Chapter Text
2181 – 08:00, Tuesday, January 2nd – Faux Gnus Studios – New York City – Earth
"And now we head over to Emily Wong and Etinny Stelari for Eye on Asari, over to you Emily."
[The picture changes to show an Asian woman and an Asari sitting behind a large white desk with a projection screen behind them. They are both genuinely smiling at the camera]
"Thanks Andrew and good morning to you viewers and good morning Etinny."
"And a great morning to you Emily! Oh my goddess…what an amazing time it is to be alive!"
"Yes indeed Etinny, for both humanity and Asari."
[Both of them nod to each other in agreement then turned back to the camera, with Etinny speaking,]
"For those tuning in and have not been following the earth shattering news is that just 5 days ago, Duncan Larkin the Australian philanthropist billionaire who mysteriously disappeared in 2041 and was declared dead back in 2042, gave what has been described by the Atamna Politeia, which is an organization of Siarist High Priestesses from across the Asari Republics on Thessia, as the most significant moment in Siarism in a thousand years. Primarchess Lyseti Thonoa, the highest ranked priestess in the order, has stated that Captain Larkins speech, which was actually taken from a late 20th century science fiction television series of all things, has set the Siarist world on fire but in a good way. She declared that the speech was the most important and affirming sermon on the practice."
[Emily nods again as Etinny pauses for a second then she continues to address the camera once more]
"Not only has Captain Larkin become a world wide sensation on Thessia but back here on Earth he's caused next to near pandemonium when the news reached us that he was alive and well on Thessia, some 140 years after he was assumed dead. The Australian Prime Minister, who was attending a function at the Royal Hobart Yacht club for the culmination of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, declared December 28th as a national public holiday in honour of Australian's favourite son."
[image shifts to the Royal Hobart Yacht Club's bar filled with jubilant people all loudly singing the national Anthem. The Prime Minister, looking somewhat merry, his suit sporting dark wet stains from all the beer that's been flung about, addresses the camera]
"I'll tell you what! If any employer sacks anyone today for not turning up to work is a bum!"
[The crowd roar and cheer loudly, whistling and clapping away - the short clip ends]
"Dear goddess what a man! No wonder he's won so many elections!"
"That's right Etinny. The Australian Prime Minister has eclipsed the previous record holder in office simply because he's actually good at his job, has run the national economy like a well-tuned engine and by all reports, is just a dam good bloke."
"How original is that? Most politicians are not as highly regarded as this distinguished gentleman. In any case, true to his word, the nation celebrated. Wild street parties erupted across cities and towns in a moment that has not been seen since the end of World War Two."
[scene shifts to show various cities across Australia filled with hundreds of thousands of people all dancing in the streets, wildly celebrating. The image shifts to show an Asari, attired as an Australian Federal Police-person, wrapped her arms around her male partner as she dipped him low while passionately kissing him at the same time. Etinny lets out a small ululation of happiness when she sees that]
"See something you like eh Etinny?"
[Emily smiles warmly at her friend]
"What's not to love Emily? Just look at that couple! An Asari who has made her life on Earth, serving as local law enforcement and obviously deeply in love with her Siame. It really warms my heart."
"Mine to my friend, mine too."
"However, not all are rejoicing at the news of Captain Larkin's resurrection. Tens of thousands of descendants of the family members of the murderous death cult, otherwise known as the EXTINCTION AGENDA, have come out and demanded that Captain Larkin be immediately arrested and executed for his crimes. Yet in response to that, millions have pushed back hard, using web tools to identify them as we haven't ever forgotten what the cult represented and what their dire plans for humanity were."
"Quite so Etinny. I can personally attest that an ancestor of mine was murdered by those terrorist scum back in 2036. She was a scientist who was working for Captain Larkin and was killed when they struck at his secret research facility. I have zero empathy for any of them. Sorry, I know that this is breaking the impartiality of the code of journalism but screw those murderous bastards!"
[Etinny reaches across and takes Emily's hand in hers to comfort her friend]
"You have my deepest sympathies Emily." [she turns back to the camera] "Despite what the loathsome crackpots and nutjobs on the Extranet are saying, there is no chance of any charges being successfully brought against Captain Larkin for the following reasons: firstly the statute of limitations ends any prosecution due to time passed. Next is the fact that Captain Larkin is still legally dead as far as the Systems Alliance is concerned and finally no government would dare instruct their Public Prosecutors Offices to lay charges as the blowback from the public would end their administration. In addition, it has been declared that Captain Larkin, who holds that rank as he is now a serving officer in the Republic of Dassus' navy: commando division, has been appointed by Matriarch Fiahnni T'daari, as a cultural attaché for the Asari Republics thus has diplomatic immunity. Matriarch T'daari is the first citizen of the Republic of Dassus and also his mother-in-law as he is bonded to her second daughter, Lileah'sah T'daari."
"So he was the one who caused the sensation back in November with him getting his bondmates names tattooed over his chest?"
"That's right Emily. Captain Larkin has been like a comet, blazing across the sky. Since it was revealed that he was alive, it has been reported that he's been involved in some incredible adventures and discoveries. Not only that, he's become a major music star back in Asari space with his lovely covers of classic human popular songs from his time period."
"I know! His version of "My Sweet Asari", a cover of a beautiful John Denver classic, has also charted here on Earth as has his, Lileah'sah and Tre'mete's performance of the Meatloaf classic, "You took the words right out of my mouth". Ahh… I love those songs." [Etinny nods with a huge grin]
"Yes, those songs, plus the ones that both Lileah'sah & Tre'mete have covered and also the ones sung by Senior Lieutenant Mi'niley Merevus, have all gone viral back in Asari space. Those songs are just… so lovely!"
"You are absolutely right Etinny and it's really nice to hear how much you really appreciate human culture and art."
"You are most welcome Emily. Since I have arrived on Earth, back in 2161, I have had the privilege of adapting to my new homeworld, it's peoples, history and cultures. I have found love here and have a family now. How can I not love this world?"
[Emily smiles warmly at her friend and co-anchor]
"You are an exemplary Asari Etinny and we are always grateful here at Faux Gnus that you are part of the team." [Etinny gives her a radiant smile] "Now sources on Thessia, specifically our correspondent Keri T'vessa from Thessia Today, has reported that in April this year Matriarch T'daari will be visiting Earth leading a delegation of various Asari corporations and business interests in a semi repeat of the 2161 exchange. She has stated that her aim is to bring the Republic of Dassus and Earth closer together and I quote her here when she said, "the closer we are to each other, the better we understand each other…". I wholeheartedly agree with the Matriarch on this."
"As do I Emily. I am originally from the Republic of Serrice and we have always liked our sisters in Dassus. They have always been a forward thinking people. The people of Earth will be in for a treat as it's been reported that the Matriarch will be arriving in the dreadnought ARV Celestial Defender. For those who don't know, an Asari dreadnought is probably the most powerful warship in the galaxy. And we're getting one to pay us a visit in April. Don't be alarmed though good people of Earth, we Asari come in peace." [She smiles brightly at the camera. Emily gives out a little laugh]
"I think that Captain Larkin has been giving his mother-in-law some helpful advice on this matter Etinny."
"Oh? How so Emily?"
"This state visit, if you could call it that, is very much like the Great White Fleet visits to various nations from the United States Navy at the turn of the 20th century. This was a time we had Theodore Roosevelt as President and his motto in regard to the fleets visits was this, "speak softly but carry a big stick". The Matriarch has obviously understood that dictum very well."
[Etinny considered those words for a long moment before replying]
"I think you have a good point there Emily. Normally Asari dreadnoughts stay in our space on patrol. It's rather unusual to say the least that one will be making a friendly visit to Earth however, as I have said before, this will be a peaceful visitation and I suspect some lucky people will be given the chance to go aboard the dreadnought once she is in orbit."
"Really? They'd let civilians on board as visitors?" [Emily was impressed]
"Of course they would. As long as the visitors pass the security checks and cause no issues, they can go into a lottery ballot and if they are lucky, they and 3 others will be granted a half day visitors pass to visit the ship as part of an escorted tour."
"Wow, that's wonderful to hear Etinny. And so very fair as well. I think though that we, as journalists, will be able to visit without having to be on the lotto ballots."
[Etinny laughs]
"Yes, we'll be invited as part of the press. In fact a cousin of mine is a senior officer on that ship so it will be nice to see her again."
[Emily looked puzzled for a moment]
"Umm…didn't you say you were from Serrice Etinny? How come your cousin is serving aboard a Dassus warship?"
[Etinny smiles briefly]
"Oh Emily, just because we're born in one republic, doesn't mean we are beholden to it for our entire lives. As long as we swear to uphold the laws and values of a republic, it's all good." [Emily nods in understanding]
"How enlightened of you all. Now back to Captain Larkin. It has also be recently reported that a law firm that represented his interests here on Earth, the firm known as Roger, Purloin & Sue, has come forward and has begun legal proceedings to have Captain Larkin's corporeal state changed from deceased to living and has filed numerous injunctions in thousands of legal districts preventing any facetious, spurious law suits being levelled against their client with the promise of a counter suit if one is actually brought against Captain Larkin. Knowing what I do about that firm, I believe them as they are some of the most ruthless lawyers on the planet and it's been said, they are still extremely loyal to Captain Larkin."
"How amazing is that? To be gone for so long yet he still inspires so many people…" [Etinny sighs with a soft smile]
"I know. Lets just hope Etinny, that we are able to secure an interview with the trio before they come to Earth."
"You are so right Emily. I am currently working on that. Our correspondent on Thessia, Keri T'vessa, is actively engaged in trying to secure an exclusive interview with them. She was extremely fortunate to be granted access to the T'daari Christmas party which looked like it was a wonderful affair. I suspect that she will be successful in this endeavour."
"I watched that special broadcast and was touched that an alien culture had embraced a human festival so completely. It was quite special."
"I know. My family and I watched it too as I suspect did tens of thousands of Asari and human families did here on Earth and elsewhere. It was such a special moment."
[Both anchors let out a sweet soft sigh and had a gentle happy smile on their faces]
"Now then, onto other news: reports have also come from the Republic of Armali that one of their ruling Matriarchs has died, seemingly from suicide…"
[the broadcast is switched off]
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- Arcturus – Systems Alliance Station
"LARKINS ALIVE!?!" was the strangled incredulous shout from the Systems Alliance Prime Minister Amul Shastri.
He gazed about at his inner cabinet, searching for answers as he was still struggling to come to terms with this stunning news.
"Yes Prime Minister, that is the case," replied Admiral Steven Hackett in a quiet, gravelly voice.
"Why were we not informed then? I mean I know I am new to the office, however it seems that Mr Larkin has been alive since the end of October. So why didn't we know?"
"Ahem…well… it's complicated sir."
"Please…explain…"
The Prime minister gave out a very cool stare at the admiral.
"Firstly we only had a brief rumour that his ship was located back in September last year by scavengers and pirates. It seems that they looted the contents of the ship then took them half way across the galaxy to sell them to the highest bidder. However, Matriarch T'daari and the Asari got there first and recovered him and successfully reviewed him. We then got notice that he was on their agricultural world of Niacal where he bonded in a triad with Matriarch T'daari's second daughter and another Asari. Yes, the lucky bastard has two Asari as his lovers. Moving on, he next pops up back on Thessia in early December and of course, he made that speech to the Asari on December 28th which is why we're now talking about him," declared Admiral Hackett as he glanced back down at his notes on his data pad.
"So why aren't we bringing him back home then?"
Admiral Hackett blinked for a moment.
"And how should we go about that sir?"
The Prime Minister spluttered for a second.
"I don't know? Demand the Asari hand him back!"
Admiral Hackett openly stared at the Prime Minister in mild incredulity.
"Are you serious sir? Do you, for one second, think that the Asari will listen to us?"
"We can imply that there will be consequences if they don't."
"Bwhahahaha…"
Admiral Hackett burst out laughing and slapped the desk in front of him in amusement. He quickly gathered himself and noted that the Prime Minister was definitely not amused.
Time to rip off the rose coloured glasses eh? he mused to himself briefly.
"Sorry sir but unless you want a second contact war with a species that will most certainly obliterate us then I strongly suggest that you take that idea onboard, row it out into the middle of a harbour then dump it over the side with the trash because it's not ever going to happen."
Admiral Hackett folded his arms and leaned back in his chair with a faint grin on his face. He hated these career politicians who had the mistaken belief that they were the ultimate arbiters of power. Admiral Hackett, being a military man, knew Chairman Mao's old truism: real power comes from the barrel of a gun. And the Asari had the biggest guns in the galaxy.
The Prime Minster harrumphed darkly.
"Well…if we can't threaten them, what other options do we have?"
"None sir."
The Prime Minister gawped.
"What!?! None at all?"
"That is correct sir. We were just informed that Captain Larkin, who is now a serving officer in the Asari Republic of Dassus' Navy Commandos, has been granted the diplomatic office of Cultural Attaché which means if he comes here as it's been reported he will, we can't touch him unless we want to start a war with the Asari. And I don't want to have to fight an Asari dreadnought that will be in orbit over Earth with its attending escort fleet. If you order this, I will resign my commission and head for neutral space and weep while Earth burns."
The Prime Minister went pale and looked utterly shocked. He struggled to speak for a moment.
"… umm.. now lets not be hasty here admiral…"
Admiral Hackett slammed his fist hard onto the table.
"No sir, you need to learn some hard facts! You're new to this role so I'll give you a pass for now. You barely know how close we were to going under back in 2157. If the Turians really had fully mobilised back then, we'd all be dead or enslaved as one of their client states. We were lucky we caught them with their pants down when we counter attacked. And thank god the Asari yanked hard on the Turians chain, pulling them back as they were raring to go to total war with us. So no, I will not be a party to pissing off those lovely blue space ladies thank you very much! As beautiful as they are, they scare the shit out of me."
The Prime Minister blinked.
"They scare you? Why?"
"Because they can literally tear you apart with their minds sir, have been a star faring species for over 2000 years, have the largest ships and fleets in the galaxy and are at the heart of the Galactic Council. So…can you now see why we shouldn't upset them?"
The Prime Minister shrank in his chair. He knew the realities but somehow had thought that they could be ignored.
"Alright…we can't upset the Asari. Is there nothing we can do to get a hold of Mr Larkin?"
"Why do you want him so badly sir?" Admiral Hackett was puzzled. He saw no reason as to why the Systems Alliance should care about a human who had suddenly appeared in Asari space 140 years from the past.
This time it was the Prime Ministers turn to smirk at the admiral.
"Oh… I forgot. You weren't read into Project Highlander were you?"
"Huh? No. What is that?"
"Well I am surprised that you haven't worked it out yet admiral."
"Worked out what sir?" He was failing to see what the point here was.
The Prime Minister pointed to the picture of Duncan addressing the Asari agora in Dassus.
"Tell me admiral, tell me…does that look like a 70 year old man to you hmmm?"
He folded his arms and leaned back in his seat watching as the admiral finally began to understand.
"Holy shit… he looks like he's in his mid 30's. How is that even possible? I know that he went into cryogenic suspension but to de-age like that…how?"
"That is the trillion credit question admiral. We know that Larkin was conducting genetic research back in the 2030's, looking for a way to prolong the human lifespan. We know those lunatics from Extinction Agenda destroyed his facility in 2038 when they crashed a fully fuelled jet into the labs killing everyone there and destroying all the research. It seems though that Larkin's team succeeded in their mission. He must have been the first and only recipient of his project. And it worked! Now can you start to see how important to humanity that is? Can you begin to grasp how momentous it would be that people learned that Larkin is practically immortal? Just think how people are going to react to that?"
Admiral Hackett paused and thought hard. It was explosive information and he could see Shastri's point, that if Larkin's break through became public, it could be potentially destabilising to human society.
"Well if that is indeed the case, how do you propose we handle that sir?"
Admiral Boris Mikhailovich , who had been quietly sitting at the meeting leaned forwards,
"We could take him off the board, problem solved," he suggested in a low voice.
Admiral Hackett turned at stared at his fellow officer with mild disgust.
"You were always an idiot Boris. That has to be the worst brain fart you've ever had in your less than illustrious career."
Admiral Mikhailovich's face grew red with fury but before he could erupt he was silenced by a gesture from the Prime Minister.
"Admiral Hackett is correct. If we did take out Larkin with a hit squad…and the Asari discovered we ordered his death… no… that's far too risky a proposition. We must work to find another way. I want what Larkin has and I suspect…no… I KNOW you all here do too. Don't lie to me and say you wouldn't want to live for more than 150 years. Besides, if we could live forever, it would give those Asari a run for their money."
"And that's probably why they're keeping him close sir. They know everything about him. He's bonded to two of them and that means they've been in his mind so they know all his secrets. Look, I think we are going about this all wrong. I think we should welcome him back with open arms, prodigal son and all that. Maybe he'll want to share his discovery with us if we ask nicely?"
"Hmm… perhaps the softer approach might be in order then?" mused the Prime Minister as he contemplated his options. "Very well, we shall agree to the Asari's diplomatic mission and visit in April. Lets roll out the red carpet, pull out all the bunting and make a big fuss because they are doing that as well. Besides, we might just be able to get what we want plus there is the possibility that we could be granted access to new technologies as it has been also reported that Larkin was with them when they found a hitherto undiscovered precursor civilisation that's awash with advanced technology."
The admirals looked extremely intrigued by that.
"Do we know what they found sir?" asked Admiral Boris Mikhailovich curiously.
"Unfortunately no although it's rumoured that Larkin has an incredibly advanced energy pistol that he carries with him all the time. I doubt they'll let us have access to that sadly…" said the Prime Minister with a look of chagrin. He knew that if Larkin was in the SA, that there would be no way he'd let any of the other galactic races get anywhere near something as potent and deadly as advanced energy weaponry.
"Well then, we will just have to ask nicely and see what happens then," stated Admiral Hackett. He was doubtful that the Asari would just hand over tech like that. He wouldn't.
"I believe that's all for now then. Send out the response to the Matriarch that she and her delegation etc are welcome to visit Earth. If anything, having something like 20,000 Asari descend on Earth might actually be a good thing as they will be spending a lot of credits with human businesses and almost everyone will be happy that the Asari are visiting in large numbers. Just make sure those maniacs in Cerberus keep their noses away from this," declared the Prime Minister as he stood up.
Admiral Boris Mikhailovich looked askance at the mention of the human supremacist terrorist organisation. He coughed to try to cover his tell. Hackett saw it and filled it away for later.
So Dirty Bugger Boris is on their payroll eh? he thought to himself. I must watch him.
He watched them all leave then opened a hyper-encrypted channel once everyone was gone.
Moments later a beautiful Asari face appeared on his Omnitool projector.
"Hello Steven, so lovely to see you again," she said with a warm smile.
"Hey Tevos…boy do I have something to tell you…"
Her smile grew wider as she listened to what he had to say.