Chương 162: Chapter 160

The evidence that was collected against the Noveria Development Corporation (NDC) was substantial and pointed at inhumane experiments, collaboration with Saren, and other corporation corruption issues. Inhumane experiments alongside the discovery of a Rachni Queen was something that attracted the Ascendency's attention.

The other things would be dealt with in an official investigation of the company's practices. For now, though they were more interested in the Rachni Queen who was alive and can communicate with others, and the inhumane practices. The NDC probably didn't even know what Saren was doing in the Peak 15 facility, so the focus of the blame can't be placed on them without an investigation.

Axel was busy with other matters, so Catherine who were less busy was sent to Noveria to investigate the Rachni Queen, negotiate with the Queen for safe passage off the planet, formally invite the Rachni Queen to rebuild her race as part of the Ascendency.

Axel's reason for this was the fact that the Rachni wars was much more serious than the Krogan Rebellions. So simply bringing back the Rachni will invite more political backlash from the other species which he didn't want to deal with at the moment.

Catherine arrived at Noveria onboard her fortress ship with a team of scientists, equipped with all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and safe transit. The icy winds of Noveria greeted them as they made their way to the detention area where the Rachni Queen was being held.

As the transport landed, Ascendency soldiers secured the area and started sweeping the entire facility without permission from the NDC. Catherine was escorted to the containment facility where she was surprised by the sight of the massive creature.

Locked in a cage with no regard for her needs, the Queen looked confused. Catherine approached the containment unit cautiously, her eyes locked on the Queen's multifaceted eyes which reflected a deep intelligence.

"Hello," Catherine started, "I am not here to keep you captive, but here to understand and help you."

One of the Asari Commandos who was unconscious, had suddenly stood up and began to speak in a strange voice. "This one serves as our voice. Why do you seek conversation?" The Queen had used the Asari's voice to converse with Catherine.

Catherine had stepped closer to cage "My name is Catherine, and I'm here on behalf of the Imperial Ascendency. We have learned of your existence and the conditions under which you've been kept. Our intent is to release you and discuss possibilities for your species' future."

The Rachni Queen, communicating through the Asari commando, regarded Catherine with an intense stare. After a moment of silence, the commando's voice softened slightly. "Many cycles have passed since my kind walked freely upon the stars. We were used, betrayed, considered nothing more than weapons."

Catherine nodded, understanding the gravity of the history that burdened this creature before her. "We know of your people's past, and we wish to offer a different future, one where you are recognized as sentient beings with rights and a place in this galaxy."

Again, speaking through the Asari, she replied, "Your voice speaks the Truth, We Sing for those left behind, for those who were silenced. Our fate is up to you Catherine." was the last thing the Queen said as the Asari collapsed on the floor.

Interacting with the console in front of her, Catherine had freed the Queen. The cage was slowly lifted, allowing the Rachni Queen to move freely.

The Queen stretched her limbs, her body rippling with an array of colors that reflected her emotions—relief mingled with caution. She moved slowly out of the containment area, towering over the humans standing before her.

Catherine stepped forward to meet the Queen, "We will provide you with safe passage on our ship where we can discuss your species future" In response the Rachni Queen stretched out one of her limbs and placed it on Catherine's shoulder. "We understand" was all she said.

With that done, the facility was placed under Ascendency control and the NDC would be undergoing an investigation into their company to determine if they were involved in any way in the inhumane experiments.

Meanwhile on Catherine's fortress ship she had stayed with the Rachni Queen to learn more about their history as they only knew from the outside perspective the history of the Rachni. Only a Rachni would have the inside prospective which would shine a lot of light on a lot things related to their history.

During their long talk, Catherine also explained to the Queen where she was being taken to. It was one of the non-colonized worlds within Ascendency controlled space and it would become the new home for the Rachni Queen where she would be free to start rebuilding the Rachni once again with support from the Ascendency.

The Official documents and agreements involving the Rachni joining the Ascendency would be done later down the line, but the Rachni Queen was surprisingly receptive to the suggestion. The reason for this was because of her ability to tell when another is lying through the Rachni's ability to connect with another telepathically similar to how the Asari can meld two consciousness together.

Catherine ensured that every detail was noted and promised the Rachni Queen utmost transparency in all proceedings. "Trust is paramount," Catherine affirmed.

From her discussion with the Queen, which talked about the memories of the Rachni wars, the queen mentioned, while in her egg, the Queen heard only the sounds of "oily shadows" and a "tone from space that hushed one voice after another" and "forced the singers to resonate with its own sour, yellow note." In simple terms there was a strange entity or entities which controlled the Rachni causing them to wage the galactic war against the other races.

Hearing this, Catherine compared what the Queen explained, to indoctrination. The explanation of how her race was forced to resonate with a "sour note" is dangerously close to the knowledge they have of Reaper indoctrination. By learning this, it provided them with information of how long the Reaper might have been trying to influence galactic politics.

The Reapers aside, the Rachni is an intelligence race and having them within the Ascendency would bring great benefits. Arriving at the planet, the Rachni Queen was safely transport to the surface where she would begin the rebuilding of her species. Catherine also stated that she would introduce the Rachni Queen to one of the Yanme'e Queen's given how similar the two species are.

It would also show that the Rachni are not the only sentient insect-like species. They would have another species to relate to and if possible, form a good relationship with. During the first days on the new planet, Catherine facilitated the initial setup for the Rachni Queen, ensuring that the environment was tailored to meet the unique requirements of her species.

The planet was terraformed to reflect dark, subterranean caves filled with a symphony of bioluminescent flora. As the Rachni Queen began to settle in, Catherine took steps to integrate her into the broader community of the Ascendency's diverse species. The meeting with a Yanme'e Queen was arranged, an event of significant cultural importance. The Yanme'e, being insectoid themselves, shared some commonalities with the Rachni, yet their civilizations had evolved under vastly different circumstances.

The addition of the Rachni into the Ascendency was brought up with the Imperial council and Senate who all came together and accepted the Rachni into the Ascendency, seeing it as a good opportunity to add another species and a good public image for the Ascendency as a whole.

The publicity was only within the Ascendency itself and not shared with any species from the Mass effect Galaxy considering the implication that this announcement could bring. Not that the Ascendency was worried about any pushback from other races. But they dealing with the complaints of other races was just annoying.

During one meeting a few years ago, one Senator did bring up the topic that they should just conquer the species of this new Galaxy since they can't seem to see reason, but his opinion and suggestion was overshadowed by morale reasons and by how many people would suffer from conquering another entire galaxy.

Overall, the Rachni were now a part of the Ascendency bringing in another asset that can be utilized in the future against the Reapers.