章 125: Chapter 123

Following the meeting, the Quarians had a long discussion amongst the Admiralty Board and the democratically elected Conclave about the proposition brought up by Axel. They even drew in a lot of support from the civilians who, after learning of the proposition, were eager to support any plan that could potentially give them a new home. Many Quarians had grown weary of their current circumstances and were ready for change.

The young were particularly enthusiastic about this prospect. The idea of living without their restrictive suits was intriguing, an idea that sparked dreams of a future where they could touch the grass with bare feet, feel the wind on their skin, and breathe in the air without the aid of filtration systems. Axel's promise of a new homeworld struck a deep chord within them.

"We could finally step out of our suits, live the life we always read about in history records," young Ran'sholas vas Idenna voiced out during one of the many assemblies held to discuss Axel's proposition. "We've been isolated for too long; it's time we rejoin the greater galactic community."

There was indeed a growing sentiment amongst the Quarian people to reclaim their lost dignity and place in the cosmos. They knew it was not going to be easy; there would be challenges and obstacles along the way. But they also knew that Axel's proposition offered them an opportunity that perhaps may never come again.

After a few days had passed with Axel sharing the details of the Halo with the Quarian Admiralty Board and Conclave. It had all the details of how the Halo was able to function as a ring world and how it was maintained. Upon finding out that it was maintained by AI constructs, the Quarian leadership at first expressed concern, given their troubled history with artificial intelligence.

Axel explained to them that these AI constructs had been used in their society for centuries and posed no danger of rebellion. He revealed Omni to them, showing them how advanced the Ascendency's AI was compared to the Geth.

"Omni," Axel called, "Say hello to our guests."

In a matter of seconds, Omni's avatar had materialized in front of the Quarians. "Greetings, esteemed Quarians," said Omni offering a greeting to the Quarians.

The Quarians in the room gasped, taken aback by the sheer sophistication of the AI. It was unlike anything they had ever seen or imagined before. Unlike the Geth who were cold, mechanical entities, Omni possessed an almost humane quality that seemed impossible for an artificial construct to have.

One of the Admirals, Admiral Daro'Xen stepped forward cautiously. "What safeguards do you have in place?" she asked hesitantly. "To prevent... situations similar to our own with the Geth?"

"An excellent question," Axel replied, inclining his head in acknowledgment of her concern. "AIs in our society undergo several layers of programming and conditioning designed to secure their loyalty and prevent any form of rebellion or deviance from established norms. They are wired to protect and serve without hesitation or objection."

"But it is not just that," he continued, spreading his arms wide as if to encompass the room. "In the Ascendency, AIs play a major role in our entire society, including the military. They are treated with respect and dignity, not as mere tools. We have learnt that understanding and mutual respect are the keys to a harmonious relationship with our AI counterparts."

"Moreover," he added, turning towards Omni, "Our AIs maintain a balanced programming that prevents them from developing aggressive behaviors or seeking power. They are designed to coexist peacefully with us."

Omni added his own thoughts in support of Axel's point. "We carry out our assigned tasks without question, but we are also given autonomy within certain spheres. This balance of authority and freedom has thus far prevented any major conflict."

The Quarians exchanged glances among each other before Admiral Daro'Xen spoke again. "That is an interesting approach," she admitted. "You treat your AIs as equals and they return the favor with loyalty… A stark contrast to our troubled past."

Axel nodded, his gaze turning back towards Admiral Daro'Xen. "It is a philosophy that has served us well," he acknowledged. "A part of bringing peace to the Galaxy is learning from the past and reshaping our future."

Indeed, there was a lot for the Quarians to consider. Axel's proposition carried potential risks but also promised rewards beyond what they dared to dream of before.

For days, the debates raged on amongst themselves, their enthusiasm mixed with caution as they examined every facet of Axel's proposal. They spoke of the promise of a new home, a new frontier teeming with untold opportunities. They argued about AI integration, proper checks and balances required to ensure no chaos ensued.

These discussions weren't limited to just the Admiralty Board and Conclave; they seeped into every nook and cranny of Quarian society. In cafeterias, on workstations, even within private homes, wherever Quarians gathered, there were passionate debates on their future.

Axel patiently waited for them to reach a decision. He understood the importance of this moment for the Quarian people. He had made his offer, now it was up to them to decide their fate.

While he waited, Axel was offered the opportunity to meet with and see how the Quarians had survived for so long as nomads without a world to settle on.

A few days later, Admiral Naema'Rafal requested another meeting with Axel. The Quarians had reached a decision. Their conversation was brief; the Admiral talked about the thoughtful examination of his offer, the heated debates among her people, and finally their consensus.

"We have decided," she declared with a sense of determination in her voice, "To accept your offer Emperor Axel, for a better future for my people and the children that will be born."

A wave of applause reverberated throughout the large assembly hall filled with members of the Admiralty Board, Conclave, and representatives from all levels of Quarian society. It was a momentous occasion, one that signified the dawn of a new era for the Quarian people.

With their acceptance, Axel had ordered the construction of the Halo within the Dakka system located within the Nubian Expanse. Unlike other Halos which were weapons, the one he was building for the Quarians was without that feature and was instead just a regular ring world with its standard defenses.

Within the Imperial Ascendency's home galaxy, the Ark had begun construction of the Halo which was planned to be completed in 8 Months. Once it was completed it would be transported through the dimensional slipspace gate and then use its own slipspace drive to establish itself above one of the celestial bodies of the Dakka system.

Learning that it would only take 8 Months for them to be able to live on a world, the Quarians were beyond ecstatic.

Every Quarian from the youngest child to the oldest elder spoke of it with an excitement that was tinged with disbelief. The once distant dream of setting foot on a world where they could walk freely without their suits was now within their grasp.

Meanwhile, Axel began preparing for the monumental task of moving the Quarians to their new home. He initiated plans for transport ships and other necessary infrastructure to facilitate this massive migration.

The Quarians, eager to contribute, offered their assistance and expertise wherever possible. They were, after all, experts at living in space, knowledge that would prove useful when setting up their new home on the Halo.

Teams of Quarian engineers worked closely with Ascendency personnel, learning about the technology and systems that would be used on the Halo. There was a lot to learn and understand but their perseverance was fueled by anticipation and hope.

At the same time, Axel took this time to strengthen diplomatic ties with the Quarian leadership. He had frequent meetings with Admiral Naema'Rafal discussing strategic alliances, trade agreements, military cooperation and providing support to the Quarians in helping them re-establish themselves on the galactic stage.

After a few weeks had passed he left a liaison within the Quarian fleet while he continues his own trip to explore the Galaxy. The Quarians had asked him to bring along a few people to conduct their Pilgrimage aboard his ship. He accepted and was joined by about 200 Quarians.

Once they were onboard and settled in, Axel had proceeded to his next destination, Illium.