Preview: The Truth and The Way.

[Rommel]

Story overview: The tale of the Raptarans, from the very beginning of Project: Regenesis to their entrance onto the Galactic Stage.

Genres/Themes explored: Good question, I'll get back to you.

Status: Let's say 30% for now.

[Rommel]

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

The Truth and the Way.

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Secured Briefing Room, Arcturus Station. March 7th, 2163.

Inquisitor David Bessemer went through the personnel file one more time, while his companion was sitting nervously, doing everything short of chewing on his own fingers.

"This is going to end badly. This is going to go so far out of control that we'll be lucky to live through it." Miles Sullivan stated.

David rolled his eyes, "We've been over this a thousand times. Nothing is going to go wrong. This interview is the last step in a long series of psychological evaluations and background checks. If I even get a hint that the system has failed we slit her throat, shove her out the airlock, and find someone else."

"Not her. This entire operation. I can't believe Emperor Wehrfeldt is serious about this." The Technician replied.

"Well believe it." David replied, tapping his comm, "Send her in."

The doors slid open momentarily, a Turian being escorted in by two Hunters. Trained eyes could discern she was indeed a 'she'. Turian females were not quite the mirror of the males, but were close, only distinguishable at short distances by their slightly smaller mandibles and smoother overall appearance.

He motioned for the Hunters to remove her bindings, and then for her to sit.

"I am Inquisitor Bessemer. This is my assistant, Technician Sullivan. I'm sure you're hungry after the tests earlier, I must confess I don't know the name of the dishes, but I understand they are delicacies among your people. Eat." He offered, gesturing toward several items set on the table.

Her eyes darted to the glass, plate, and the dishes, then back upto the Inquisitor. This pattern was repeated twice before she gave in and dove for the food.

David frowned. He had asked for her to be profiled and cleared, not broken. Though perhaps her behavior wasn't because of the Hunters' treatment.

He observed her as she inhaled the food. She was a native of Palaven, a 'bareface' as the Turians without colonial markings were called. Formerly a senior researcher for the Turian Heirarchy, infact the foremost authority on Turian genetics. She would form a core part of this project.

He leaned back, lacing his fingers as she finished, "I trust it was to your liking?"

"I think. I mean, yes." She spoke for the first time.

"Good. Just as a formality let's go over your particulars. You are Liisarr Kaxxan?" David asked.

"Yes." Liisarr replied.

David continued, "You were formerly a Researcher for the Turian Heirarchy, specializing in Genetics research, specifically that of Turians. Is that accurate?"

"It is." She affirmed.

"I already have the statements concerning what you were involved in during the immediate pre-war period up to now, but I'd like to hear them in your own words." David stated.

Liisarr's memory drifted to the recent past, and she began to relate the events, "Shortly after the beginning of the Citadel War I took a sabbatical from my duties as the head of genetics research on Palaven. I've been in seclusion on Prathia up until 7 months ago, when your Hunters found me."

"A sabbatical during the middle of a war? That's not very Turian-like behavior. Your kind enjoy stressing their sense of duty to the state. What were your reasons?" David asked.

"Not all Turians are the same. And my reasons are private, though I am certain you already know the circumstances surrounding them. My interrogations were very thorough." Liisarr replied.

David smirked, she wasn't completely broken. He did indeed know the circumstances surrounding her sabbatical, and they were promising. She had a seed of the Truth and the Way planted in her spirit, now the question was, could it grow into a healthy grove.

"Do you have any idea why you're here?" He asked.

"I assume to be executed." She answered.

David was taken aback, "Why in the name of all that is and is not holy would you assume that?"

"No other outcome is logical. I have been interrogated thoroughly, and I was a member of the defeated regime." Liisarr replied.

"We punish the guilty, not the ones who were simply present. You have been cleared of any warcrimes suspicions, and you have two paths to choose from here on out. Choice one is you can walk out these doors. You're not indentured or in custody, you're free. We'll provide a commercial ticket to any destination in the Empire, your belongings will be returned to you, and you can do whatever you want with your life." David said.

"Assuming I believe you, what is the other path available to me?" Liisarr asked.

"We have a place for you. The Empire is in need of someone with your abilities. We are embarking on a grand plan to create a future for your race. It will not be easy, or quick, but the rewards will be great. We are prepared to offer you full citizenship and a very generous fee upfront, with the possibility of a Title and Rank in the future." He explained.

"What is the project?" She asked.

"Classified, but rest assured it will keep your attention for years to come." David replied.

Liisarr was deep in thought for several minutes. Then finally, "I accept. Can I know the name of the project?"

David smiled, "Project: Regenesis."



Questions, comments, criticism is welcome.

[horgoz]

would really like to see more if this one, seems, interesting..

[anna18]

Interesting opinion, I agree with you.