The Salarian sees us as a way to secure his place in history. He is overly ambitious. He must be watched carefully. He my know more than he lets on as well.
He will learn in time.
Or he will fall like so many before him. Until then he is a danger for the others who we wish to watch. He would use us as a tool for his ambition and plans, he will not surrender those ambitions so quickly.
He will work around the others.
In his attempt to rule he would destroy our own goals.
One cannot control that which has it's own ambitions.
But he will try all the same, and he will fall. It is as simple as that.
This council is stagnant, unmoving. They must be pushed.
Can we really change them? It could lessen them. Is stagnation not preferable to forced change.
The Asari is right, change must come naturally.
We can change them naturally, from within. We do not have to push them, we can nudge them in directions preferable to us.
We seek to watch them, not change them.
We cannot come to an agreement, the many is divided. We shall wait and see, time will tell us which path to take. Until then, we proceed as we always intended, we will watch them, nothing more and nothing less.
For now.
Sparatus sat across from Tevos and Jobol as the Holographic podium flickered to life. There before them was Desolas who stood with the look of defeat on him. Sparatus said nothing but he felt for his fellow Turian.
"Please introduce yourself for this council, Desolas", said Jobol.
"General Desolas Arterius, of the 23rd fleet, Captain of the TSF Spearhead."
"General, please give us an abridged version of your initial encounter with the species known as Blacklight, and your thought process at the time", said Sparatus.
"Yes Councilors. My fleet detected a disturbance at Relay 314. As that relay was deactivated we went to investigate. My initial idea was that the relay had been activated by an upstart race, or pirates. When we arrived, we found the massive creature, which at the time we believed was a simple animal, if a large one.", said Desolas.
"And you did not find the existence of a massive creature capable of surviving in space worthy to inform us?", asked Jobol.
"Thresher Maw spores are known to survive both in space, and even atmospheric re-entry, and many Threshers can be found on Asteroids with no atmosphere, and still survive. I did not find a space faring creature totally unbelievable. I am no biologist, my main concern at the time was the state of the relay.", said Desolas.
Jobol nodded as he propped his elbows on the table and hid his lower face behind his laced fingers.
"Continue.", said Jobol.
"The creature began flashing lights and colors. I was initially mistaken and believed it to be some form of warning. I ordered my men to scare the creature off so we could see if it had done anything to the relay when it came through. At first we believed the creature passed through the relay accidentally, however when we fired it retreated through the relay.", said Desolas.
"If I am to understand it, you shot at a creature nearly as large as your own Dreadnought. A creature you knew nothing about. While I understand the 23rd fleet is a policing unit, it would have been better if you contacted your superiors immediately, rather than after you discovered the state of the relay on the other side.", said Jobol.
"My main concern at the time was the relay. Had the creature not retreated through the relay I had every intention of keeping track of it while we conducted our inspection. However when it retreated through the relay rather than away from it, I deemed it necessary to see where it had gone. We were to use probes, but none were equipped to return after going through the relay, therefore I sent two frigates.", said Desolas.
"Yes, we have seen the video taken by your scouts. It was at this time you contacted the Turian Hierarchy, correct?", asked Jobol.
"Yes." said Desolas.
"Then anything after that is not your fault." said Jobol.
Desolas had his mandibles flare slightly in surprise at the Salarian councilors admission.
"While I do not like how you handled the situation, anything after contacting your home planet was done with their expressed permission. As a policing fleet, you answer to them and not this council." said Jobol.
Tevos nodded.
"Indeed, We will not take any official action against you. Considering the situation at the time you made several mistakes, though mistaking Blacklight Bioships for animals is understandable. However we would like to note that while you do not answer to this council, the existence of any seemingly dangerous life should be given to us, not just the Primarch." said Tevos.
"I have to agree. The Primarch is a dear friend, and while he was spending time studying the available footage, we should have been informed better. I was informed, but it was in such a way as to downplay the possible threat he believed Blacklight may have possessed. Blacklight feeding on Eezo turned out to be false. However I still stand by my friends decision at the time. With the available evidence against Blacklight such a conclusion is understandable, and he acted in the best interests of all of council space." said Sparatus.
"Some of the worst acts ever done have been done with the best of intentions." said Tevos.
"And we pay for them all the same." said Sparatus. "However pointing fingers and laying blame accomplishes nothing. We are still not fully aware of the whole story that happened beyond Relay 314. I will withhold my judgement until then."
"Yes, I must agree. Now then, I do think it is time we conclude this. No doubt the Blacklight Representatives are getting restless.", said Jobol.
"Yes, but before we do, Desolas. If you would, explain the capabilities of you discovered about Blacklight?", asked Sparatus.
Desolas nodded as he sent the rest of the footage from that hellish battle to the Citadel.
Elizabeth stared blankly outside the window as Alex sat impatiently. Neither bothered to even acknowledged the guards outside their room. Unknown to the guards, the two were communicating via their hive mind to both each other, and several others within the many.
'This is not what I meant when I said I wanted to stretch my legs.' spoke Alex.
'Can you really blame them for being cautious? Look at what we are.' spoke Dr. Ragland from within the hive mind.
'They are small, they cannot comprehend our vastness, they fear what they do not understand just like humanity did when we first emerged', thought Elizabeth.
'Well it's not like we're a freaky immortal space virus or anything. Oh wait, we are a freaky immortal space virus, one that can casually break several laws of physics and biology with only a few thoughts.', thought Dana Mercer.
'Hey, that's completely unfair. We can only break the laws of biology. We can't do anything about physics...kinda, whatever. This is still boring. Look at this room! There's nothing in it but too many seats and a desk with one of those alien computers. I wonder if they mind me getting on it.', thought Alex.
'Probably not a good idea, it would be suspicious of you. Besides, you're connected to countless other minds. Minds who you can talk to silently, which is pretty zen when you think about it. Just stay away from the holographic computer when the guards are literally right there.', thought Dana.
'What's with everything being holographic anyway? It can't be easy using a computer when everything is transparent holograms. You'd pass right through them.' thought Ragland.
'It's all about saving space, screens are the first thing to go. Well, those and pockets. Seriously, am I crazy? No one here has any pockets. What's with that?', thought Dana.
'I'll admit that gets to me. Pockets are a soldier's best friend', thought Robert Cross.
'That and stun batons.', thought Dana.
'And giant over compensating arm mounted grenade launchers.', thought Alex.
'It worked didn't it, almost killed you.', thought Cross defensively.
'You mean it didn't work, because it almost killed him, and then you stabbed my brother with a needle full of evil sapient cancer, then when he got cured, the evil cancer came back and ate you. You kinda killed yourself there Cross', thought Dana.
'I don't think the parasite was meant to be a thinking creature, it was most likely altered by the Blacklight virus into what it became.', thought Ragland.
'They are taking way too long.', thought Alex.
'Someone's impatient', thought Dana.
'Indeed, your time with the many has not improved your patience Alex Mercer.', thought Elizabeth.
'We have been patient since we left Earth over a century ago. Now the aliens who were supposed to end the boredom are making us wait. I can afford to be a little impatient.', thought Alex.
'Yes, how dare these aliens inconvenience the immortal space virus that turned all they know about life and biology on its head, who ate all life on a planet in only a few months, truly our entertainment is the bigger issue.', dead-panned Dana.
'Not funny Dana.', thought Mercer.
'Yes it is.', thought Dana defensively.
'Also, you're completely correct. How dare they inconvenience me... ME!' thought Mercer.
'Oh shut up, Alex.' thought Dana.
' As entertaining as all this is there are a few issues we should discuss before this conversation devolves even further. The Hive Mind is divided on how to deal with Jobol. Many find the council stagnant, and he is someone to watch. There is also the issue of the Batarians.'
'The council is stagnant.', thought Ragland. 'Though the issue they are having with the Batarians does make sense from a certain perspective. History tells us that much, look at the American Civil War. It was long and bloody, and we did not have access to nuclear weapons at the time. These Batarians do, along with other technological marvels. The longer a slave based economy exists the harder it is to demolish.'
'Indeed, forcing them to change their ways quickly would lead to strife and death. One that could claim the lives of those we wish to observe.' thought Elizabeth.
'Tevos said it best. Change must come naturally.', thought Cross.
'That's not to say we can't push them in a direction more favorable.', thought Ragland.
'We can deal with the Batarians later, a bigger problem is Jobol. He's a bit too ambitious for my tastes.', thought Alex.
'He is a non-issue.', thought Elizabeth. 'You heard his plans, they are reliant on us. If we were to refuse then those plans would crumble.'
'Not necessarily. His entire race seem to be infamous as either spies or scientists. They created a biological weapon once for the Krogan. They could do the same to us as well.', thought Ragland.
'We would evolve past it, in the end it would only make us stronger.', thought Elizabeth.
'Maybe, but why chance it? We aren't infallible.' thought Ragland.
The Hive Mind grew silent at that as Executor Pallin entered with a trio of Guards.
"The Council will see you now.", said Pallin.
Alex got off the couch.
"Finally.", he said Bluntly as he walked to the door.
Elizabeth took one last look out the window before she turned to follow Alex.
Tevos sat in relatively good spirits. After Desolas getting debriefed and a short discussion they pretty much had everything set. Revealing Blacklight to the greater galaxy was a concern, but one that had to be done. The actions of Blacklight, and the creature that docked, had already begun circulation on various news outlets. Worse still were the outrageous theories that popped up that Jobol had brought to their attention during their discussion.
Someone had gathered footage of Alex and Elizabeth emerging from those cancerous swells that grew on their unusual bioships. Theories began popping all over the Extranet about Blacklight. So far the most popular theory was that Blacklight was in fact the enigmatic race known as the Collectors.
Little was known about the collectors, but the various theorists believed the insectoid carapace of the collectors was a bio-mechanical armor, and that humans were what the Collectors really looked like underneath. Since so little was known about the Collectors many took to the idea near instantly. So the same thing that happened every time a new species was discovered.
Tevos had also heard the other theories, ranging from horrific to insane. The public had questions, and they wanted answers. Thus their discussion had been hastened immediately as a crowd of various media personalities gathered below the Presidium. C-sec guards were able to keep them out for now, but the crowds were getting bigger. Blacklight had made quite the impression with just landing, and word was travelling fast.
Tevos was drawn from her thoughts as both Alex and Elizabeth came forward.
"We have concluded our discussions and have made several rules and regulations that your species would have to follow for there to exist peace between our people." said Tevos.
The two Blacklight Individuals just stared blankly at her. Tevos took it as an opportunity to continue.
"First and foremost is your kind being among us. We have decided that once the Viral scanners are built then we can allow one Blacklight individual on our worlds for every 1,000,000 people on that world, rounded down. Also those worlds must have an active military. This will limit you from some colonies where only a militia is present, but the safety of our people is our main concern.", said Tevos.
"One Thousand of us for every billion of you. Sounds fair, we can see much with that many eyes.", said Alex.
"That would limit us to 13 individuals on the Citadel." said Greene.
"Considering your viral nature, we thought it would be for the best. We mean no offence, it is merely a precaution." said Tevos.
"Of course this is subject to change should we deem it so." said Jobol.
"Many planets may also have their own rules and regulations. Though many Asari, Turian, and Salarian worlds have been notified by us and have come to an agreement to adopt our methods for now. Depending on what happens it can and will change", said Sparatus.
"Caution is always the best option. We are grateful you would even allow one of us on your worlds", said Alex.
Tevos smiled and nodded.
"While Blacklight will remain a sovereign entity, we do ask you familiarize yourself with our rules and follow them while in Citadel space.", said Tevos.
"That is not going to be a problem.", said Alex.
Jobol nodded before turning to Sparatus, who began to speak.
"Your kind is highly dangerous. We are putting a lot of faith in your intentions. Some of us more than others..." said Sparatus as he turned to Jobol for a moment before turning back. "...However so far you have proven yourselves an honorable race. A large portion of the 23rd fleet still lives, when you could have destroyed them. You contacted us before landing at The Citadel, and we have yet to detect any trace of infection. We are still wary however", said Sparatus.
"Despite your viral nature, you will be given the same rights as any new race who joins us, even if you are not an associate of this Council. You will be limited, but it will be within reason.", said Tevos.
"There are a few more rules to discuss, however they are minor and can be discussed later. I think it is time we show your species to the greater galaxy.", said Jobol.
"Indeed, but before that we should discuss what you are going to say.", said Tevos.
"We have come to decide that several bits of your origin and history should be omitted.", said Sparatus.
Alex and Elizabeth remained silent before each nodded.
"Fair enough. We could leave out Blacklights history as an artificial virus. Redlight was natural for the most part, it is not difficult to assume Blacklight could evolve naturally from it." said Alex.
"I have already come up with several ideas.", said Jobol. " A virus such as Blacklight would likely be the result of some incredibly unlikely but still possible natural occurrence. A virus that mutated and failed to correctly rewrite its victim's cells, which then started reproducing and mutating and even cannibalizing other cells at alarming rates until some cells achieved stability."
"Interesting idea. PARIAH shall also be omitted, it is not a subject we are comfortable with anyway.", said Alex.
"Very well. I believe that covers everything, lets get going.", said Sparatus.
Alex stood on the balcony over the crowds below. He looked down at the amassed aliens who stood all around the Presidium. Various members of the press were screaming out question after question as soon as the doors had opened. He could feel Elizabeth's unease at the whole thing, but she calmed near immediately. Like all of Blacklight, she was highly adaptable.
"I'll speak to the crowd to introduce you to the galaxy. Would you like to explain about your people now, or answer questions at the end?", asked Tevos.
"I'll explain about us before questions.", said Alex.
Tevos nodded as she proceeded to walk to the edge of the balcony, toward what Alex assumed were microphones. She smiled down at the aliens below. Much of the noise had stopped when she rose her hand to silence the crowd.
"Greetings. Today a new race has made itself know to the galaxy. This race, called Blacklight, is new to the idea of a greater galactic community, so I ask you to all be mindful of what you say. However a few issues must be cleared before the representatives are allowed to speak.", said Tevos.
Sparatus stood like a statue, looking at the balcony around them. He could see the hints of a kinetic barrier that protected them from any would be assassin. He was taking occasional glances at Alex and Elizabeth before turning back to Tevos when she continued to speak.
"First, due to several issues with the nature of Blacklight it has been decided it would be best for them not to become an associate of this council.", said Tevos as the crowd began all but screaming.
Not that she could blame them, something like this had never happened in Council history, but now was not the time. Tevos once again raised her hand to silence the crowd below.
"There are many issues with Blacklight that would make a true alliance unwise. At the end of my introduction the leaders of Blacklight have agreed to answer any questions you may have. But before that I must ask that you keep an open mind. Blacklight is very different from any other race previously known. I can say that despite many of the things that will be revealed here today, Blacklight has proved to be both honorable and enlightened. Now I present the leaders of Blacklight, Alex Mercer and Elizabeth Greene.", said Tevos as she stepped aside.
Alex and Elizabeth looked down at the crowd that had grown mostly silent. True, there were murmurs among the crowd, and with his hearing he could hear everything they were saying, but he ignored and spoke.
Wrex was not the typical Krogan. That wasn't to say he wasn't violent and didn't enjoy shooting things, in fact it was his profession, and he did it very well. No, what made Wrex an atypical Krogan was his frustration with the victim mentality of his brethren. Of course, victim mentality for a Krogan usually ended with more than a few corpses, and it usually wasn't a Krogan corpse.
He had always seen it as counter productive. His people stuck to archaic clan systems rather than unite for the greater good, and not one did anything about their situation other than complain about it. He had all but given up on his people, which led him to his current spot. A shady bar in the middle of the terminus systems, surrounded by the worst sort of scum and villainy in the known galaxy.
He rarely paid any attention to current events, especially if they involved the council. Any time a new species made its way to the galaxy, though, Wrex always made an effort to know what makes them tick, and to figure out the best way to remove their heads from their shoulders should he ever have to fight one.
He saw the species called Blacklight, and almost wrote them off as weak, until HE stepped forward. Wrex knew a killer when he saw one, and the leader of this new race had the look. Considering this species sent a killer as an ambassador, well, it peaked his interest.
"My name is Alex Mercer. Before you ask your questions, I wish to explain a few things about us. We are Blacklight. We are many, and we have been searching for you...", said the man.
'Yeah that's not creepy at all. Great first impression.' thought Wrex.
"Many of my kind once were known as a race called Human, however that race is no more. Over a century ago, all life on our planet, save Blacklight, died. We were the cause of it..."
Wrex pushed his drink to the side. He felt it would be better to hear this story sober. It's not everyday someone tells you they killed all life on a planet. Sounded fun really.
"We are the result of a virus, which came to be known as Blacklight, this virus was the result of a highly dangerous viral strain of that evolved from the worst virus in our History, Redlight. Infected cells reproduced and mutated rapidly, even cannibalizing other cells to reproduce. Eventually they stabilized but by then all had been altered and changed into what we are today. I was the first to be infected by this virus. Over time, all life was consumed by it. At this very moment you do not hear the words of a single individual, but of a collective. A hive mind of seven billion souls. Observe."
Wrex watched in disturbed fascination at the display of sheer wrongness of the black and red tendrils that danced across the man's skin. He shifted into what Wrex guessed was another member of the species. And he did it again and again and again. Over and over changing into different people, one after the other. Every form he chose had radically different builds, heights, skin tones, and even genders. Wrex quickly changed his mind. He reached for the glass of alcohol and downed it in a single gulp. He slammed the glass back down before he saw his target move. He could worry about the new creepy aliens later. The job always came first.
"Well, that is different.", said one Liara T'soni as she watched the man on the screen change his shape again and again.
The workers around her who were carefully moving precious artifacts from the dig site around her had all stopped their work as they looked to the screen. One of them, a Salarian, took a step forward.
"Did he say Hive Mind?", questioned the Salarian.
Liara paid him no mind as she watched the man take his original form.
"My kind are not a race in the way you understand the term. The Blacklight Virus changed us into something more. We are all but immortal, and we have been so since all life on our world was consumed by us. In time we grew bored of being alone, a consequence of the Hive mind. We know all who dwell within it, such that there is nothing within it left to know. We looked to the stars, and we evolved. We constructed massive ships out of our own biomass and took to the skies, leaving our worlds in search for life to end our solitude. It was in our solar system we came across ruins of the species known as Protheans."
Liara had focused intently after the creature admitted that. She watched as the other one stepped forward. She appeared eerily similar to an Asari in many ways, though it was still a bit off.
"We are the Blacklight virus made flesh. None of us are individuals as you know them, we are what is known as a super organism. A massive organism, composed of smaller organisms.", said Elizabeth.
Liara shuttered at the dead way the woman spoke. There was a detached indifference toward everything around her, with a distinct predatory edge. Difficult to describe, and unnerving to see.
Liara looked to the others round her as they began murmuring among themselves in hushed whispers, as if afraid that the woman on the screen could hear them. She looked back to the screen. It didn't seem these aliens would say anything more of the ruins they discovered. He took in a breath before turning the screen off.
"Back to work, you can learn more after we collect these artifacts for the museum.", said Liara.
No one opposed that idea, and though work had slowed significantly that day, Liara was willing to put up with it. After all even she couldn't get the images of Alex Mercer shifting forms and the strange Asari-like alien who moved wrong out of her mind.
On board the Migrant fleet all Quarians watched this new species as they spoke. After one ship which was monitoring the Citadel News had broadcasted a message to every other ship, they all changed to watch this new race. No one spoke after the species known as Blacklight called themselves a Hive Mind. Only the sounds of the ships could be heard as the entire species of Quarians remained silent.
"Our minds are connected, we are many parts of the same whole. Individuality exists though it exists only for the self. Together we are united, and we are many.", said Elizabeth.
Hushed whispers were spoken among many Quarians. The admission of a hive minded entity put many at ill ease. It was much too close to the Geth – those horrid machines of their exile – for any of them to feel anything other than fear at the idea of some biological equivalent. Worse still was their admission to the destruction of their home world. For many Quarians among the galaxy, it hit much too close to home.
Beyond the Perseus Veil, the Geth watched, hundreds of billions of programs thinking amongst themselves, each and every one working tirelessly as they continued to gather any data on the species Blacklight. Despite some footage, most of what they found was nothing more than the wild speculation of organic minds.
"With our unique biology we can form constructs from ourselves. We exclusively use this. In a sense, we are our own technology. Within the Hive mind we exist, even this body I use is but an avatar of biomass allowing me to speak to you, and even still I am connected to the many.", said Alex Mercer.
The irony and coincidence was not lost on the Geth. The descriptions given of this avatar body was very similar to their mobile platforms, so much so that even among the logical minds of the Geth, ideas of comparison lead to the discussion of a biological equivalent that existed among the stars. Consensus was drawn among all Geth. Notably it took much longer than normal. The Geth were both interested and wary.
It slumbered deep in the dark recesses of space. Though even then its mind was constantly watching and waiting and dreaming. It monitored all as it waited near the galactic core past the Omega 4 relay. As new information entered its mechanical mind it awakened. This cycle was unlike the others.
This new development brought many questions to its vast mind. Nazara, the ever watchful Reaper, awoke to a world so unlike any before. Its massive form drifted through the dark recesses of space as this new development was monitored very closely.
"We do not use traditional technology. We find it stiff, unwieldy, and slow. Our technology, if it can even be called such, is our own viral mass. We are a nation unto ourselves, vast. More so than you can comprehend."
Nazara found the idea far from incomprehensible. He experienced the endless torment of such an existence since his birth into the shell of a Reaper.
"We do not want your worlds, or your planets, or your technology, or your people. We only want to end the void of us existing as many but also one. We want your companionship. We have evolved far past that of a virus, and we will continue to evolve. You are not connected to the Hive mind as we are. We cannot predict your actions, we cannot know your thoughts, you are not part of us. You are the cure for our solitude. We come in peace, and we bring with us knowledge beyond what you have. We are Blacklight, and we wish to no longer be alone."
Nazara had replayed the footage over and over again. He had seen the available evidence of this new race. This was an unexpected development. A race that had found away around the trap of synthetics and organics. One who had already existed as a singular entity, formed of many other entities.
The only question remaining now was what was to be done about it. Here was a race who would not, and could not fall into the trap so many before had fallen into. One who, if all they claimed proved true, were exempt from that which the Reapers were programmed for, which would make his very existence meaningless.
"No."
He refused to believe the compression of countless minds that made him up had been done for nothing. The endless screams and wails of suffering were not in vain, could not be in vain. Nazara looked to the base below. In stasis was an army, though not one to be used in war. No, the Collectors were made for only one reason, to collect when the time is right, and begin the birth of a new Reaper. It was not his army to control, that power belonged to the first Reaper. However in the event of something like this, he did have certain authority.
"Assuming direct control."
Alex watched as the aliens below screamed out their questions, only to be silenced by the squirming tendrils. He did not shift forms, merely quieted the aliens below. Alex said nothing to them as he merely watched. Through him the minds of billions watched and judged.
The crown remained silent as they murmured among themselves.
"Any questions?", asked Alex.
Few spoke, but a young Asari stepped forward towards a similar podium surrounded by guards.
"Hello, I am Ranama Telvas of Citadel News. You mentioned you consumed all life on your home planet. Can you can explain what you mean when you say you consumed?"
"When we consume life, it becomes a part of us.", said Elizabeth." Mind and Body are assimilated into our biomass and our Hive Mind, existing alongside us. The more minds added to our collective, the greater we become. Stray thoughts and memories become minds of their own given enough time."
The continued talking between the aliens momentarily stopped before they began speaking among themselves. Alex could hear the talk.
"They eat people and turn them into them?"
"What kind of abomination is this species?!"
"Didn't they say they were immortal?"
"I see, and you consumed all life on your planet. What prevents you from doing the same thing again?", asked Ranama.
"We do.", said Alex. " For over a century we have existed as one and many simultaneously. We were together, and yet we were alone. We do not desire to once again be left alone among ourselves. Since the moment of our birth we have gained enlightenment, knowledge, understanding of one another. However, we have lost much in the process. We know all within the Hive mind, we have access to all their thoughts and feelings. The only thing the individual can call their own is the sense of self. As such we were collectively bored, and we reached to the stars so we would not lose ourselves to nostalgia and memories. We chose not to live in such a pitiful state and fought to retain our minds. With the discovery of life we can once more become ourselves, not lost in our own minds. We cannot exist as we do without you. We will not doom ourselves to such a fate", said Alex.
"That is a very enlightened view.", said Ranama with a surprised tone.
"We are billions of minds conjoined together. The best and brightest of the once Human species still lives within us, and as a collective we know all that others do. Enlightenment was inevitable. Regardless, we collectively hold ourselves to a high moral standard. We all make choices, and our choices make us. Many of you may see us as a monster, or as monsters, but even a monster can chose to be a man.", said Alex.
Ranama nodded as she moved away. Behind her was a unique species to see on the Citadel. A Drell.
"Greetings. I am Freis Kelbor. You mentioned your race was losing itself to memories and nostalgia. Such a thing is common among my people the Drell. I was hoping you could elaborate further on what you meant."
"The vast majority of our minds are the minds of humanity. Even after we became a part of the Hive Mind, we kept many traits from that long dead race. Namely the form of our individuality. Boredom is a dangerous thing for us. Since our birth we were a singular entity composed of many parts of the same whole. As time passed many could no longer remain idle. With access to the combined memories of all life that ever lived on earth, they lost themselves, preferring memories of old to the present. The most analogous description for you would be that we were losing ourselves in our dreams. For a long time we feared this as it continued to grow. It was not until we found the Turians that it has slowed, and is even reversing. A few remain to drown themselves in the memories of the past, though they are returning to us slowly.", said Alex.
Freis nodded before he moved out of the way. Alex watched the Turian who stepped forward. As soon as he saw the Turian there was a pause in the Hive. This Turian was familiar to them. This Turian was locked within their memories. A singular mind called out. Alex listened to the question while Elizabeth turned to Tevos.
"One of us knows that Turian well. One of us, who was once a Turian. That Turian wishes to speak to his cousin."
"Excuse me.", said Sparatus confused.
"One of the 23rd fleet. One we consumed. He wishes to speak to his kin directly.", said Elizabeth.
"The citizens are not aware of the incident with the 23rd Fleet. Revealing anything could be bad right now.", said Tevos.
"The sea is not still. The once Turians within us wish to speak to their families, their kin.", said Elizabeth.
"That does not sound good", said Jobol.
"You misunderstand. The Turians within us are us. They know us well. They can not and will not leave us. But they remain individuals. They had lives.", said Elizabeth.
"Can they wait?", asked Jobol. "So far this is going well, or at least going well here. It would be better if we keep it that way. Reuniting, or whatever those Turians intend, can be done later in private. Best not to make it a public spectacle."
"As much as I would hate to admit it, Jobol is right. We're not saying you cannot do it, just that right now is not the best time.", said Sparatus.
Elizabeth said nothing as she turned back to Alex. Subconsciously she and the many were well aware of all that was spoken, but her mind was focused on the current plight of their new minds within the vast sea. Their memories were her own, and the many felt the want and concern of the new ones.
As mother to the many, she felt for her children, and even though the Turians within them could hardly be called Turians anymore, their memories of their friends and family were real all the same. She accepted that it could not be done now with their introduction into this greater galaxy, though she would not drop the subject.
Elizabeth soothed the cries and worries of her new children as she watched Alex continue answering the questions of these aliens. Up at the podium was a Salarian, one who was taking up quite a bit of time with rather inane questions.
"So can it be assumed your mind in fact runs on a near identical principle to a kind of organic version of a quantum entanglement drive?."
Elizabeth could feel the irritation coming off Alex, even without the mental link. With it, on the other hand...
'Why won't this guy shut up.', thought Alex.
Despite Alex's thoughts he continued his look of his usual calm indifference.
"Like I already said, we are only vaguely aware what a quantum entanglement drive is. We don't use traditional technology, and from what we do know about this drive, it is experimental anyway. We can keep in contact with others of our kind by shifting available mass into masses neurons, and specially made constructs allow us to communicate between worlds. This makes the hive mind simpler and clearer to navigate between the hive.", said Alex.
"What of an individual who separates from the biomass?", asked the Salarian.
"When separate we regain more individuality, however it also weakens the connection to the many. Even separate I can still send all I see, hear, and learn to the many but I cannot speak to them all at once, only to the few who make up the Bioship we came in. Through those few I can remain in contact with the Many."
"Interesting. So what you're saying is...", said the Salarian before he was interrupted by a nearby guard.
"Alright, enough questions from you, give the next guy a chance.", said the Guard as he escorted the Salarian away
"What? But I still have questions that need to be asked."
"So does the next guy, now move it.", said the Guard.
Alex didn't show it, but he felt extreme relief that the guard took that guy away. He watched as the next alien walked up. An Asari.
"Yes, my name is Jesla Chrin and I was wondering, you mentioned before that your species is immortal. Is this true, or were you speaking metaphorically?"
"I was not speaking metaphorically. So long as Blacklight exists, each of us exists. Even this body I use is just a lump of biomass with my consciousness within it, it is just an avatar to interact with you. Should it be destroyed before I could return it to our collective, so long as I was close enough to a method to connect us to the hive then my mind would merely return to the many through that shared connection. Though traces of memories, thoughts, and information I had gained while I used this body would be lost and forgotten, but I would not lose my awareness, or who I was before I separated. Once my mind returned to our biomass I could easily create another body anywhere our biomass exists simply by travelling there through the hive mind. So yes, we are effectively immortal.", said Alex.
"And this is true for all the minds within you?", asked Jesla.
"Yes."
"And how many minds are within you?"
"Many. Billions of sapient minds, though even non-sapient minds become a part of the hive mind. Some may become somewhat sapient themselves, most however remain strange and esoteric drops in the sea, whose thoughts can be too simple to even parse, and if not, then very alien. The thought processes of non-sapient creatures are interesting, and difficult to describe in words.", said Alex.
Jesla nodded as she smiled towards Alex, before she nodded and walked away. Tevos stepped forward.
"I believe that's enough questions for today. Thank you Alex Mercer and Elizabeth Greene for your time.", said Tevos.
They each nodded in unison before each took a step away from the microphone.
"This Council has made the decision to not introduce the Blacklight Species as Associates for the reasons you have heard here today. However Blacklight is willing to trade knowledge to us. Due to their biological form of technology, they have a great deal of knowledge on how Mass Relays function, and are willing to give us this knowledge. We have already spoken among ourselves and both this Council and Blacklight have agreed on limitations of Blacklight due to their unique biology. I believe that is enough for today. Soon new information will be added to the codex on more in depth information of Blacklight's history and biology. May you all have a wonderful day.", said Tevos before she turned around.
"Well, that went better than expected.", said Tevos.
"Maybe here at the Citadel, but who knows how other are taking the news.", said Sparatus.
"It doesn't really matter. Sooner or later they will have to accept the existence of such a being as Blacklight.", said Jobol.
"People will always fear what they do not understand, this is true for almost all organic life in the galaxy. Humanity was the same, we evolved past that.", said Elizabeth.
"I took precautions against riots and the like as best I could. STG is monitoring the Extranet to get a better idea of how people view your species. How the majority acts will impact the rules Blacklight will have to follow, but only by so much.", said Jobol.
"It will have to do for now.", said Sparatus.
"Come, let us return to the Council Chambers to conclude our discussions.", said Tevos.
Jobol walked carefully next the others as they made their way back to the offices. He did not tell the others exactly what precautions he took. Jobol believed greatly that in a group, people were little more than a power keg ready to go off. Even despite the words exchanged by Blacklight, there would be people who would not take the threat of Blacklight seriously. As a general rule, Jobol knew if people didn't take something serious then they would more than likely do something rash.
The footage Desolas provided had been sent out for analysis. Jobol however saw a different use for the footage. Jobol believed that if his idea of Galactic stability were to be even considered by the others of this council, he would have to push the galaxy in a direction to allow it to even be an option for the council to take. Chaos would help in that regard.
To do that he would have to simultaneously make people see the use of Blacklight, and take them seriously. In addition he would need to have groups form around Blacklight, whether they be groups for or against Blacklight didn't matter, so long as the groups changed the status quo enough to allow for his idea to be considered.
He only had to wait for the message to get back to him confirming his STG Operatives had 'leaked' the footage gained on Blacklight. If people behaved as he expected them to, then he may yet push the council in his favor. As they walked he received a message over his omni-tool. He smiled as he deleted it.
"Is everything alright Jobol?", asked Tevos.
"Just fine, I just received word my young nephew Mordin had been cleared to examine the footage of Blacklight. He is quite brilliant.", said Jobol as they continued down the hallway.