroy, but to preserve the balance. The galaxy is an ever changing expanse," he stood up then, slowly and with deliberate grace, his presence commanding. "I do not seek to rule you, Councilors. I will help if you accept my guidance. I would like to add that this cooperation offer does not include Systems Alliance."
Markus then paused, allowing his final words to hang in the air. "If you wish to work with me, you must first understand that the Reapers are not some distant threat, they are already on their way here. And the Mass Relays are merely their heralds."
The room was quiet for a long moment as the Councilors absorbed his words. They were dealing with a being far beyond their understanding, and Markus's clear assertion of power left no room for doubt. It was clear now that they would need to tread carefully, for any misstep could bring about a far greater consequence than they had anticipated.