The only smell in the blue lit room was a burning cigarette. A man in a suit looked with unusual intensity at the semi-transparent computer screen. Through the screen and enormous blue star, forever shifting and changing, as if it where some ethereal deity choosing whatever form pleased it.
“And you’re sure that these reports are accurate?” the man said, eyes flickering over the unusual data.
“Yes sir, as unusual as it seems, we’ve been keeping them under surveillance for over a month now. We’ve discovered quite a bit since this report was filed, so we should have more information soon.” The Cerberus operator said, nearly buzzing with excitement from his discoveries.
“Excellent, I want them sent to me right away as soon as they’re finished.” The man leaned back in his chair. “These creatures, without a doubt, could be a massive gain for Cerberus. I’m allocating additional funds and manpower towards your project. If you keep up the good work, a promotion might be in order, Joshua”
“That’s great sir! Though the most difficult bridge to cross that I foresee is communication with the aliens.” Joshua said, scrunching his eyebrows.
The man took a long drag from his cigarette before replying, “Not necessarily, there are several high performance translation VI’s out on the market, we’ll buy them all and patch them together on our existing ones to optimize performance. The challenging part will be planting it where it will gather accurate data.”
“Should I get onto that?” Joshua asked, not having the slightest clue how he would accomplish that.
“No, I’ll get someone else to do that. You keep collecting as mush intel as we can. Also, think of how we can approach these creatures without inciting violence.”
Joshua chuckled and said “I don’t think violence is going to be a problem with these creatures. They seem like peaceful creatures, and even if they weren’t we’re multitudes more advanced than them.” Joshua paused thoughtfully. “That brings me to another point, which may also solve our ‘first contact’ problem.”
“Oh? And what might that be?” The man leaned forwards, intrigued.
“From what our telescopes and scanners have picked up, they are constructing they’re first space vessel. This craft has landing gear, obviously implying that they intend to land somewhere. I believe we can determine their destination, and be there first. From there we use our newly developed translators to tell them the ‘evils’ of the Council. Then we do with them whatever we please.” Joshua stopped and took a large breath, “If that’s okay with you, Illusive Man.”
The Illusive Man was surprised at how well thought out Joshua’s plan was. You’ve done an excellent job Joshua. Gaining their trust would make a strong bond until we can cease power from the inside out. Consider that promotion yours.”
Joshua paused for a moment, and then asked “I was wondering, what makes these aliens so important, aside from resources? They don’t have a large military force, nor can we learn much technologically.”
“Oh, it’s not technology, not yet at least. Right now I’m interested in biology, especially the kind that grants these powers that far surpasses any kind of biotic knowledge we will ever possess. Other than that, I cannot reveal their use to me.” The Illusive Man looked at the report that detailed the “magic” powers some of the creatures possessed. “Also, consider that promotion yours. Do not let me down.” The Illusive Man added as a final note, cutting the comm link.
The Illusive Man extinguished what was left of his cigarette, before returning his attention of a rotating three dimensional image.
An image of a small, equine creature.
