Chapter 124
This is not the first time that an Ascendency ship had visited Illium, scout/exploration ships that were sent out across the galaxy were not only charged with discovered systems and new habitable planets, but also establishing contact with other spacefaring species and planets within the Galaxy.
Then after the Batarians were taken out and conquered by the Ascendency, the corporations on Illium had all agreed to allow Ascendency ships to dock at their ports, eager to establish trade relations with such a formidable empire. Axel recalled the scouting reports of Illium's stunning skyline and robust economy; it was fast becoming an economic powerhouse in this galaxy.
As the transport ship descended through the atmosphere, Axel could see the gleaming cities stretching out to the horizon. Illuminated skyscrapers pierced the sky, their radiant glow reflecting off the oceans below.
"Sir," said the communications officer, her voice pulling him from his thoughts. "The control tower has given us clearance for landing."
"Very well," Axel replied, while watching the cityscape's holographic display. "Inform them that we expect a private audience with their respective leaders."
The transport ship began its descent into Nos Astra, Illium's bustling capital. It wasn't long before they landed smoothly on one of the city's many landing platforms. A delegation awaited them on solid ground, composed of Asari dignitaries in luxurious attire and corporate titans armed with datapads filled with contracts and proposals.
Axel disembarked from the transport, his towering figure dwarfing those around him. He looked at each member of the delegation, observing their faces for a moment. His honor guards behind him stayed vigilant as they approached the dignitaries.
"Emperor Axel," said Matriarch Lidanya, the leader of the delegation. She stood tall and regal, her eyes shimmering with wisdom and intrigue. "Your arrival is most welcome." She addressed him with the utmost respect as the person standing in front of her was the leader of an entire empire.
Leaders of empires don't usually visit Illium personally. "Thank you, Matriarch Lidanya," Axel responded.
"I've not come for business, but to see some of the popular spots that Illium has to offer." Lidanya blinked, her blue eyes wide. Then she smiled, a warm, inviting gesture. "Illium has many wonders to offer, Emperor Axel. It would be my pleasure to show you around."
The city was a sprawling panorama of vibrant colors and thriving life. Streets were filled with merchants peddling their wares, each stall had an array of exotic goods from all corners of the galaxy. Alien music echoed through the air, along with the hum of hover vehicles and the chatter of various species.
Under the guidance of Matriarch Lidanya, they visited posh restaurants serving alien delicacies and high-end boutiques selling eccentric but fashionable garments.
Throughout their tour, Lidanya introduced Axel to Illium's elite, powerful business magnates, skilled artists known galaxy-wide, and influential politicians. Despite their humble beginnings compared to Axel who ruled over numerous species across countless planets, they held their own with persuasive charisma and sharp intellect.
Meanwhile, his appearance on Illium did not go unnoticed. A group of Batarians who fled the new Batarian Dominion had heard about this news and decided to act.
They had been working as mercenaries for the past few months, taking on small jobs across the galaxy to survive. They remembered their homeworld before it was taken over by the Ascendency and they missed it. They blamed Axel for taking away their homeworld and forcing them to get rid of slavery.
"Emperor Axel is on Illium," said one of the Batarians, a tall figure with four eyes that glowed ominously in the dim light of their hideout. He bared his sharp teeth in a grimace. "He dares to tread on our territories while his empire suffocates us."
"We need to send a message," another Batarian retorted, banging a fist against the table. His voice filled with anger and frustration. "We're not just going to sit here and do nothing!"
So, they planned, huddled together in their darkened room, hidden away from prying eyes. Their plan was straightforward, assassinate Emperor Axel right here on Illium and send a strong message to the Ascendency.
Back at Illium, Axel was enjoying the sights of the city as Lidanya guided him around. They had just finished a meal at one of the city's most renowned restaurants when Lidanya received a call. She excused herself and stepped aside to take it while Axel remained seated, casually observing the city's vibrant nightlife as it came alive with a multitude of species. A server approached, offering a glass of rare Asari wine, which Axel accepted with an appreciative nod. He took a sip, savoring its sweet taste as he wondered what other things this galaxy had for him to try.
"I hope you won't mind a slight detour, Emperor Axel," she said, her gaze serious despite the warm smile on her face. "There's an event tonight being hosted by one of Illium's most prominent business figures. Many influential individuals will be present."
Axel contemplated her proposal for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Lead the way, Matriarch Lidanya."
So, they journeyed deeper into the neon-lit heart of Illium to a grand meeting place where already elegantly dressed attendees were arriving.
Meanwhile, in their hidden den across town, the Batarian assassins finalized their plans and loaded their weapons. Fine tuning the last details of their plot. They left the hideout under the cover of darkness, their destination, the grand gathering where Axel was headed.
The event was held in a stunning structure that resembled an Asari temple, its radiant blue lights reflecting off the glass-encased waterfalls that flowed around it. Axel was taken aback by the architectural beauty as they made their way toward the entrance. He knew that such a display of opulence was not meant just for aesthetics, but also functioned as a show of power among Illium's elite.
As Axel and Lidanya entered the venue, the music swelled in rhythm with the chatter of attendees. The room was filled with representatives from various corporations and influential figures from around the galaxy. They were greeted with respectful nods and bows as they made their way through the crowd.
Meanwhile, on a nearby rooftop, the Batarian assassins watched through high-powered scopes. They had calculated Axel's path perfectly and set up their position to ensure a clear shot. Their hands twitched on their triggers as they waited for Axel to step into their line of sight.
However, as they lined up their shot, behind them appeared almost a dozen cloaked Sangheili elites. "I'm going to enjoy this you Batarian thugs," the lead Sangheili growled. The Batarian assassins stiffened, their eyes going wide as they slowly turned to face the unexpected intruders.
One of the Batarians reached for his weapon, but before he could do anything, the Sangheili was right in front of him as a blade of pure energy was held inches from his throat.
"Insolence," the Sangheili spat, pushing the blade closer until it was only centimeters away from the Batarian's skin. "Your time is over." In a matter of seconds, the Batarians were slaughtered by the Sangheili elites. They were part of the special forces branch of the Ascendency military.
As they finished off the last Batarian, a cloaked transport ship had landed on top of the building and transported them away.
Inside the venue, Axel and Lidanya were deep in conversation with a group of Turians discussing interspecies trade between the Ascendency and a few Turian owned corporations.
His visit to Illium had allowed him to personally interact with people from various species across the galaxy alongside a few representatives from various corporations on Illium.
Illium didn't have a practice of slaver, but they did have something called legal indentured servitude which is just a more elaborate way to say slavery. Combined with its lax legal regulation it was definitely not a paradise for normal people.
Also, because it is considered to be an Asari colony despite not being directly government by the Asari Republics, any interference or invasion of the planet would probably be met with a lot of backlash from the Galactic community, something that Axel didn't want to deal with at the moment.
He already took over one galaxy which proved to be a lot of work, taking over another one would only increase that and cause more internal problems because of the various species within the galaxy.
But he wouldn't sit here and do nothing, instead he planned to send somebody to establish a corporation on Illium and start introducing new things to the Galaxy that would be revolutionary for other species, but still not on the level of the Ascendency's technology.
The corporation would have actual humane labor laws and pay its workers well. It would secretly be backed and funded by the Ascendency to grow its business throughout the galaxy.
———
While Axel was on Illium, the Ascendency's research of biotics had gone extremely well. They had discovered a way to augment a person with biotics safely without any side effects or harm to the person. The first tests were being conducted on Nova, and if everything went according to plan then they could create a new biotic branch of the Ascendency military to counter the other species biotics.
As for the rest of the Galaxy, the Systems Alliance has seen an increase in its economy through its trade relations ship with a few other species of the galaxy alongside the Ascendency. Their military has also seen a rise in recruits following the establishment of their embassy on the Citadel and their increase in exploration and colonization.
But their entry into the galactic stage didn't happen without its problems. A political party known as Terra Firma has recently established themselves. They oppose humanity's growing integration into the galactic community and believe humanity needs to stand alone if they are to remain strong. The party has been getting much negative attention from both humans and aliens.
Another group called Cerberus who has remained unknown to the galaxy for the time being has also become active. They are a paramilitary group that believes humans deserve a greater role in the galactic community, and that the Systems Alliance is too hamstrung by law and public opinion to stand up effectively to the other Citadel races. As of now Cerberus is in its beginning stages but will eventually become known to the galaxy at some point.
The Citadel on the other hand has monitored the Ascendency's movements and issued numerous protests because of their aggressive expansion. There were heated debates regarding the handling of the Ascendency issue. Some voted for open dialogue while others were more inclined towards veiled threats and sanctions.
However, with the complexity of inter-galactic politics and treaties, no direct action was taken against the Ascendency yet, but one could see a conflict building up.